The existence of Muaro Jambi
archeological site was discovered by a British Military Officer named
Lieutenant SC Crooke in 1820 A.D. when he was assigned in the hinterland of
Batanghari for mapping the Batanghari River. It is assumed that this 12 km
square temple was built in the era of the Crivijaya Kingdom. In the location,
it can be found some other temples which some of them had ever been renovated
by Jambi provincial government. They are Tinggi Temple, renovated in 1978 done
in 1987, Gumpung Temple, renovated in 1982 done in 1988, Astano temple,
renovated in 1985 done in 1989, and Kembar Batu Temple, renovated in 1991 done
in 1995.
At least nine big temples can be found
there, Kuto Mahliga Temple, Kedaton Temple, Gedong I Temple, Gedong II Temple,
Gumpung Temple, Tinggi Temple, Telago Rajo Temple, Kembar Batu Temple, and
Astomo Temple. In addition, other small temples are spread out around the
location. There is a museum within the temple area functioned to keep some
historical heritages from the 13th century. You will see the Dwarapala
Statue (The statue of holy building guarder from 13th century, found
at Gedong II Temple in April 2002), Belanga (earthen cooking pot) made
of bronze that was found in Kedaton temple in 1994, Padmasana (Statue‘s
seat), three elephants statues made of stone, some ancient bricks with 576 cm
square and 6 cm thick. You will discern Tembikar (earthenware), bronze
artifacts, Belanga which are 160 kg weigh, 0, 67 meters high and 1, 06
meters of diameter. Some pieces of ancient ceramics and porcelains from the
ninth to eleventh century can also be found there. This archeological site is
located in Muaro Jambi Sillage, Muaro Sebo Sub-district, in the District of
Muaro Jambi, Jambi Province.
Muaro Jambi Temple lies in the
riverbank of the Batanghari River, two km northeastwards from Jambi district.
To reach the location, it can be accessed by land or water, through the
Batanghari River. It will spend about 20 minutes by speedboat passing by the
Batanghari River. Otherwise, there are two ways that can be used if you choose
the trip by land. First, started from Jambi district to the Aur Duri Bridge
then continue to Olak Kemang and another one is started from Jambi city to the
Aur Duri Bridge then continue to Simpang Jambi Kecil.
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