Fact Check: Is This Ancient Temple Candi Layang Really in Central Java?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A video claiming to show the discovery of a new historical site in Central Java has been circulating on social media platforms—including X [archive], TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram (account 1, account 2)—since July 27, 2026. The video depicts a massive temple complex situated amidst rice fields. The posts claim the structure is Candi Layang (Layang Temple), a relic of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom.Is the structure shown in the video actually Candi Layang, discovered in Central Java?FACT CHECKTempo verified the claim using reverse image searches and by consulting credible news sources. The findings reveal that the structure in the video is not Candi Layang from Central Java, but rather the Ellora Caves complex in the state of Maharashtra, India.Kailasa Temple, Part of the Ellora Caves ComplexThe structure shown in the video exhibits the characteristics of a massive temple carved directly from a single rocky hill (rock-cut architecture). This structure matches the one featured in a video uploaded by the UNESCO YouTube channel.The central area reveals the main temple surrounded by high cliff walls and multi-tiered passageways. These features are identical to those of the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)—a three-story structure with an octagonal dome—located within the Ellora Caves complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra, India.The Kailasa Temple is one of the most spectacular monuments at the Ellora Caves and the largest rock-cut structure in the world. King Krishna I (reigned 756–773 CE) of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty built this temple to celebrate his victory over the Pallavas.The group of 34 caves at Ellora Caves symbolizes the tolerance and spirit of coexistence among followers of three religions: Buddhism, Brahmanism, and Jainism. The excavation of the caves took place in three phases, spanning from the 6th to the 12th century.The earliest caves (Caves 1–12) were excavated between the 5th and 8th centuries, reflecting Mahayana Buddhist teachings. The Brahmanical group of caves (Caves 13–29), including the Kailasa Temple, was excavated between the 7th and 10th centuries. The final phase (Caves 30–34) was excavated between the 9th and 12th centuries, reflecting Jain philosophy.CONCLUSIONThe claim that the video shows the Gunung Kawi site in Central Java is false. The video actually depicts the Ellora Caves complex, specifically the Kailasa Temple in Maharashtra, India.TEMPO FACT CHECK TEAM**Do you have information or claims that you want to have fact-checked? Contact our ChatBot. You can also send criticism, objections, or feedback for this Fact-Checking article via email to cekfakta@tempo.co.id.