Muara Jambi Temple is considered one of the richest archaeological
sites on the island of Sumatra. The eight temple-like structures appear
to be Buddhist, and were probably built around the 14th century. Archaelogists conclude that the site was the center of Old Jambi, the
capital of ancient Malay kingdom which reigned supreme about ten
centuries ago. The capital was sieged and destroyed in 1377 by armies
from Burma. For centuries, the site had been lost and forgotten deep in
the jungle, only to be rediscovered in 1920 by a British military
expedition team.
Muara Jambi temple complex covers an area of 12 km2, along
the side of Batanghari river. There are eight main temples in the
complex. All of them are located in the center area, fortified by walls.
Three of them are already renovated. In 1982, a 32-centimeters tall female bronze statue was found at Koto
Kandis, in the Muara Sabak sub district. It is believed to be the
goddest Laksmi, holding a lotus bud in her left. In addition to the
archaelogical sites, many visitors find the riverside an ideal
recreation and picnic spot.
Source: Indonesia Destination
