Barong temple is one of exclusive temple in south part of Prambanan temple, specifically in Sambirejo village, Prambanan district, Sleman regency. It is predicted to be founded around 9-10 century. Unlike the other Hinduism temples that commonly used to worship god of Siwa (The Destroyer), this temple was used to worship god of Wisnu and his wife (Laksmi/ Sri or known as Prosperity Goddess). According to Dra Andi Riana, this worship was probably caused by the fallow and infertile of soil surround the temple. By worshipping god of Wisnu and Sri, they expected the condition of soil would be more fertile than before.
This temple was discovered by Dutch people in 1913 when they attempted to expand of sugar-reed plants as to support the production. In mean time, situation of temple was merely heap of ruins and it was difficult to recognize the original version. Finally, in 1970s, the reparation was commenced. The process was begun in 1978 and finally completed for the first building of temple in 1994. In the next years, they started the second reparation for the second building , fence, and the outer side of temple.
This temple has three terraces. First terrace is an open space of temple. It is bordered by set of rocks line and as profane place. Second terrace is on top the first terrace that arranged from set of rocks. In this terrace, there are several set of rocks with eight sides. It suspects that it was foundation of house made from wood. This terrace is considered as semi-profane. Meanwhile, the third terrace is defined as the most sacral area where there are two temples there. They are likely in same size that is 8.20m x 8.20m for first temple and 8.25m x 8.25m for the second and both weigh are 9.25m per each. One temple used to worship god of Wisnu and the other temple for Sri Goddess. This terrace is the highest one among the others where to enter this area then the visitor must to pass a stair and gate that set from andesitic rocks.
When people visit this temple, visitors will encounter several unusual things which make it special than any other Hinduism temples found in Yogyakarta and Central Java. First, there is ornament of kala makala that is head of lion (barong) with lower jaw. Generally, this ornament is crafted in the upper side of main front gate as to prevent bad things from outside. Mostly temples in Yogyakarta and Central java have the head of lion nonetheless without upper jaw. Thus, this barong temple is kind of very special temple among the others. It is also discovered several statues from god of Wisnu and Sri. It is suspected that those statues were placed in the hollows of temple due to this temple built with no room. Those statues now have been kept in BP3 (Ancient Preservation House), Sleman regency. Another unique ornament is Ghana and Sankha with wings. Ghana is ornament of small creatures that oppose or hold up the hollows of temple. Meanwhile, Sankha is symbol from god of Wisnu. The existence of Sankha with wings has strongly approved that this temple is a place for worshipping god of Wisnu not god of Siwa which is commonly in Hinduism temples. Approximately 100 meters from east south of barong temple, there is heap of ruins from Dawangsari temple of Buddhism. The closer distance of both temples are illustrating that was harmonic religious life among different faith in prior time. 
From Yogyakarta, Barong temple is about 27 km to the east. Tourist can reach this place by taking route of Prambanan temple with Trans Jogja bus (Section 1A or 2B). From Prambanan temple that located in near side of pavement then tourist make a turn to the south (if depart from Yogyakarta) or to the left (if depart from Solo) until finding the T-intersection that directs to Barong temple and Banyunibo temple. If don’t want to get lost from track then tourist can simply ask for the details route from the local society.
source: wisatamelayu.com
