Fact Check: Viral video misidentifies Indian temple as ancient Javanese relic

A video circulating on social media platforms falsely claims to depict a newly discovered ancient temple, Candi Layang, in Central Java, Indonesia. The video, which shows a large temple complex amidst rice fields, has spread across X, TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram since late July.

However, a fact-check by Tempo reveals the structure is not an Indonesian relic but the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) within the Ellora Caves complex in Maharashtra, India. The Kailasa Temple is renowned for its massive rock-cut architecture, carved from a single hill, and is recognized as the world's largest. It was built by King Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty.

The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcase a unique blend of Buddhist, Brahmanical, and Jain art, reflecting centuries of religious tolerance and coexistence. Excavated between the 5th and 12th centuries, the caves represent different phases of these religious traditions. The claim's misidentification highlights the need for verification amidst the rapid spread of information online.