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Rat Temple originally been buried in the soil was found back in 1914. The excavation site is based on reports Regent Mojokerto, RAA Kromojoyo Adinegoro, about the discovery of a miniature temple in the cemetery of the people. Thorough restoration done in 1984 through 1985. The name 'Rat' is a term used only the local community. It is said that, when found, where the temple is located is a rat's nest.
Has not obtained written information sources clearly explain about when, what, and by whom the Rat Temple was built. However, with the expected tower miniature temple was built between 13 to 14 century AD, because miniature tower is characteristic architecture of that period.
Rat Temple shape that resembles an petirtaan invite debate among scholars of history and archeology of the function. Some experts argue that this temple is petirtaan, bathing the royal family, but some experts have argued that the building was a shelter and distribution of water for residents Trowulan. However, meru shaped tower suggests that this temple also serves as a place of worship.
The building resembles a Rat Temple petirtaan or baths, a pool with several buildings inside. Most of the buildings or rectangular with size 29.5 mx 28.25 m was made of red brick. Interestingly, the lower is located about 3.5 m above the surrounding ground. On the top surface there are about 75 cm wide corridor that surrounds the building. On the inner side, down about 1 m, there is a wider corridor surrounds the pool. The entrance to the temple is on the north side, a 3.5 m wide staircase leading to the bottom of the pool.
On the left and right foot of the stairs there is a rectangular-shaped pool measuring 3.5 mx 2 m with a depth of 1.5 m. On the outside wall of each pond lined three lotus-shaped shower (lotus) made of andesite stone.
Right facing the stairs, just inside the south side, there is a rectangular building with a size of 7.65 mx 7.65 m. In the building there is a 'tower' of about 2 m tall with a roof shaped meru with a flat top. The tower is located in the center of the building is surrounded by 8 towers of similar size smaller. Around the walls of the building lined up 17 feet lotus-shaped showers and makara.
Another interesting point is the existence of two types of bricks of different sizes are used in the construction of this temple. Foot of the temple consists of a large arrangement of red brick covered with an array of red bricks smaller. Besides foot building, located in the fountain even this temple there are two types, made of brick and stone andesite.
The difference in the materials used mice suggests that the temple was built through the phases. In the first phase of construction of the temple's foot used large red brick, while the second stage used a smaller red brick. In other words, the red brick larger size is older than the age of the smaller ones. Fountain made of red bricks in the first phase is expected to be made, because its still stiff. Shower of andesite finer sculpture was made in the second phase is expected. However, it is not known exactly when the second phase of construction is carried out.
