The temple is located about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) east of Yogyakarta near Adisucipto International Airport.

The temple is thought to have been buried by an eruption of volcanic ash from the nearby Mount Merapi.

This conclusion was supported by the findings of a gold plate in the vicinity engraved with letters that according to paleography were used in early 9th century ancient Java.

Visitors must descend the flight of stairs on the western side to reach the central part of the temple, the base of which is 6.5 metres (21 ft) lower than the current ground level.

Recent excavations revealed the outer layer of walls surrounding the temple, which cover a wider area.

By ascending the stairs, the visitors can reach the rectangular 2.5 metres (8 ft 2 in) wide gallery, which has balustrades surrounding the main temple.

These stone bases probably used to support wooden pillars, suggesting that the main temple used to be covered by a roof structure made from organic materials that now are already decayed and gone.

Around the temple walls are niches containing statues of Hindu gods, topped by Kala's head.