The mountain, in some traditions and cultures is universally believed to be a center of power and a sacred place that connects humans with gods or ancestors who are considered to have supernatural powers, In the prehistoric tradition of Indonesia, people believe that the spirits of the ancestors are housed on the top of the mountain and are able to affect the welfare and safety of humans in the world. Therefore, the spirits of the ancestors became the hangers of human life. The worship of the spirits of the ancestors as an expression of the plea of man and his descendants to avoid the disasters, pain, and glory of the world is key. One way to worship ancestors is to build a place of worship on a mountain or hill. The custom of building large structures or buildings out of stone for the benefit of worship is known as the Megalithic tradition which can be known to be universal.
One of the mountains in Central Java that is considered to have strength is Mount Lawu, the mountain is located on the border of the provinces of Central Java and East Java, and its western slopes are included in the territory of Karanganyar Regency. The geographical condition of the West Slope of Mount Lawu is hilly and has a relatively steep slope, however, the area has beautiful natural scenery. The soil type in the area is a type of soil that is fertile for agricultural land, but is sensitive to erosion. Its soil fertility to date can be seen from the rich flora and fauna of natural forests, as well as cultivated plants, such as tea and vegetables.
In addition to having the potential for biodiversity, the western slope of Mount Lawu has become a place of human activity because of its soil fertility and the availability of water sources since the Prehistoric, Classical, to the present day. Traces of the Prehistoric Period can be found in the Watu Kandang Matesih Site as one of the proofs. There are relatively many classical period residences, such as Punden Cemoro Bulus, Menggung Site, Sukuh Temple, Planggatan Temple, Cetha Temple, and Kethek Temple. Astana Mangadeg is a burial complex for the rulers of the Mangkunegaran Palace and close relatives of Praja Mangkunegaran and Astana Giribangun as a burial complex for the family of the 2nd President of the Republic of Indonesia is also located on the western slopes of Mount Lawu.
