The temples built in eastern Java during the ascendancy of the Singhasari kingdom are considered great examples of Hindu-Javanese arts; they mark the gradual transformation of Hindu architecture into Javanese forms and also reflect the increasing syncretism of Hinduism and Buddhism, which culminates in King Kertanagara's Siva-Buddha cult.

Kertanegara, the fifth ruler of Singasari and the son of the previous king, Wisnuwardhana, has effectively held power from 1254 and officially succeeded his father when the latter died in 1268.

The Singasari dynasty had come to power in Java following the overthrow of the previous Kingdom of Kediri by Ken Arok, the first Singhasari ruler in 1222.

Kertanegara is a follower of a mystical Tantric syncretism of Hinduism and Buddhism, and presented himself as the divine god-king incarnation of Siwa and Buddha.

Kertanegara celebrates many religious festivals and has commissioned sculptures and metal plaques during his reign.

Singhasari has reached the height of its power during Kertanegara's rule, which has seen the dramatic expansion of Javanese power in Maritime Southeast Asia.

He has extended Javanese involvement in the lucrative spice trade with the Moluccas.

He had also put down rebellions in Java by Cayaraja in 1270 and Mahisa in 1280.

Kertanegara is the first Javanese ruler with territorial ambitions that extended beyond the island of Java.

In 1284, he had subjected nearby Bali to vassalage.

Kertanagara has managed to form an alliance with Champa, another dominant state in Southeast Asia.

Late in his reign, the Pamalayu expedition succeeds in gaining control of the Melayu Kingdom in eastern Sumatra, and possibly also gains control over the Sunda kingdom and hegemony over the Strait of Malacca.

Other areas in Madura and Borneo also offer their submission to Kertanegara.

After the Singhasari kingdom had driven Srivijaya out of Java altogether, the rising power of Singhasari comes to the attention of Kublai Khan in China and he sends emissaries demanding tribute in 1289.

Kertanegara takes grave offense to the request and arrests the envoys.

He brands their faces, cuts their ears and sends them back to China with disfigured faces.