This is the moment a fast-moving dust devil tornado whirled through a temple site in Indonesia.

The twister shocked visitors as it zipped near the Arjuna Temple in Banjarnegara Regency, Central Java Province, on August 20.

Footage shows the thin vortex whipping up dust while churning in front of the stone structure. A daring tourist approached to pose next to the air column, but ran when it came close to him.

Sri Utami, Arjuna Temple Tourism Object Officer, said: 'The dust devil churned for a few moments right in front of the temple before finally disappearing.

'It often happens during the dry season like now. But usually it happens briefly'

Sri added that the dust devil tornado did not severely damage the temple.

Dust devil tornadoes are types of whirlwinds that form when the sun heats a patch of land and the air above becomes warmer and rises quickly.

Cooler air then moves into the low-pressure gap left by the rising warm air. The new drafts of cooler air also heat up and rise and the cycle continues, picking up dust and debris and making the spiral visible.

They are not as dangerous as supercell tornadoes, which can cause severe damage.