Borobudur is the location of the most magnificent and the biggest Buddhist monument that can be found anywhere in the world. It is generally agreed upon that it is the archipelago’s single most impressive example of traditional architecture in its whole. The temple of Borobudur is perched on a hill that is surrounded on three sides by volcanoes and on the fourth side by rocky cliffs made of limestone. The structure is comprised of thousands of individual volcanic boulders that were adhered to one another without the use of any mortar.
Borobudur was built somewhere between the years 750 and 850 AD. King Vishnu of the Sailendra dynasty is credited with initiating construction on this location in the year 778 A.D. His grandson Samaratunga finished the project around the year 825 A.D. After the Hindu Sanjaya rulers took control of the area, the Sailendra kings abandoned the site, and for the next approximately one thousand years, it was neglected. In 1815, Sir Thomas Raffles was able to locate this location once again. Following the year 1975, the administration of the country, together with the assistance of UNESCO, began the process of re-establishing the site, which ultimately took 11 years to finish. After then, UNESCO included the structure as a World Heritage Site on its list.
The central area of Borobudur, known as the Theatre of the Buddha, was designed and built in the shape of a mandala that represents the cosmos. You can have the impression that you are travelling to a place of salvation as you make your way through it. Exactly in the middle of the path that leads from Candi Mendut to Borobudur is where you’ll find the Candi Pawon Temple. Kuvera, the god who is said to provide prosperity and good fortune, is honoured in the temple that bears his name.
There is speculation that the Candi Mendut Temple is much older than the location of Borobudur. The Jakata stories are where the events that are depicted here may be found. About five kilometres to the east of Borobudur is where you’ll find the Candi Ngawen Temple. It is thought that this area has roughly five shrines, each of which formerly had sculptures of all five Jinas at the same time.
Main Tourist Attractions in Borobudur, Indonesia
Theatre of the Buddha
Borobudur’s primary structure is a mandala that represents the cosmos, and it was built in the shape of that figure. You can have the impression that you are travelling to a place of salvation as you make your way through it. The Mahayan System is represented here by many layers, each of which corresponds to a particular phase. Throughout the whole of the trip, you will come across a hundred different murals, Buddha reliefs, and descriptive panels. In addition, there are roughly 72 sculptures of Buddha, the most of which are missing their heads.
Candi Pawon Temple
Exactly in the middle of the path that leads from Candi Mendut to Borobudur is where you’ll find this place. Kuvera, the god who is said to provide prosperity and good fortune, is honoured in the temple that bears his name. The Hindu religion has left its mark on the temple’s customs. You will see a lintel with representations of Yaksha pouring riches in this particular location. On the outside walls of the building are depictions of Bodhisattvas as well as kinnaris and other images representing female goddesses.
Candi Mendut Temple
There is speculation that this Buddhist temple is much older than the site of Borobudur. The Jakata stories are where the events that are depicted here may be found. It is generally believed that construction of the temple began in the year 824 AD, when Sailendra monarch Indera was in power. Great works of art may be found at the shrine in the form of statues of Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha, and Shkyamuni. This temple serves as the starting point for an annual procession that travels to the top of Borobudur.
Candi Ngawen Temple
This temple may be found around five kilometres to the east of Borobudur. It is thought that the temple was once known as the “porch temple.” It is thought that this area has roughly five shrines, each of which formerly had sculptures of all five Jinas at the same time. However, as of right moment, you can only fine two of them.
