Architecture of Borobudur

Welcome to Borobudur, one of the sacred buildings of Buddhism as a World Cultural Heritage site. The splendor and beauty of Borobudur has its own historical value for Indonesian people. The Indonesian government has designated Chandi Borobudur as a major tourist attraction, and also a priority tourist destination for domestic and foreign visitors.

Chandi Borobudur attracts extraordinary enthusiasm to visit and explore several narrative sources in thematic tours, with the aim of getting to know more closely the history, architecture and fine arts of this building.

A friendly tour guide, Pamong Carita will accompany you on this interesting opportunity, providing narratives and explanations as a form of appreciation for the study and participation in maintaining, protecting and preserving ancestral cultural heritage. As a form of appreciation for study and participation in maintaining, protecting and preserving ancestral cultural heritage. A fun tour to get to know and see the art of architecture and design, as well as the design and construction of the Borobudur Temple.

Architecture of Borobudur

Borobudur as a sacred building is the largest Buddhist temple in the world in Indonesia. Many historians have put forward theories about the beginnings of the history of ancient Javanese cultural civilization and the beginning of the construction of Borobudur, especially during the Hindu and Buddhist eras. Indian culture which entered Indonesia had a considerable influence on religious life and was the background to the existence of the ruling kingdoms on the island of Java at that time.

View of Menoreh hill from terrace of stupa

View of Menoreh hill from terrace of stupa.

The beautiful view of Menoreh Hill from the terraces of the rows of stupas is Gunadharma's legend about the Menoreh hills, the story of the architect of Borobudur. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

The Gunadharma legend is a folk tale about the Menoreh hills which are very similar in shape and resemble the body of a person lying down. This local fairy tale tells that Gunadharma's body turned into the Menoreh hills.

Structural Design of Borobudur

Chandi Borobudur has a different design from temple buildings in general, this building was not built on flat ground, with a horizontal base, and has a space inside for the coronation of statues. Borobudur is a stepped pyramid building, consisting of nine terraced terraces, and crowned with a large bell-shaped stupa.

Archaeological excavations at Borobudur during the reconstruction period show that adherents of Hinduism or pre-Indian beliefs had begun building large buildings on Borobudur's Chandi hill before the site was taken over by Buddhists. The foundations are unlike those of Hindu or Buddhist shrines, and therefore, the original structure is considered more authentically Javanese than Hindu or Buddhist.

Chandi Borobudur was built in the form of a single large stupa, when viewed from above it takes the form of a Tantric Buddhist Mandala which also symbolizes Buddha's cosmology and inner nature. The design of Borobudur is in the form of a stepped pyramid. In the past, the prehistoric Austronesian megalithic culture that developed in Indonesia was built in several forms such as earthen mounds and stepped pyramid structures made of stone called "punden berundak".

Stepped pyramid structure of Borobudur

Stepped pyramid structure of Borobudur.

The design of Borobudur is a prehistoric megalithic culture with a stepped pyramid structure made of stone called punden berundak. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

The original foundation was square, about 118 meters (387 ft) long on each side. This building has nine levels, the bottom six levels are square and the top three levels are circular. The upper terrace has seventy-two small stupas surrounding the largest main stupa. Each stupa is bell-shaped and interlocked with many decorative holes. The Buddha statue is inside the open fence.

The three parts of the temple symbolize the three "realms" in Buddhist cosmology, namely Kamadhatu (the world of lust), Rupadhatu (the world of form), and finally Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). Ordinary living creatures live their lives at the lowest level, the realm of desire. Those who have burned away, eradicating all desire to continue living abandon the world of desire and live in the world only in the realm of form: they see form but are not attracted to it. Lastly, Buddhas completely transcend form and experience reality at its purest and most fundamental level, namely the formless ocean of nirvana.

The basic plan of Chandi Borobudur is in the form of a Mandala. Borobudur Mandala, is a symbol of the universe in Buddhist cosmology. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

Chandi Borobudur consists of six square terraces topped with three circular courtyards, the walls are decorated with 2,672 relief panels and originally there were 504 Buddha statues. The largest main stupa is located in the center and crowns this building, surrounded by three circular rows of 72 perforated stupas in which there is a statue of Buddha sitting cross-legged in a perfect lotus position with the Dharmachakra mudra (turning the wheel of dharma). Source: Guidance Techniques Chandi Borobudur arisguide.

Liberation from the cycle of Samsara where the enlightened soul is no longer attached to worldly forms is in accordance with the concept of Sunyata, namely total emptiness or absence of self. Kamadhatu is represented by its base, Rupadhatu with five square terraces (body), and Arupadhatu with three circular terraces and a large summit stupa.

The architectural characteristics between the three stages have metaphorical differences. For example, the clear square decorations on Rupadhatu disappear into the plain circular terraces on Arupadhatu to represent how the world of form is where humans are still attached to forms and names, then turns into a world without form. The three stages, different metaphors, square decorations and details on Rupadhatu disappear into the plain circular terraces on Arupadhatu.

The superstructure is clearly differentiated from the terrace. It consists of three circular re-entry platforms, each of which supports a row of perforated stupas. Past a row of stupas arranged in concentric circles, the central dome above the entire monument rises into the sky to a height of almost 35 m above ground level. Access a series of gates, a staircase leads directly to the circular terrace, via a corridor of square terraces. Stairs are installed from the lowlands to the highlands, and are connected to the temple stairs.

The entrance is guarded by a lion statue, while other lion statues guard the various levels of the pyramid, a total of 32 lion statues. At the corners of the tiers, spouts are installed to drain rainwater from the gallery. A total of 100 spouts are carved in the shape of makara (gargoyles).

Chandi Borobudur was built on a natural hill whose long ridge was leveled and turned into a plateau. The main part of the plateau is the location of the monument. The wall at the top of this hill is still intact. The plain to the north - west of the hill became the location of the monastery.

View of Chandi Borobudur

View of the hill, located on a natural hill that was leveled and transformed into a plateau that became the location of the monastery. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

The Borobudur plateau is several meters higher than the surrounding plains, the hilltops towering highest above the plateau. It is located on a built hill. The height of the hilltop is not enough to form the core of the structure. Building techniques used in the construction of the Borobudur temple in stone. The material is not collected from the mine, but taken from a neighboring river. The stones are shaped and cut to size, transported to the site, and placed without mortar.

The stones are made to be gripped using dovetails on the horizontal joints, and grooves on the vertical joints. The use of a knob on one side of the stone that is inserted into a corresponding hole on the next side is common. This arrangement provides a certain flexibility, so that the monument stands with light movements without experiencing danger of collapse. When the building was completed, carvings and other decorations were added. Usually starts from the top, but can also be added simultaneously in several parts.

The wall of reliefs telling the story of Borobudur.

Hallway wall reliefs telling the story of Borobudur. One of the corridors and gallery walls is carved with reliefs of the Borobudur story, walls and balustrades. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

Architecture of Borobudur

The architecture of Borobudur is a masterpiece of Indonesian Buddhist art, an example of the pinnacle of achieving harmony between architectural techniques and aesthetics of Buddhist art in Java.

The design of Borobudur uses tala measuring units, namely the length of the human face between the end of the hairline on the forehead to the tip of the chin, or the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger when the palm is fully extended. This unit is relative and varies slightly between individuals, but this unit remains in this monument.

Research in 1977 explained the 4:6:9 ratio found in this monument. Architects use this formula to determine the exact dimensions of a fractal geometric recurrence that is self-similar in the Borobudur design. This mathematical ratio is also found in the design of the nearby Mendut and Pawon temples. Archaeologists believe that the 4:6:9 ratio and tala units have a function and meaning in calendar, astronomy and cosmology. The same thing applies to the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia.

The building structure can be divided into three parts: base (legs), body, and top. The base measures 123×123 m (403.5×403.5 ft) with a height of 4 meters (13 ft). The body of the temple consists of five square terraces that get smaller at the top. The first terrace is set back 7 meters (23 ft) from the end of the terrace base. Each subsequent terrace is set back 2 meters (6.6 ft), leaving a narrow passage at each level.

Three-part structure

Borobudur's three-part structure.

The three-part structure explains the base (foot), body, and top of Borobudur. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

The upper part consists of three circular terraces, each level supporting a row of interlocked stupas arranged concentrically. There is the largest main stupa in the center; with shoots reaching a height of 35 meters (115 ft) from the ground. The original height of Borobudur, including the chattra (three-tiered umbrella) which is now removed, was 42 meters (138 ft).

The Kala-Makara motif is commonly found in the architecture of temple doors in Java. The main door is located on the east side, and is also the starting point for reading the relief story. This straight staircase continues to connect with stairs on the hillside which connects the temple to the surrounding plains.

Borobudur's Kala-Makara

One of the Borobudur Stairs that climbs through the gate is shaped like a Borobudur Kala-Makara carving. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

The stairs are located in the middle of the four cardinal sides which take visitors to the top of the monument through a series of arched gates guarded by 32 lion statues. The gate gate is decorated with Kala carvings on the top of the center of the door and makara carvings protruding on both sides.

Design of Borobudur

Borobudur is very different from other temple designs, this temple was not built on a flat surface, but on a natural hill. The construction technique is similar to other temples in Java. Borobudur does not have worship rooms like other temples.

Archaeologists suspect that the initial design of Borobudur was a single, very large stupa crowning the peak. It is suspected that the enormous mass and weight of this giant stupa is very dangerous for the body and feet of the temple. The architect who designed Borobudur decided to dismantle this giant stupa and replace it with three rows of small stupas and one main stupa as it is now.

Borobudur construction design stages:

First Stage

It is not known exactly when Borobudur was built, it is estimated to be around 750 AD to 850 AD.

Stage I

Design of the first phase

Illustration of the cross-sectional shape of Borobudur's initial design. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

Borobudur was built on a natural hill, the top of the hill was leveled and the flat courtyard was expanded. In fact, this building is not entirely made of andesite stone, on the hill the soil is compacted and then covered with a stone structure so that it resembles a shell that encloses the earthen hill. The rest of the hill is covered with stone structures layer by layer.

Initially a multi-story layout was built. It appears to have been designed as a stepped pyramid, but was later changed. As evidence there is a layout that was dismantled. The first three steps were built which closed the original structure of the stepped pyramid.

Second and Third Stages

The addition of two square steps, a balustrade and one circular step, on top of which a very large single stupa was directly built.

Stage II and III

Design of the second and third stages

Illustration of the cross-sectional design of the second and third stages of Borobudur. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

Fourth Stage

There was a change in design, the upper steps of the circle with the single large main stupa were dismantled and replaced by three circular steps.

Stage IV

Design of the fourth phase

Illustration of the cross-sectional shape of the fourth phase of Borobudur's design. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

Smaller stupas were built in a circular row on this terraced platform with a large main stupa in the middle. For some reason the foundation was widened, an additional leg was built which encloses the original leg and covers the Karmawibhangga relief.

Archaeologists suspect that Borobudur was originally designed as a single, very large stupa crowning a square terrace. However, this large stupa was too heavy, causing the building structure to tilt outward. It is important to remember that the core of Borobudur is just a hill of land so that the pressure at the top will be distributed to the outside of the bottom so that Borobudur is threatened with landslides and collapse. That's why it was decided to dismantle the large single main stupa and replace it with circular terraces decorated with rows of small stupas with interlocks and only one main stupa.

To support the temple walls from collapsing, an additional leg structure was added that wraps around the original leg. This structure is a reinforcement and functions like a belt that ties it together so that the body of the temple does not collapse and fall out, as well as hiding the Karmawibhangga relief on the Kamadhatu section.

Fifth Stage

There are small changes such as improvements to the reliefs, addition of the outermost balustrade, changes to the stairs and arch over the door gate, as well as widening the toe.

Stage V

Design of the fifth phase

Illustration of the cross-sectional shape of Borobudur's final design. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

The ten courtyards of Borobudur depict the philosophy of the Mahayana school and simultaneously describe cosmology, namely the concept of the universe, as well as the levels of the natural mind in Buddhist teachings. Like a book, Borobudur describes the ten levels of Bodhisattva that must be passed to achieve perfection in becoming a Buddha.

The base of the square plan measures 123 meters (404 ft) on each side. This building has nine terraces, the bottom six terraces are square and the top three terraces are circular.

In 1885, during research on this building, a hidden structure was discovered at the foot of Borobudur which was called the 'Hidden Foot'. At the foot of this temple there are reliefs totaling 160 relief panels, explaining among them the reliefs of the Karmawibhangga story. On this relief panel there is a carving or like script, writing which is a guide for the carver to create a scene in the relief images of the story.

This original foot is covered by the addition of a stone structure that forms a fairly large courtyard, and its true function is still a mystery. Initially it was thought that the addition of these legs was to prevent landslides on the monument. Another theory explains that the addition of the legs was caused by an error in the design of the original legs, and is not in accordance with the Wastu Sastra, which is an Indian book on architectural forms and urban planning. The reasons for adding and making additional legs are carried out carefully and taking into account religious, aesthetic and technical reasons.

The three levels of the spiritual realm in Buddhist cosmology, explaining the parts of Borobudur are as follows:

Kamadhatu

The feet symbolize a world that is still dominated by kama or "lower desires". This section is mostly covered by piles of stones which are thought to have been made to strengthen the construction of the temple.

Hidden Foot

Relief story of the foot wall

The beauty of the carved art of one of the Borobudur story reliefs on the wall of the Hidden Foot of Borobudur Temple in the southeast corner (Hidden Foot). Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

On the original foot there are 160 panels of the Karmawibhangga story which are now hidden. A small part of the additional structure in the southeast corner was opened so that some reliefs can be seen in this section. The additional andesite foot structure that covers the original foot has a volume of 13,000 cubic meters.

Rupadhatu

The four terrace steps that form a surrounding corridor whose walls are decorated with relief galleries are called Rupadhatu. The floor is square. Rupadhatu consists of four halls with 1,300 relief images. The total length of the relief is 2.5 km with 1,212 decorative carved panels.

wall of relief stories

Hallway wall relief of Borobudur story

The beauty of the carved art of one of the Borobudur story reliefs on the walls and balustrades. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

Rupadhatu is a world that has been able to free itself from lust, but is still bound by appearance and form. This level represents the intermediate realm, namely, between the lower realm and the upper realm. In this part of Rupadhatu, Buddha statues are found in alcoves or niches in the walls above the balustrades or hallways. Originally there were 432 Buddha statues in open niches along the outside of the balustrade.

Galleries of relief Borobudur

Wall relief gallery of the story

The beauty of the carved art of one of the wall reliefs of the Borobudur story on the walls and balustrades. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

On the balustrade there is a slight difference in design which symbolizes the transition from the Kamadhatu realm to the Rupadhatu realm; The lowest balustrade is crowned with a pearl, while the four levels of balustrade above it are crowned with stupika (small stupa). These square terraces are rich in decoration and relief carvings.

Arupadhatu

In contrast to the Rupadhatu hallways which are rich in reliefs, from the fifth to the seventh floor the walls do not have reliefs. This level is called Arupadhatu (which means formless or formless).

Arupadhatu circular terraces

Arupadhatu circular terraces

The beauty of the carved art of one of the Borobudur story reliefs on the walls and balustrades. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

The floor plan is circular. This level represents the upper world, where humans are free from all desires and bonds of form and shape, but have not yet reached nirvana.

In the circular courtyard there are 72 two small interlocked stupas arranged in three rows surrounding one large stupa as the main stupa. These small bell-shaped stupas are arranged in 3 circular terraces, numbering 32, 24 and 16 respectively (a total of 72 stupas). The bottom two terraces of the stupa are larger with a rhombus-shaped hole, the top terrace of the stupa is slightly smaller and the hole is square-shaped. Buddha statues are placed in stupas covered with holes like in cages.

rows of stupas

The terrace stupas of Arupadhatu

In the circular courtyard there are 72 two small interlocked stupas arranged in three rows surrounding one large stupa as the main stupa. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

Building Structure

The highest level of Borobudur which depicts the absence of perfect form is symbolized in the form of the largest and highest stupa. This stupa is described as plain without any holes. Inside this largest stupa, an imperfect Buddha statue, also known as an incomplete Buddha, was found, which was mistaken for the 'Adi Buddha' statue. Even though through further research there was never a statue found in the main stupa, the incomplete statue was a mistake made by the sculptor in ancient times.

According to belief, statues that go wrong in the manufacturing process should not be damaged. Archaeological excavations carried out in the temple grounds discovered many statues like this. The main stupa, which is left empty, is thought to symbolize the highest wisdom, namely kasunyatan, perfect silence and nothingness where the human soul is no longer bound by desires, wishes and forms and is free from the cycle of samsara.

There are around 55,000 cubic meters of andesite stone transported from stone quarries and inlays to build this monument. These stones are cut to certain sizes, transported to the site and put together without using cement.

The Borobudur structure does not use cement at all, but instead has an interlock system, which is like Lego blocks that can stick together without adhesive. These stones are held together with precise ridges and holes that fit each other, as well as a "dove tail" shape that locks the two blocks of stone together. The reliefs were created on site after the building structure and walls were completed.

interlocking

Interlock system (interlocking)

One of the stone installations in an interlocking form is that they are attached without adhesive to the "dove tail" shape of Borobudur stone blocks. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

This monument is equipped with a drainage system for areas with high rainfall. To prevent puddles and flooding, 100 showers are installed in every corner, each with a design in the shape of a giant kala or makara head.

Drainage Kala Makara

Water fountain with Kala Makara motif

The beauty of a water fountain in every corner, with a design in the shape of a giant kala or makara head on Borobudur. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

Borobudur is very different from other temple designs, this temple was not built on a flat surface, but on a natural hill. The construction technique is similar to other temples in Java. Borobudur does not have worship rooms like other temples.

Borobudur Stupa

What exists are long corridors which are narrow roads. Hallways bordered by walls surround the temple level by level. In general, the design of Borobudur is similar to a stepped pyramid. It is in these halls that Buddhists carry out walking ceremonies around the temple to the right.

Borobudur functions as a stupa, a sacred building to glorify Buddha, built as a symbol of respect and glorification of Buddha. The design shows that the building is a place of worship. The shape of the building without rooms and the multi-tiered terrace structure is a development of the terraced punden form of prehistoric Indonesia.

stupa of Borobudur

Borobudur stupa terraces

One of Borobudur's terraces with a row of stupas and views of Menoreh Hill to the south. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

Borobudur

Borobudur Temple is a world cultural heritage site or World Heritage Site, this Buddhist temple is located on a hill in a plain surrounded by two mountains Sundoro-Sumbing in the northwest and Merbabu-Merapi in the northeast, in the north is Tidar Hill, and in the south are the Menoreh mountains, and are located near the confluence of two rivers, Progo and Elo to the east.

Located Borobudur or Barabudur, the name comes from two words, namely the word 'bara' comes from the word 'monastery' which means a place of worship or Buddhist temple, and the word 'budur' comes from Balinese. The word 'beduhur' which means 'above' or 'hill'. Then the meaning of the words 'monastery and beduhur' changed to Bara Budur, because the sound shifted to Borobudur which means temple or monastery on a hill.

the story of Gunadharma, architect of Borobudur

Legend of Gunadharma folklore about the Menoreh hills. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. arisguide's photo.

According to legend, the architect who designed the Borobudur chandi was named Gunadharma, little is known, his name was based more on Javanese fairy tales and legends, not based on historical inscriptions.

The Gunadharma legend with folklore about the Menoreh hills whose shape resembles the body of a lying person. This local fairy tale tells that Gunadharma's body turned into the Menoreh hills.

Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide.

In the historical narrative of Borobudur, the relief panels carved on the walls at the foot of the temple are mentioned in the Karmawibhangga text, regarding the offering of footwear called 'Upanat' to the Brahmins.

Upanat Borobudur

Giving footwear with the name 'Upanat', footwear offered to Brahmins, in order to obtain rewards and prosperity in life. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide.

Explaining 'Upanat' is the footwear used to visit Borobudur Temple. This visit aims to get to know Borobudur better, learn about its history, take a thematic tour and admire the splendor and fine art of this monument. This is a form of appreciation and getting to know Borobudur, as well as playing a role in maintaining and protecting the world cultural heritage site in Borobudur, Indonesia.

View of Borobudur from Dagi hill

The beauty of Borobudur view from Dagi Hill. Borobudur is a Buddhist temple built on a hill during the reign of Samaratungga around 824 AD.

Chandi Borobudur or Barabudur is a Mahayana Buddhist temple built in the 9th century, consisting of nine terraced terraces, six square terraces and three circular terraces, topped by a central dome, surrounded by 72 stupas and decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.

Chandi Borobudur or Barabudur

is a 9th–century Mahayana Buddhist temple, which consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome, surrounded by 72 stupas and decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Foto arisguide.

Read the complete narrative and material about Chandi Borobudur by visiting and make your tour even more enjoyable, explore in more detail the thematic narrative of Borobudur culture with Pamong Carita. Reading becomes more fun, digging into the narrative in more detail and reading in English is indeed fun and also seems very interesting to translate into easy and flexible language, get detailed reading at Welcome to Borobudur Temple, the fabric of life in the Buddhist culture. Explore, admire the beauty of fine art in images and photos at PHOTO IMAGE BOROBUDUR.

Chandi Borobudur

World Cultural Heritage Site since 1991, one of the views of Borobudur from the northwest. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo arisguide.