Three Buddhist Sanctuaries
Welcome to Chandi Borobudur, which is one of the sacred buildings of Buddhism as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Borobudur and its area have a noble and historical meaning for the Indonesian people, so that all eyes are amazed by the splendor and beauty of this monument. Chandi Borobudur and its area have attracted extraordinary enthusiasm from tourists, to travel and visit this building more closely.
The government has designated Chandi Borobudur as a cultural heritage that has its own historical and aesthetic value as a tourist attraction, as well as being a priority tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists. Enjoying Borobudur thematic tourism is a form of appreciation and participation in maintaining and preserving the ancestral cultural heritage of Chandi Borobudur.
The friendly Pamong Carita will accompany and guide you to provide explanations and narratives about Borobudur and its surroundings. Introducing 'Upanat', namely special footwear worn when visiting the terraces through a corridor with a series of relief panel galleries, leading to the top of the circular upper terrace with a row of stupas at Borobudur Temple.
Tracing the historical narrative of Ancient Java and the beginning of the existence of Borobudur Temple. Look for literature regarding the existence of the environment around this temple. On this fun opportunity to explore Indonesia's ancestral culture, in a historical tourist narrative while learning about the Chandi Borobudur complex and three Buddhist temples (Pawon, Mendut and Ngawen).
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Borobudur, Pawon and Mendut are in a straight line Borobudur, Pawon and Mendut are imaginary corridors, roads connecting three temples. Chandi Mendut is about three kilometers from Chandi Borobudur, while Chandi Pawon is half that distance. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Photo screenshot arisguide. |
Environment of Borobudur
According to Javanese legend, it is said that the area known as the Kedu plain is a place that is considered sacred in the beliefs of the Javanese people and is hailed as the 'Garden on the island of Java' because of its natural beauty and the fertility of the land.
Explaining Borobudur and its surroundings, there are several Buddhist temples built close together in this area. During the discovery and restoration in the early 20th century, other Buddhist temples were discovered, namely Mendut Temple and Pawon Temple which were stretched in a straight line. Initially it was thought to be just a coincidence, but based on local folklore, there used to be a stone-paved road fenced with balustrades on both sides that connected these three temples.
There was no physical evidence of a stone-paved and fenced road and perhaps this is just a fairy tale, but experts suspect that there is indeed a symbolic unity of these three temples. These three temples (Borobudur – Pawon – Mendut) have similar architectural styles and decorations and indeed come from the same period which strengthens the suspicion that there is a ritual connection between these three temples, however, how the religious ritual process of pilgrimage is carried out is not yet known for certain.
In addition to the Mendut and Pawon temples, several ancient relics have been discovered around Borobudur, including various pottery finds such as pots and jugs, indicating that Borobudur once housed several settlements. These archaeological finds are now housed in the Borobudur Museum, located north of the temple, adjacent to the Samudra Raksa Museum.
Not far north of Pawon Temple are the ruins of a Hindu temple called Banon Temple. Several statues of the main Hindu gods, including Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma, and Ganesha, were found in fairly good condition within this temple. However, very little of the original stone from Banon Temple was found, making reconstruction impossible. Upon their discovery, the Banon statues were transported to Batavia (now Jakarta) and are now housed in the National Museum of Indonesia.
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Welcome to Chandi Borobudur |
Chandi Borobudur or Barabudur is a Mahayana Buddhist temple built in the 9th century, consisting of 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. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide.
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Chandi Borobudur, monastery on the hill. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide. |
Three Buddhist Temples
Monuments dating back from the old Javanese period in Indonesian history are usually called chandi, regardless of their original purpose. Thus, the building does not only include temple buildings, but things such as gates and altars.
A large number of monuments built on the Kedu plains were erected here. Hindu and Buddhist holy places packed together within a radius of less than three kilometers from the meeting point of the two Kedu rivers. From west to east, the main Buddhist monuments in the area are: Chandi Borobudur, Chandi Pawon, Chandi Mendut and the Chandi Ngawen complex which consists of five buildings.
The first three Buddhist monuments are assumed to have formed one complex as well; although standing at a considerable distance from each other, the straight line drawn from Chandi Borobudur to Chandi Mendut via Chandi Pawon shows the unity of the triads. This layout is not found at Borobudur. According to oral tradition, the three sacred buildings were once connected by a paved processional road, flanked by lavishly decorated balustrades. This composition has given rise to much speculation about the relationship between Chandi Borobudur, Chandi Pawon and Chandi Mendut. The most plausible link is religion, if the 'plural' denomination is interpreted in several ways; the three monuments can be taken as a whole to represent one religious conception.
Chandi Borobudur has no inner room, no place where people can worship. Most likely it is a place of pilgrimage, where Buddhists can seek the Supreme Wisdom. The passages around the building, leading successively to the top terrace, were evidently meant for ritual rounds. Guided and instructed by narrative reliefs, pilgrims proceed from terrace to terrace in silent contemplation.
Chandi Mendut views this building as a place of worship. The Buddha is represented by a solid monolith, seated with his legs dangling from a throne and flanked by the accompanying Bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara and Vajrapani. The depiction of the Buddha preaching the first sermon in the deer park at Sarnath is apparently meant to remember the right conduct in life for those who take refuge in the Buddha of Compassion. The straight arrangement of Mendut Temple is about three kilometers from Borobudur Temple, while Pawon Temple is half way.
Chandi Pawon also has an inner space, but it does not reveal what deity might have been the object of worship. It is impossible to say what was the function of the temple in relation to Chandi Mendut or to Chandi Borobudur?. The pilgrim had to pass Chandi Pawon as his way from Chandi Mendut to Chandi Borobudur along the paved processional path might suggest that Chandi Pawon was a kind of station on the long journey; after being purified through the required ceremonies of worship at Chandi Mendut, Chandi Pawon allowed to pause and reflect before proceeding on the pilgrimage to Chandi Borobudur where attire some series of circumambulations awaited.
Apart from the Mendut and Pawon temples, several ancient relics were found around Borobudur, including various pottery finds such as pots and jugs which show that there used to be several residential areas around Borobudur. Not far to the north of Pawon Temple were found the ruins of a former Hindu temple called Banon Temple. In this temple, several statues of the main Hindu gods were found in fairly good condition, namely Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and Ganesha. However, very few original stones were found at Banon Temple, making reconstruction impossible.
Borobudur, Pawon, and Mendut lie in one straight line which shows symbolic unity. There is a gate carved from kala makara, a wall passage with carved reliefs, and is a path for religious ritual processions and pilgrimages.
Chandi Borobudur
Borobudur stepped pyramid building
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 inside. Borobudur is a model of the universe and was built as a sacred place to glorify Buddha as well as functioning as a place of pilgrimage to guide humanity from the realm of worldly desires to enlightenment and highest wisdom in accordance with Buddhist teachings. Pilgrims, entering from the east side begin the ritual, walking clockwise, ascending steps through the three levels of the spiritual realm in Buddhist cosmology. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo arisguide.
Borobudur or Barabudur, it is said that Borobudur Temple is a Buddhist temple inherited from the Mataram Kingdom which controlled the island of Java in the VIII – X century AD and was built during the Syailendra Dynasty. The history of Borobudur Temple is known from the discovery of the Karangtengah / Kayuwungunan inscription in 824 AD and the Tri Tepusan/Sri Kahulunan inscription in 842 AD.
Mentions Borobudur or its name Barabudur, the holy temple of Buddhists. The name Borobudur Temple comes from two words, namely the word 'bara' comes from the word 'monastery' which means a Buddhist place of worship or temple, and the word 'budur' comes from the Balinese word 'beduhur', which means 'above' or 'Hill'. So 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.
Borobudur Temple is a Mahayana Buddhist temple built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty. This temple was designed with Javanese Buddhist architecture which combines native Indonesian ancestor worship culture and the Buddhist concept of achieving Nirvana.
This building consists of six square terraces on top of which there are three circular courtyards, the walls are decorated and decorated with a number of 2,672 relief panels and there are 504 Buddha statues.
There is the largest main stupa located in the center and crowning this building, surrounded by three circular rows above which there are 72 perforated stupas, and inside there is a statue of Buddha in the middle sitting cross-legged in a perfect lotus position with the Dharmachakra mudra/hand gesture which means turning the wheel of dharma.
Borobudur is a model of the universe and was built as a holy place to glorify Buddha as well as functioning as a place of pilgrimage to guide humanity from the realm of worldly desires to enlightenment and wisdom according to the teachings of Buddhism.
Pilgrims enter from the east side and begin the ritual at the base of the temple by walking in a clockwise circle around this sacred building, then climbing the next steps through the three realms of Buddhist cosmology. The three levels are Kamadhatu (the realm of lust), Rupadhatu (the realm of form), and Arupadhatu (the realm of intangibility).
On their way, pilgrims walk through a series of hallways and stairs and see no less than 1,460 beautiful relief panels engraved on the walls and balustrades.
According to history, Borobudur was abandoned in the 14th century as the influence of Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms in Java weakened and the influence of Islam entered. This temple was forgotten and neglected for several centuries. The world began to become aware of this temple when it was rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who at that time served as British General Governor in Java.
Chandi Borobudur has undergone a series of rescue and restoration efforts to return this building to its former glory. The largest restoration of this temple was carried out in the period 1973 to 1983 due to the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and cooperation with UNESCO internationally, then this historic site was included in the list of World Heritage Sites.
Borobudur, meaning temple or monastery on a hill. The Mahayana Buddhist temple consists of six square terraces and three circular terraces, and there is the largest stupa in the center, surrounded by 72 stupas and decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.
Welcome to Borobudur
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Welcome to Borobudur |
Borobudur is a Mahayana Buddhist temple, built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, this temple was designed in the form of Javanese Buddhist architecture, which combines native Indonesian culture, namely ancestor worship and the Buddhist concept of achieving Nirvana. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide.
Chandi Pawon
The name Pawon Temple is not often mentioned and its origins are not known for certain. According to an epigrapher named J.G. de Casparis interprets the origin of the word Pawon as coming from the Javanese word "awu" which means 'ash'. The word abu has the prefix pa- and the suffix -an, so its meaning indicates a place.
In a dailly life of Javanese the word pawon means 'kitchen', but de Casparis interprets it as 'perabuan' or place of ashes. Local residents also call Pawon Temple Bajranalan. This word probably comes from the Sanskrit words vajra meaning 'thunder' and anala meaning 'fire'.
The architecture of Pawon Temple is a square temple facing west, with side dimensions of 9.5 m, and a height of 11.57 m. The construction of Pawon Temple is estimated to have occurred around the middle of the eighth century, almost simultaneously with the construction of Mendut Temple and Borobudur Temple. According to J.G. de Casparis, Pawon Temple is the residence of King Indra who ruled the Ancient Mataram Kingdom in 782-812 AD. Pawon Temple was restored in 1903.
Looking into the chamber or room of this temple, no further statues were found so it is difficult to identify further the use of this temple. One interesting thing about Pawon Temple that can still be seen is the decoration. The outer walls of the temple are decorated with reliefs of biological trees, namely kalpataru flanked by coffers and kinara-kinari, namely creatures that are half human, half bird/with a human head and a bird's body.
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| CANDI PAWON |
The name Pawon Temple is mentioned and comes from the Javanese word "awu" which means 'ash'. The word ash has the meaning of indicating a place. In everyday Javanese the word pawon means 'kitchen', but is interpreted as 'cinderry' or place of ashes. Source: Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide.
Chandi Mendut
Built around the VIII century AD, based on the Karangtengah inscription. Mendut Temple was founded during the reign of King Indra from the Syailendra Dynasty. It is stated in the Karangtengah inscription dated 824 AD that King Indra had built a sacred building called Wenuwana, which means bamboo forest.
By a Dutch archaeologist named J.G. de Casparis, this word is associated with Mendut Temple. This temple is rectangular in shape with one chamber measuring 24.15 m x 27.66 m and 26.4 m high. The restoration of Mendut was carried out in 1897 – 1904. Then in 1908 it was carried out by Theodore van Erp. After that, in 1925 the stupa was reinstalled on the roof of the temple. The building materials used to build the temple are actually bricks covered with natural stone.
This building is located on a plateau so it looks more elegant and sturdy. The stairs rise and the entrance faces southwest. Above the plain there is a corridor that surrounds the body of the temple. The roof is three stories high and decorated with small stupas. The number of small stupas currently installed is 48.
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| CANDI MENDUT |
There are three main statues in the room/garbhaghriya. These statues are Sakyamuni, Awalokitecwara, and Wajrapani. The reliefs at Mendut Temple depict Jatakas, namely stories about animals. The animals depicted on the relief panels are the incarnations of Bodhisattvas who came to earth and taught morality to humans.
Chandi NGawen
It is also one unit with three temples (Borobudur, Pawon, and Mendut), because there is some evidence that provides arguments and opinions about the closeness or connection with these three temples.
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CANDI NGAWEN |
Being one unit with three temples (Borobudur, Pawon, and Mendut), there is some evidence of closeness or connection with these three temples. Source: Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide.
Evidence that Ngawen Temple has a Buddhist religious background is the discovery of the Dhyani Buddha Ratnasambhawa statue in Temple II and the Dhyani Buddha Amithaba statue in Temple IV. Based on the architectural style of the building, this temple site was founded around the IX – X century AD.
The shape of the building has distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from other temples. Namely with decorative lion statues on the four corners. At first glance, it is almost similar to a Hindu temple building because its shape tapers upwards. However, if you look closely, this temple has a stupa and terrace (steps) which are symbols of a Buddhist temple.
According to estimates, this temple was built by the rulers of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, the Sailendra Dynasty, in the 8th century. According to Soekmono, the existence of Ngawen Temple is most likely a sacred building mentioned in the Karangtengah inscription of 824 AD, namely Venuvana in Sanskrit which means "bamboo forest".
This temple consists of five small temple buildings, two of which have different shapes and are decorated with lion statues at the four corners. A headless Buddha statue in a sitting position Ratnasambawa appears in one of the other temples. Some of the reliefs on the side of the temple are still quite clear, including the Kinnara-Kinnari and kala-makara carvings. The position of the Kinnara-Kinnari decoration flanks Kalpataru. Kinnara and Kinnari depict celestial beings who are half human and half bird. Meanwhile, Kalpataru is a heavenly tree that lives all the time, where all hope rests. This tree is described as having branches which are interpreted as strands of beautiful jewelry, so it is guarded by heavenly creatures such as Kinara-Kinari.
Research on Ngawen Temple was carried out by a Dutch researcher, Van Erp, who started it in 1920. He started excavating the temple by drying the rice fields where the temple was first discovered. Now, around this temple there are stretches of rice fields which offer their own beauty. The temple group consists of five buildings arranged side by side from North to South. Of the five buildings, only one temple is still intact, namely the 2nd temple from the north, while of the other four temples only the foot of the temple remains.
The architecture of this building consists of 3 parts, namely the foot of the temple, the body of the temple, and the roof of the temple. The basic shape of the temple is 4 rectangles with dimensions between 8.54 m x 10.84 m and 12.88 x 15.89 m. Each temple has an entrance staircase on the east.
Ngawen Temple was built around the VIII – IX century AD, namely during the Sailendra Dynasty. One of the unique things about this cultural heritage object is the presence of 4 lion statues in each corner of Temple II and Temple IV. The temple complex consists of 5 temples lined up parallel from north to south. The Ngawen Temple buildings all face east. In succession from the south, Ngawen Temples I, II, III, IV and V, each with a square plan. Temples II and IV have the same size and construction form.
Another attraction lies in the architectural art of this temple, namely the discovery of lion statues supporting the four sides of the temple building which were successfully reconstructed from 5 existing buildings. The carving style of this lion statue resembles the symbol of the lion in Singapore and functions to channel rainwater that comes out through the mouth of the statue. Of the five temples in the Ngawen Temple complex, only Temple II was completed in 1927. So its components are the most complete. Only the base/foot remains from the other four temples. Of all of them, the worst is Temple I, only the foundation remains.
Chandi Ngawen is parallel to Borobudur, Pawon and Mendut. The virtual line connecting these three temples continues eastward and reaches Ngawen Temple which is at the easternmost point. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide.
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Chandi Ngawen. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide. |
Chandi Ngawen has a Mahayana Buddhist religious background. In this building there are statues, such as one of the statues of Tathagata Ratnasambhawa which is no longer intact in the Ngawen II Temple room which was once restored.
The style and model of the enshrined Buddha statue is similar to the Buddha statue found in Borobudur, such as the sitting posture, careful workmanship, and smooth surface.
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| Chandi Ngawen Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide. |
Chandi Ngawen II has the same architectural components as Borobudur and Mendut Temples, this building has a ledge that surrounds the edge of the pradaksinapatha.
The balustrades at Borobudur are relatively high, the inner walls are even decorated with story reliefs, and the balustrades at Mendut Temple are around 100 cm high, whereas at Ngawen II Temple there are not many found and only a few stone structures remain at the base.
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Chandi Ngawen. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide. |
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Chandi Ngawen Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide. |
At the foot of Ngawen II Temple and the ruins of other temples at Ngawen Temple there is a "jagged seam" shape, the same as that found in Boorobudur and Mendut Temples. The "jagged seams" look like a row of small cubes emerging from the wall at the foot of the temple. The size of the "serrated seams" at Borobudur is larger than similar seams at Mendut and Ngawen temples.
Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide.
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| Welcome to Borobudur Temple |
Welcome to Borobudur.
UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide.
Exploring the narrative about Chandi Borobudur in a thematic tour is really fun by visiting and making your tour more complete, explore in more detail the thematic narrative of Borobudur's cultural heritage with Pamong Carita.
Stepping on Borobudur
History states that Chandi Borobudur is located right on a hill and was built in the middle of several mountains and hills. Looking to the west there are Mount Sundoro and Mount Sumbing. To the east are Mount Merbabu and Merapi. Looking to the north, approximately 15 kilometers from Borobudur is the Tidar hill, and to the south it is bordered by the Menoreh hills. Borobudur is located at the confluence of two rivers, namely Progo and Elo, which are located to the east.
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| Borobudur Main Stupa |
Chandi Borobudur or Barabudur is a Mahayana Buddhist temple built in the 9th century, consisting of 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. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo arisguide.
Read the narrative about Chandi Borobudur in several titles and topics in this blog article, by visiting and making your tour even more enjoyable, explore in more detail the thematic narrative of Borobudur culture with Pamong Carita.
Get reading material about Chandi Borobudur in Barabudur atau Borobudur, Candi Buddha Pusaka Budaya Indonesia.
Explore and get to know more about ancestral cultural heritage in KEBUDAYAAN BOROBUDUR - BELAJAR DENGAN PEMANDU WISATA.
Reading is more fun, explore thematic tourist narratives in more detail with Pamong Carita in KEBUDAYAAN BOROBUDUR - BELAJAR DENGAN PAMONG CARITA.
Reading the history and architecture and fine arts of Borobudur will be 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.
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Stupas of Borobudur |
Chandi Borobudur is located on a hill, surrounded by mountains and hills. Looking to the west there are Mount Sundoro and Sumbing. To the east are Mount Merbabu and Merapi. Looking to the north, approximately 15 kilometers there is the Tidar hill, and to the south it is bordered by the Menoreh hills. Borobudur is located at the confluence of two rivers, namely Progo and Elo, which are located to the east. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at 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.
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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.
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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. |
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Chandi Borobudur is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo at arisguide. |
arisguide
Its fun on the temple trip with me.
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