Borobudur

View of Borobudur::Borobudur Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
View of Borobudur
Borobudur Temple::Borobudur Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Borobudur Temple
Bas-relief::Borobudur Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Bas-relief
Relief Wall::Borobudur Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Relief Wall
Two Schoolgirls::Borobudur Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Two Schoolgirls

Borobudur on island of Java, Indonesia was built in the 9th century, but it has been abandoned for hundreds of years to be discovered for modern world in early 1800’s. This remarkably large stone structure is the biggest single Buddhist temple in the world. What distinguishes Borobudur is that this temple has no traditional building or chapel used for worship. This huge open structure was designed to express the Buddhist way of achieving the ultimate freedom - nirvana. The temple consists of two groups of terraces connected by steep staircases. The lower four are like a great book in the form of bas-reliefs that tell about the life of Buddha and his way to enlightenment. The top four terraces have no relievos, or ornaments. Walls are perfectly plain. The area is covered by many openwork stupas housing sitting Buddha statues. These circular terraces have no beginning or end. Walking there is like a journey into the state of meditation. The repeatability and perfect symmetry give a sense of understanding of infinity. The largest, central stupa which is the highest point of the whole structure is also a representation of nirvana.

Stupas of Borobudur::Borobudur Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Stupas of Borobudur
Stone Stupas::Borobudur Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Stone Stupas
Open Stupa::Borobudur Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Open Stupa
Lower Terrace::Borobudur Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Lower Terrace
Borobudur Terraces::Borobudur Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Borobudur Terraces

There are also two smaller Buddhist temples (candi) in the region. Candi Mendut and Candi Pawon lay in straight line with Borobudur. All of them are closely related, they are characterized by perfect symmetry and harmony of architectural designs.

Candi Pawon::Pawon Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Candi Pawon
Temple Ornaments::Pawon Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Temple Ornaments
Candi Mendut::Mendut Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Candi Mendut
Temple Entrance::Mendut Buddhist Temple, Java Indonesia::
Temple Entrance

Candi Pawon is the smallest of the three temples. It is a structure with a square base. Small terrace surrounds the temple. The interior of the building is now completely empty.

Candi Mendut is probably the oldest of the three temples. Originally it had two connecting rooms inside the building, but only one exists today. Inside the high chamber there are three statues of Bodhisattvas (Buddhist deities).


© 2010 Maciej Swulinski