What is the Borobudur Temple Compounds World Heritage Site?
The Borobudur temple compounds are a world-famous Buddhist temple located in Central Java, Indonesia, and were registered as a World Heritage site in 1991. The monument was built between the 9th and 10th centuries under the rule of the Sailendra Dynasty.
In fact, the Borobudur temple was buried in the jungle for about 1,000 years and was rediscovered in 1814 by the British colonial administrator, Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles.
Borobudur is a massive stone pyramidal structure, and its grandeur overwhelms visitors at first sight. The entire temple has a base of 120 meters on each side, a height of 33.5 meters, and consists of nine platforms, on top of which stand large dome-shaped stupas. These stupas are carved with reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha and Buddhist teachings, and thousands of Buddha statues and reliefs are preserved.
Borobudur is known not only as a representation of Buddhist religious symbols and teachings but also as an architecture that reflects the Buddhist cosmology and philosophy. The design of the monument shows influences from both Hinduism and Buddhism, expressing a fusion of the two religions.
Furthermore, Borobudur is a crystallization of skillful craftsmanship. The intricate stone carvings and reliefs, as well as the detailed statues, demonstrate the superior skills and aesthetic sense of the artisans of that time. These works of art magnificently express the connection between Buddhist faith and art.
Moreover, the harmony of Borobudur with its surrounding natural environment is another one of its charms. The monument is situated in a beautiful, lush green hilly area, with volcanoes and majestic scenery stretching in the distance. Especially at sunrise and sunset, the figure of Borobudur shines beautifully, creating a fantastical landscape.
Borobudur is a globally valuable monument where the fusion of Buddhist faith, art, and architecture is magnificently expressed. Its grand scale and intricate carvings impress many people. Visitors can touch upon the history and beauty of Borobudur while quietly engaging in thought and meditation.
The History of the Borobudur Temple Compounds
Although there are few records from the time of its construction and many aspects of the Borobudur temple remain unclear, the following is known from several excavated inscriptions.
Date
Overview
Around 780
Construction begins during the Sailendra Dynasty.
792
The first phase of the construction of the Borobudur monument is completed.
824 – 832
The second phase of the construction of the Borobudur monument.
920
The Borobudur temple is covered by a large amount of volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Merapi.
11th century
It becomes buried in the jungle, partly due to the rise of Islam.
1814
It is rediscovered by Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles, who would later found Singapore.
Late 19th century
Restoration work on Borobudur begins by the Dutch and UNESCO.
20th century
The Borobudur temple gains international attention and becomes a tourist attraction.
1991
It is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2009
President Obama visits the Borobudur temple.
2023
The Emperor of Japan visits the Borobudur temple.
History of the Borobudur Temple
What is the Sailendra Dynasty (Wangsa Sailendra)?
The Sailendra Dynasty was a dynasty that was established in Central Java from the mid-8th to the early 9th century.
Inscriptions of the Sailendra royal family include the Kalasan inscription (778) and the Kelurak inscription (782). It is believed that the rule of the Sailendras in Central Java was established after King Panangkaran was given the title “King from the Mountain (Sailendra).” Subsequently, they temporarily overwhelmed the Hindu-worshipping Old Mataram Kingdom.
The royal family protected Mahayana Buddhism and built the Borobudur temple.
Finally
Thank you for reading to the end. This blog publishes articles about Indonesia, focusing on tourist information for Yogyakarta, so please be sure to check them out as well.
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