Bagaimana Candi Borobudur Dibangun?

Summary

The script delves into the spiritual significance and architectural marvel of Borobudur, a temple built by the Syailendra dynasty in Central Java during the 8th to 9th century. Originally a hill covered in tropical vegetation, it was transformed into a terraced pyramid symbolizing the journey from worldly desires to enlightenment. Constructed from andesite stones quarried near Mount Merapi, the temple's intricate carvings and white plaster exterior reflect the high cultural, economic, and technological achievements of ancient Javanese civilization. Borobudur stands as a testament to the grandeur and ingenuity of Indonesian heritage.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Borobudur is a spiritual pilgrimage site, designed to guide people from worldly desires towards the goodness and enlightenment of Dharma.
• 👑 It symbolizes the greatness of the Syailendra dynasty, which ruled Central Java during the late 8th to 9th century.
• 👷‍♂️ The construction of Borobudur was initiated by King Dharanindra and continued by his successors, including Maha Raja Samaratungga and his daughter, Queen Pramudawardhani.
• 🌳 Originally, the location of Borobudur was a hill covered with tropical vegetation, which was then transformed into a terraced structure resembling a stepped pyramid.
• 🏗️ The building material for Borobudur is andesite, a volcanic rock mined from the slopes of Mount Merapi, near Muntilan and Magelang.
• 🛠 The stones were carved to standard sizes, transported to the site, and assembled using interlocking techniques, with some specially carved for decorative elements like Buddha statues and Makara reliefs.
• 🔨 The construction process might have involved using inclined wooden structures or bamboo cranes to lift the stones into place.
• 🎨 The entire structure was covered with 'bajralepa', a white plaster made from a mixture of kaolin, lime, and plant resin, giving Borobudur a bright appearance under sunlight.
• ⏳ It took approximately 60-70 years to complete Borobudur, with its construction finishing around the year 850.
• 🌄 The layout of Borobudur is a mandala in the shape of a mountain, crowned with a stupa, representing a grand masterpiece of Indonesian civilization, showcasing the height of ancient Javanese culture, economy, and technology.
• 🎼 The script also mentions the musical accompaniment, suggesting the cultural and artistic depth of the era in which Borobudur was built.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of Borobudur as described in the script?

Borobudur is a spiritual pilgrimage site designed to guide people from worldly desires towards goodness and enlightenment in Dharma.

Who is credited with the construction of Borobudur according to the script?

The construction of Borobudur is attributed to the Syailendra Dynasty that ruled over Central Java during the late 8th and 9th centuries.

Who were the historical figures mentioned as continuing the construction of Borobudur?

The script mentions Maha Raja Samaratungga and his daughter, Queen Pramudawardhani, as the historical figures who continued the construction of Borobudur.

What was the original location of Borobudur before its construction?

Initially, the location of Borobudur was a hill covered with tropical plants and vegetation.

What architectural style does Borobudur represent?

Borobudur represents a terraced structure similar to a stepped pyramid or a tiered mountain, which is a symbol of the Syailendra Dynasty's greatness.

What type of stone was used in the construction of Borobudur?

The construction of Borobudur utilized andesite, a type of volcanic rock, which was quarried from the slopes of Mount Merapi near Muntilan and Magelang.

How were the stones in Borobudur shaped and assembled?

The stones were carved into standard sizes, then transported to the construction site and carved according to specific needs with interlocking techniques. Some stones were specially carved for decorations like Buddha statues, Makara, and water spouts.

What method was possibly used to transport the stones to the construction site?

The stones might have been transported using an inclined ramp made of wood and earth or by using a pulley system made of wood and bamboo.

What material was applied to the entire surface of the Borobudur structure?

A type of plaster called 'bajralepa' was applied to the entire surface of the structure, which is made from a mixture of kaolin, lime, and resin from the sap of a plant.

What was the estimated time of completion for Borobudur and how long did it take to build?

Borobudur was completed around the year 850, taking approximately 60-70 years to build.

What does the design and construction of Borobudur signify about the ancient Javanese civilization?

The design and construction of Borobudur signify the high level of cultural, economic, and technological sophistication of the ancient Javanese civilization.