◄ Borobudur, Indonesia [HD] ►

Summary

Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist monument in Indonesia, is a shrine and pilgrimage site. Estimated to be built during the 8th century by the Sailendra dynasty, it represents three stages of mental preparation in Buddhism with its nine platforms. Despite periods of abandonment and rediscovery, Borobudur's intricate reliefs and stupas have been restored, making it a top tourist attraction with millions of visitors annually.

Takeaways

• 🌏 Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world, located in Indonesia and known locally as Candi Borobudur.
• 🏛 It serves both as a shrine to Lord Buddha and a site for Buddhist pilgrimage.
• 🤔 The exact time and reason for Borobudur's construction are unknown, but it's estimated to have been built during the Sailendra dynasty in the mid-8th century.
• 🏰 Borobudur was part of a series of temples built during a time of power shifts between the Buddhist Sailendras and the Hindu Sanjayas.
• 🔍 Archaeologists believe there was no large-scale religious conflict on Java, despite the dynastic rivalry.
• 🏜️ The temple was abandoned for unknown reasons, possibly due to a shift in power or volcanic eruptions.
• 🗿 Borobudur was rediscovered in the 19th century by British Governor General Thomas Stamford Raffles and his expedition.
• 🛠️ Major restoration projects in the 20th century, including a UNESCO-led project from 1975 to 1982, helped to preserve and restore Borobudur.
• 📖 The temple's structure is based on Buddhist cosmology, with nine platforms representing different stages of mental preparation.
• 🎨 The lower platforms feature relief panels depicting Buddhist stories, while the upper levels contain numerous stupas with Buddha statues.
• 📐 The temple's design includes a 'hidden foot' with additional reliefs, possibly added to provide extra weight to the structure.

Q & A

What is the local name for Borobudur Temple?

The local name for Borobudur Temple is Candi Borobudur.

What is the historical significance of Borobudur in terms of its religious function?

Borobudur serves as a shrine to the Lord Buddha and is also a place for Buddhist pilgrimage.

When was Borobudur estimated to have been built?

Borobudur is estimated to have been built during the Sailendra dynasty in the mid-8th century.

How long did it take to complete Borobudur?

It took around 75 years to complete Borobudur.

What was the historical context of power dynamics during the construction of Borobudur?

The construction period was marked by power shifts between two rival families, the Buddhist Sailendras and the Hindu Sanjayas, both of whom built large temples.

Why was Borobudur abandoned?

The exact reason for Borobudur's abandonment is unknown, but it is believed to be possibly due to a shift in power to East Java and volcanic eruptions in the 10th century.

How was Borobudur rediscovered by foreigners?

Borobudur was rediscovered by foreigners in the early 19th century during the British rule of the Dutch East Indies by an expedition sent by Governor General Thomas Stamford Raffles.

What significant restoration project was undertaken for Borobudur in the 20th century?

A major restoration project was initiated by the Indonesian Government and UNESCO between 1975 and 1982, which included improving the foundation, cleaning the carvings, and installing a new drainage system.

What does the architectural structure of Borobudur represent in terms of Buddhist cosmology?

Borobudur is built to represent three stages of mental preparation linked to the worlds of Kāmadhātu (world of desires), Rupadhatu (world of forms), and Arupadhatu (formless world).

What is the significance of the relief panels found on the lower platforms of Borobudur?

The relief panels on the lower platforms depict stories from Buddhism, including the descent of the Lord Buddha from the Tushita heaven and his first sermon.

What is unique about the stupas found at the upper levels of Borobudur?

The upper levels of Borobudur feature seventy-two small stupas surrounding one large central stupa, with different decorations representing instability (diamond-shaped holes), stability (square holes), and eternity (solid main stupa).

What is the current status of Borobudur in terms of tourism?

Borobudur is the single most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia with several million visitors each year.