On The Spot - Misteri Candi Borobudur

Summary

Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, stands as a testament to Indonesia's rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance. Built in the 8th century by the Sailendra dynasty, its origins remain shrouded in mystery. The construction process, precise stone placement, and symbolic design continue to puzzle researchers. The temple's design includes intricate carvings, 72 bell-shaped stupas, and numbers that suggest deeper spiritual meanings. Theories on the temple’s origins, purpose, and even the presence of an ancient lake nearby add to the enigma. Borobudur's enduring allure continues to captivate historians, archaeologists, and visitors worldwide.

Takeaways

• 😀 Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its majestic design and intricate architecture.
• 😀 The true origin of the name 'Borobudur' is uncertain, with some theories suggesting it derives from 'Sambara Budara' (mountain with terraces) or 'Bore' and 'Budur' (ancient village).
• 😀 Borobudur was built around 750 AD by the Sailendra dynasty, with the precise construction methods and origins of the stones remaining a mystery.
• 😀 The massive stones of Borobudur are speculated to come from Mount Merapi, but how they were transported to the site remains unanswered.
• 😀 The temple consists of 72 bell-shaped stupas, with the largest stupa at the top, symbolizing the path towards enlightenment.
• 😀 Researchers discovered that Borobudur might function as a solar clock, with the shadows cast by the stupas aligning in patterns that may have related to agricultural cycles.
• 😀 There is a mathematical mystery in Borobudur's design: when the numbers associated with the temple's features are summed, they often result in the number '1', which symbolizes unity or the oneness of Buddha.
• 😀 The temple has 10 levels, representing different stages in Buddhist spiritual enlightenment, with the total number of stupas and statues again summing up to significant numbers linked to the concept of unity.
• 😀 A theory suggests that the Borobudur site was once a lake, as the structure resembles a lotus flower, commonly associated with water in Buddhist symbolism.
• 😀 The existence of an ancient lake near Borobudur is supported by sedimentary evidence found in the area, though some archaeological studies dispute this theory.

Q & A

What is Borobudur and why is it significant?

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its unique architectural design and cultural significance, drawing visitors from all over the world who are fascinated by its history and mysteries.

Who is credited with discovering the location of Borobudur?

The location of Borobudur was discovered by H. Cornelius in 1814 under the orders of Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British governor of Java at the time.

What is the mystery behind the original name of Borobudur?

The original name of Borobudur remains a mystery. Some suggest it comes from the term 'Sambara Budara', which means 'mountain with terraces', while others link it to a local village, 'Bore', and 'Budur', meaning ancient.

How was Borobudur constructed given the limitations of the 8th century?

The construction of Borobudur remains a mystery, as the sophisticated architectural design and precise calculations required were beyond the known capabilities of 8th-century builders, suggesting an advanced understanding of engineering.

Where did the stones used for building Borobudur come from?

The exact origin of the stones used in Borobudur's construction is uncertain. One theory suggests that they came from Mount Merapi, but the logistics of transporting these stones to the temple site remain unexplained.

What is the function of the 72 stupas at Borobudur?

Borobudur features 72 stupas, each in the shape of a bell, with the largest stupa at the top. The stupas are believed to represent the stages of spiritual awakening and enlightenment in Buddhist practice.

What is the significance of the mysterious sun clock found at Borobudur?

Researchers discovered that Borobudur may have functioned as a solar calendar, with the shadows cast by the largest stupa creating a time-keeping system. The shadow might have marked agricultural cycles, such as planting and harvest periods.

What role does the number '1' play in the architecture of Borobudur?

The number '1' appears to be significant in the design of Borobudur. For example, the temple has 10 levels, and 1+0 equals 1. Other instances include the 73 stupas on the top level, where 7+3 equals 10, which then sums to 1.

What is the 'Arupadatu' level in Borobudur?

The 'Arupadatu' level represents the highest spiritual stage in Buddhist cosmology, symbolizing the absence of form and attachment. This area is represented by circular floors, which represent liberation from desire and attachment.

What is the theory of the 'ancient lake' surrounding Borobudur?

A theory proposed by Dutch artist Watch New Wencome suggests that the area around Borobudur was once a lake. While some archaeologists argue this is unlikely, geological evidence from 2000 shows sediment deposits around the temple, hinting that the area may have been submerged in water in the 13th and 14th centuries.