BAGAIMANA CARA GUNADHARMA MEMBANGUN CANDI BOROBUDUR?

Summary

The script delves into the enigmatic history of Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist monument. It remains a mystery who constructed it, with Gunadharma speculated as the architect, based on folklore rather than inscriptions. Estimated to be built around 824 CE and completed half a century later, it features 2,670 relief panels, stretching 6 km if laid out. The construction involved approximately 2 million andesite blocks, precisely carved and interlocked without mortar, sourced from distant quarries. This architectural marvel, a testament to the pinnacle of artistic and architectural achievement, stands as an enduring symbol of the nation's rich cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 🛕 Borobudur Temple is surrounded by numerous mysteries, including its construction and the origin of its name.
• 👷‍♂️ The architect of Borobudur is believed to be Gunadharma, a legendary and mysterious figure.
• 📜 Dutch historian Johannes De Casparis estimated that Borobudur was founded by King Samaratungga of the Syailendra Dynasty around 824 AD.
• 🏛️ The temple was completed during the reign of Queen Pramudawardhani, approximately half a century later.
• 🎨 Borobudur features 2,670 relief panels that, if laid end-to-end, would stretch for 6 kilometers.
• 🪨 Constructing the temple required around 2 million andesite stone blocks, intricately carved to interlock without any adhesive.
• 🏗️ The andesite stones were sourced from distant locations, adding to the complexity of the construction.
• 🧱 Skilled craftsmen carved the stones on-site, ensuring they fit together precisely like a giant Lego set.
• 💪 Moving the stone blocks to Borobudur's site required substantial manpower, with estimates of four people needed to carry each block.
• 🌄 The completed structure covers the entire Borobudur hill with a stepped, octagonal design, reaching a height of 35 meters.

Q & A

What is the mystery surrounding the origins of Borobudur?

The origins of Borobudur are mysterious because the exact method of its construction and the meaning behind its name are still unclear.

Who is believed to be the architect of Borobudur?

The architect of Borobudur is traditionally believed to be a figure named Gunadharma, though his identity is shrouded in legend and not based on historical records.

What role did Johannes De Casparis play in the history of Borobudur?

Johannes De Casparis, a Dutch historian, studied inscriptions and concluded that Borobudur was likely built by King Samaratungga of the Sailendra dynasty around the year 824 AD.

When was Borobudur believed to be completed?

Borobudur was believed to be completed during the reign of Queen Pramudawardhani, approximately half a century after its construction began.

How many relief panels does Borobudur have, and what do they depict?

Borobudur has 2,670 relief panels, which, if laid out, would stretch to about 6 kilometers. These panels depict various scenes, including stories from the life of Buddha.

What is notable about the construction technique used for Borobudur?

Borobudur was constructed using about two million blocks of andesite stone, carefully carved and interlocked without the use of cement or other adhesives, similar to a giant Lego set.

Where did the stones for Borobudur's construction come from?

The andesite stones used in Borobudur's construction were not found locally but were sourced from a distant location, requiring significant effort to transport them.

How were the stones for Borobudur prepared and transported?

The stones were first carved into blocks at the quarry, then transported by workers, with each block requiring around four people to carry it to the construction site.

What is the shape of the Borobudur structure, and how high is it?

Borobudur is constructed as a stepped pyramid with a square base and a central dome at the top, reaching a height of 35 meters.

Why is Borobudur considered a masterpiece of architecture?

Borobudur is considered a masterpiece due to its intricate design, extensive reliefs, and the sophisticated construction techniques used, all accomplished without modern technology.