Borobudur is on the Hill

Welcome to Borobudur, one of the sacred Buddhist monuments and a World Heritage site. The grandeur and beauty of Borobudur hold unique historical value for the Indonesian people. The Indonesian government has designated Borobudur Temple as a major tourist attraction and a priority destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Borobudur Temple attracts tremendous enthusiasm for visiting and exploring various narrative sources in thematic tours, with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of the history, architecture, and fine art of this building.

Friendly tour guides will accompany you on this exciting opportunity, providing narratives and explanations as a token of appreciation for your study and participation in preserving, protecting, and preserving our ancestral cultural heritage.

The purpose of this tour and visit is to get to know Borobudur better, learn about its history, and admire its grandeur and architectural beauty. Exploring the history and surroundings of Borobudur is about both great appreciation and participation in preserving and protecting this world cultural site.

View of Borobudur from Dagi Hill

The beauty of Borobudur, seen from Dagi Hill. Borobudur is a Buddhist temple built on a hill during the reign of Samaratungga around 824 AD. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Photo by arisguide.

Located in Borobudur

Ancient buildings dating from the ancient Javanese period of Indonesian history are, according to local stories, usually called Chandi. Initially, they referred not only to the temple building but also to its structure and other features, such as the shape of the gates and gateways, as well as the bathing area.

In descriptions of most temples in Java, the original names are generally unknown. Generally, most people living in nearby villages are unsure or even unaware of their existence. Several studies have shown that many rediscovered cultural relics are likely only mentioned by people from nearby villages.

However, some explain that they retained their names, and the village was named after the temple's discovery. It may have been pronounced, but it is difficult to determine whether the name Chandi Borobudur originated from the village where the building is located.

History states that Chandi Borobudur is situated right on top of a hill and built amidst several mountains and hills. Looking west, Mount Sundoro and Sumbing stand. To the east are Mount Merbabu and Merapi. Looking north, approximately 15 kilometers from Borobudur lies Tidar Hill, and to the south is bordered by the Menoreh Hills. Borobudur is situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Progo and Elo, to the east of Chandi Borobudur and Chandi Pawon.

Located in Barabudur, or Borobudur, its name comes from two words: "bara" comes from "biara," meaning a place of worship or Buddhist temple, and "budur" comes from the Balinese word "beduhur," meaning "above" or "hill." The meaning of "biara" and "beduhur" evolved into Bara Budur, as the sound shifted to Borobudur, meaning temple or monastery on a hill.

Borobudur Temple is a world cultural heritage site, a Mahayana Buddhist temple consisting of nine terraced terraces, six square terraces, and three circular terraces, and there is the largest stupa in the center, which is surrounded by 72 perforated stupas, and decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.

Borobudur Nearby

In the past, the island that was considered remote and uninhabited was Java. It was said to be floating in the ocean, requiring support and nailing to the center of the earth before it could be inhabited. A large nail, now a small hill, called Tidar Hill, lies to the north. And just fifteen kilometers south of Tidar Hill is Borobudur Temple.

The area around the "Paku Jawa," better known as the "Kedu Plain," is said to form the geographical center of the island. It is renowned for its extremely fertile soil and industrious inhabitants, explaining why the island is often called the "Garden of Java."

The fertile and green Kedu Plain, an area almost entirely surrounded by mountain ranges and hills, offers a breathtakingly beautiful natural landscape. Two pairs of volcanoes tower skyward: Mount Merapi and Merbabu to the northeast, and Mount Sumbing and Sindoro to the northwest. Looking west and south, the plain is bordered by a long chain of hills, forming a rugged, rocky slope with an infinite shape. Hence the name "Menoreh Range" (menoreh is short for "tower").

The southeastern corner of the plain is the only one unobstructed by mountain ranges; at this point, the Menoreh Range turns south before reaching the foot of Merapi. It is through this channel that the waters of the Kedu region leave the plain and flow into the Indian Ocean. The Kedu Plain is intersected by the region's two main rivers, the Progo and Elo, which both flow nearly parallel from north to south. Captured by the slopes of the southern ridge of the plain, the two rivers flow together, after which the Progo River carries its waters to the sea along the Menoreh Mountains, which turn south. The area around the confluence of the Progo and Elo rivers was once a sacred and important site.

Imaginary Corridor of Three Buddhist Temples

Most of the sacred structures in the Kedu Plain were erected here. Hindu and Buddhist shrines are, in a sense, clustered within a radius of less than three kilometers from the confluence of the two Kedu rivers. From west to east, the main Buddhist sacred structures in this area are: Chandi Borobudur, Chandi Pawon, Chandi Mendut, and the Chandi Ngawen complex, consisting of five structures.

The first three sanctuaries are assumed to have formed a single complex; although they stand at considerable distance from each other, a straight line drawn from Chandi Borobudur to Chandi Mendut via Chandi Pawon suggests a triad. This layout, however, is not found at Borobudur. Chandi Mendut is about three kilometers from Chandi Borobudur, while Chandi Pawon is about half that distance.

According to oral tradition, the triad was once connected by a paved processional path flanked by ornate balustrades. Several carved stones discovered in a field east of Borobudur village several decades ago are thought to be the remains of a pavement. The triad's extraordinary composition has led to much speculation about the relationship between Chandi Borobudur, Chandi Pawon, and Chandi Mendut.

Chandi Borobudur has no inner chamber, no place for worship. It was most likely a pilgrimage site, where Buddhists could seek Supreme Wisdom. The corridors surrounding the structure, which ascend successively to the uppermost terrace, were clearly intended for ritual circumambulation. Guided and guided by narrative reliefs, pilgrims walked from one terrace to the next in silent contemplation. Chandi Mendut, on the other hand, appears to have been a place of worship.

Chandi Mendut, on the other hand, appears to be a place for worship. The very small Chandi Pawon also has an interior room, but this building does not reveal which deity might have been the object of worship. Assuming that pilgrims must have passed Chandi Pawon on their way from Chandi Mendut to Chandi Borobudur, a stone-paved path along the processional route may indicate that Chandi Pawon served as a sort of hub on a long journey. After being purified through the main worship ceremonies at Chandi Mendut, and Chandi Pawon is a place to pause and reflect before finally continuing the pilgrimage to Chandi Borobudur where several series of journeys await.

Borobudur, Pawon, and Mendut are in a straight line

Borobudur, Pawon, and Mendut form an imaginary corridor, a road connecting the three temples. Chandi Mendut is approximately three kilometers from Chandi Borobudur, while Chandi Pawon is half that distance. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Photo by arisguide.

Chandi Borobudur

Borobudur Temple is a World Heritage Site. This Buddhist temple sits a top on a hill in a plain surrounded by the two mountains of Sundoro-Sumbing to the northwest and Merbabu-Merapi to the northeast, Tidar Hill to the north, and Menoreh Mountains to the south. It is situated near the confluence of two rivers, the Progo and Elo, to the east.

Borobudur, or Barabudur, is named after two words: "bara," derived from the word "biara," meaning a Buddhist place of worship or temple, and "budur," derived from the Balinese word "beduhur," meaning "above" or "hill." Later, the meaning of "biara" and "beduhur" evolved into Bara Budur, as the sound shifted to Borobudur, meaning temple or monastery on a hill.

Chandi Borobudur has no interior rooms, and no place for Buddhists to worship. It was most likely a pilgrimage site, where Buddhists could seek the highest wisdom and attain enlightenment. The corridors surrounding the building, which ascend successively to the uppermost terrace, were clearly intended for ritual circumambulation. Guided by a series of narrative reliefs, pilgrims walk from one terrace to the next in silent contemplation. Chandi Mendut, on the other hand, appears to be a place for worship. The very small Chandi Pawon also has an interior room, but this building does not reveal which deity might have been the object of worship. Assuming that pilgrims must have passed Chandi Pawon on their way from Chandi Mendut to Chandi Borobudur, a stone-paved path along the processional route may indicate that Chandi Pawon served as some sort of hub on a long journey. After being purified through the main worship ceremonies at Chandi Mendut, and Chandi Pawon is a place to pause and reflect before finally continuing the pilgrimage to Chandi Borobudur where several series of journeys await.

Chandi Pawon

The name Pawon Temple is not widely mentioned, and its exact origin is unknown. According to epigraphist J.G. de Casparis, the word Pawon originates from the Javanese word awu, meaning 'ash'. Abu has the prefix pad- and the suffix -an, thus indicating a place.

In everyday Javanese, the word pawon means 'kitchen,' but de Casparis interprets it as 'perabuan,' or a place for ashes. Locals also refer to Pawon Temple as Bajranalan. This word likely comes from the Sanskrit words vajra, meaning 'lightning,' and anala, meaning 'fire.'

Pawon Temple is a square temple facing west, with a side dimension of 9.5 m and a height of 11.57 m. Pawon Temple was built around the mid-eighth century, approximately contemporaneous with the construction of Mendut Temple and Borobudur Temple.

According to J.G. According to de Casparis, Pawon Temple is the resting place of King Indra, who ruled the Ancient Mataram Kingdom from 782 to 812 AD. Pawon Temple was restored in 1903. No statues were found inside the temple's chambers, making it difficult to further identify its purpose.

One interesting aspect of Pawon Temple that can still be seen is its decoration. The temple's exterior walls are adorned with reliefs of the tree of life, the kalpataru, flanked by pots and kinara-kinari, half-human, half-bird creatures with human heads and bird bodies.

Chandi Pawon

Borobudur, Pawon, and Mendut form an imaginary corridor, a road connecting the three temples. Chandi Pawon is 1.5 kilometers from Borobudur. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur , arisguide. Photo by arisguide.

Chandi Mendut

Built around the 8th century AD, according to the Karangtengah inscription, Mendut Temple was erected during the reign of King Indra of the Syailendra dynasty. The Karangtengah inscription, dated 824 AD, explains that King Indra built a sacred structure called wenuwana, meaning bamboo forest, and Dutch archaeologist J.G. de Casparis linked this word to the Mendut Temple.

The temple is rectangular in shape with a single chamber, measuring 24.15 m x 27.66 m and 26.4 m high. Restoration of Mendut Temple took place between 1897 and 1904. Then, in 1908, it was carried out by Theodore van Erp. After that, in 1925, the stupa was reinstalled on the temple roof. The building materials used to construct Mendut Temple were brick covered with natural stone.

This building is situated on a high plateau, giving it a more majestic and sturdy appearance. The ascending staircase and entrance face southwest. Above the plateau, a corridor surrounds the temple. The roof is three-tiered and decorated with small stupas. There are currently 48 such stupas installed.

There are statues inside the garbhaghriya, or chamber, of the three main statues: Awalokitecwara, Shakyamuni, and Vajrapani. The reliefs at Mendut Temple depict the Jataka tales, or animal stories. The animals depicted in the relief panels represent incarnations of Bodhisattvas who descend to Earth and teach humanity morality.

Chandi Mendut

Borobudur, Pawon, and Mendut form an imaginary corridor, a road connecting three temples. Chandi Mendut is 3 kilometers from Borobudur. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Photo by arisguide.

Chandi Ngawen

Evidence of Ngawen Temple's Buddhist background is the discovery of the Dhyani Buddha Ratnasambhawa statue in Temple II and the Dhyani Buddha Amithaba statue in Temple IV. Based on its architectural style, this temple site was built around the 9th-10th century AD.

The building's shape has a distinctive feature that distinguishes it from other temples, namely the decoration of lion statues at its four corners. At first glance, it almost resembles a Hindu temple because of its tapering shape. However, upon closer inspection, this temple features stupas and terraces (steps), which are symbols of Buddhist temples.

It is estimated that this temple was built by the rulers of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom of the Sailendra dynasty in the 8th century. According to Soekmono, Ngawen Temple is most likely the sacred building mentioned in the Karangtengah inscription of 824 AD, named Venuvana in Sanskrit, meaning "bamboo forest."

This temple consists of five small structures, two of which have distinct shapes, adorned with lion statues at their four corners. A headless Buddha statue, Ratnasambawa, is visible on one of the other temples.

Several reliefs on the sides of the temple are still clearly visible, including carvings of Kinnara, Kinnari, and kala-makara. The Kinnara and Kinnari are flanked by Kalpataru. Kinnara and Kinnari depict celestial beings, half-human and half-bird. Kalpataru, on the other hand, is a celestial tree that lives forever, upon which all hopes rest. This tree is depicted as having branches interpreted as beautiful strands of jewelry, thus being guarded by celestial beings like Kinara Kinari.

One of the earliest studies of Ngawen Temple was conducted by Dutch researcher Van Erp, who began excavations in 1920. He began by draining the rice paddy where it was first discovered. Now, the temple is surrounded by expanses of rice paddies, offering a unique beauty.

The temple complex consists of five buildings arranged side by side from north to south. Of these five, only one remains intact, the second from the north; the other four only have their bases.

Chandi Ngawen

Borobudur, Pawon, and Mendut form an imaginary corridor, a road connecting three temples. Chandi Ngawen is 5 kilometers from Borobudur, due to its proximity to the Buddhist temple. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Photo by arisguide.

Lake of Borobudur

Unlike other temples built on flat land, Borobudur was built on a hill 265 meters above sea level and 15 meters above the bottom of a dried-up ancient lake. The existence of this ancient lake became a hot topic among archaeologists in the 20th century, leading to speculation that Borobudur was built on the edge or even in the center of a lake.

Lake of Borobudur

Illustration of Borobudur architecture resembling a lotus flower. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Photo arisguide.

The popular belief about the existence of a processional route contradicts the hypothesis proposed by Nieuwenkamp in 1931, that the Kedu plain was once a large lake. He proposed that Chandi Borobudur was built to symbolize a lotus flower floating on the surface of the lake, a mythical lotus flower that signifies the birthplace of the future Buddha. This idea was based on his discovery that the monument's shape and layout depict a lotus rosette and petals surrounding a circular flowerbed, while its position on a hill suggests the lotus floating in the air.

Borobudur was built to symbolize a lotus flower floating on the surface of the lake. Lotus flowers, whether in the form of padma (red lotus), utpala (blue lotus), or kumuda (white lotus), can be found in all iconography of Buddhist religious art. They are often held by Bodhisattvas as laksana (symbol of regalia), as a seat for Buddha's throne, or as a pedestal for stupas.

The decorative elements and narratives carved into the temple's architecture were not created without reason. Each component has a distinct character and function, but they are interwoven to depict the path to Buddhahood, enlightenment, and liberation from samsara.

Borobudur's architectural form itself resembles a lotus flower, and the Buddha's posture at Borobudur symbolizes the Lotus Sutra, which is found primarily in Mahayana Buddhist texts, the school of Buddhism that spread throughout East Asia. The three circular platforms at the summit of Borobudur are also thought to represent lotus petals.

Nieuwenkkamp's theory sounds extraordinary and fantastical, but it has been widely refuted by archaeologists. Archaeological evidence has been found on the land surrounding the monument, proving that the area around Borobudur was dry land during the temple's construction, not the bed of an ancient lake.

Meanwhile, many geologists support Nieuwenkamp's view by pointing to evidence of muddy sediment deposits near the site. A 2000 study of stratigraphy, sediment, and pollen sample analysis supported the existence of an ancient lake in the Borobudur area, further strengthening Nieuwenkamp's theory.

In the historical narrative of Borobudur, a relief panel carved on the temple's foot wall, in the Karmawibhangga text, mentions the offering of footwear called 'Upanat' to Brahmins. One of the reliefs on the temple's foot wall, in the Karmawibhangga text, describes the offering of footwear called 'Upanat', footwear offered to Brahmins for merit and prosperity in life.

It explains that 'Upanat' is the name for the footwear worn when visiting the Borobudur Temple terrace. This visit aims to learn more about Borobudur, learn about its history, participate in a thematic tour, and admire the monument's grandeur and artistry. This is a form of appreciation and understanding of Borobudur, as well as a role in preserving and protecting the world cultural heritage site of Borobudur, Indonesia.

Chandi Borobudur

Chandi Borobudur or Barabudur is a 9th–century Mahayana Buddhist temple, which consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome, surrounded by 72 stupas and decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The meaning of the words "monastery and beduhur" changed to Bara Budur, as the sound shifted to Borobudur, meaning temple or monastery on a hill. There are 504 Buddha statues with six mudra hand positions, each representing a meaning and significance in Buddhist philosophy. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Foto arisguide.

Explore the history and marvel at the beauty of the architecture, as well as the historical significance of the construction of Borobudur Temple. Borobudur, a sacred building, is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and is located in Indonesia. Many historians have put forward theories about the origins of ancient Javanese civilization and the origins of Borobudur's construction, particularly during the Hindu and Buddhist eras. Indian culture, which entered Indonesia, had a significant influence on religious life and formed the basis for the existence of the kingdoms that ruled Java at that time.

Step into Borobudur

Ancient buildings dating from the ancient Javanese period in Indonesian history are often referred to as "chandi." Initially, they referred not only to the temple building but also to its structure and other features, such as the shape of the gates and gateways, as well as the bathing area.

In descriptions of most Javanese temples, their original names are generally unknown. Most people living in nearby villages are unsure or even unaware of their existence. Several studies have shown that many rediscovered cultural relics are likely only mentioned by people from nearby villages.

However, some explain that they retained their names, and the village was named after the temple's discovery. It may have been pronounced, but it is difficult to determine whether the name "Chandi Borobudur" originated from the village where the building is located.

According to legend, the architect of the Borobudur was named Gunadharma. Little is known about his name, but his name is based on Javanese folklore and legends rather than historical inscriptions. The legend of Gunadharma, based on folklore, concerns the Menoreh Hills, which resemble a reclining body. This local tale tells that Gunadharma's body transformed into the Menoreh Hills.

Chandi Borobudur represents a model of the universe and was built as a sacred place to honor Buddha and serve as a pilgrimage site to guide humanity from the realm of worldly desires to enlightenment and the highest wisdom, in accordance with Buddhist teachings.

Pilgrims enter through the east side and begin the ritual. They proceed clockwise, ascending the steps through the three levels of spiritual realms in Buddhist cosmology: Kamadhatu (the realm of desires), Rupadhatu (the realm of form), and Arupadhatu (the realm of formlessness). Pilgrims walk through a series of corridors and staircases, witnessing 1,460 relief panels carved into the walls and balustrades.

According to the history, Chandi Borobudur was abandoned around the 14th century and was first rediscovered by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British Governor-General of Java. History indicates that Chandi Borobudur was originally built as a sacred Buddhist structure. Borobudur served as a place of worship, veneration, and religious processions, with the goal of enabling Buddhists to attain the highest level of perfection, nirvana.

Chandi Borobudur consists of six square terraces topped by three circular courtyards. Its walls are decorated with 2,672 relief panels and originally contained 504 Buddha statues. The largest main stupa is located in the center and crowns the structure, surrounded by three circular rows of 72 perforated stupas containing Buddha statues seated cross-legged in the perfect lotus position with the Dharmachakra mudra (hand gesture) (turning the wheel of dharma).

The Legend of Gunadharma

Folklore about the Menoreh Hills. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Photo screenshot arisguide.

Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide.

Illustration of lake on Borobudur

Illustration of Borobudur architecture resembling a lotus flower and Borobudur Lake, a body of water to the northwest. Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Photo by arisguide.

Take the time and read the complete narrative and materials about Chandi Borobudur by visiting and make your trip more enjoyable, explore the more detailed thematic narrative of Borobudur culture with Pamong Carita. Reading becomes more enjoyable, delving into the narrative in more detail and reading in English is indeed fun and also seems very interesting to translate into an easy and flexible language, get detailed readings at Welcome to Borobudur Temple, the fabric of life in the Buddhist culture. Explore, admire the beauty of fine art in images and photos at PHOTO IMAGE BOROBUDUR.

Chandi Borobudur

Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Photo screenshot arisguide.