Borobudur is a grand monument located in the central part of the island of Java. It is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a significant landmark of culture and architecture. Since 1991, Borobudur has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex is renowned for its vast scale, unique architecture, and the world’s largest collection of Buddhist reliefs. Every year, it attracts millions of tourists and pilgrims.
Geographical location of the temple
Borobudur is situated on a hill in the central part of Java Island, in Magelang Regency, Borobudur Village. The complex is located:
• 100 km southwest of Semarang,
• 86 km west of Surakarta,
• 40 km northwest of Yogyakarta.
The temple rises above the Kedu Plain, surrounded by volcanoes:
• To the northwest – Mounts Sindoro and Sumbing.
• To the northeast – Merbabu and the active Mount Merapi.
• To the south – the Menoreh Hills, which, according to legend, depict the body of the sleeping architect of the temple, Gunadharma.
The Kedu Plain is famous for its natural beauty and fertile soil. It is considered sacred and is known as the “Garden of Java.” To the southeast, it borders the Kewu Plain, where the Prambanan temple is located.
Name of the temple
The exact origin of the name “Borobudur” is unknown. There are several theories:
- Great Buddha: from the words “Boro” (great) and “Budur” (Buddha).
- Ancient Boro: Sir Thomas Raffles suggested that the name is related to the area and translates as “ancient Boro.”
- Mount Boro: from the Javanese word “bhudhara,” meaning “mountain.”
- Buddha Vihara on high: according to Auguste Kempers, the name comes from the Sanskrit “Vihara Buddha Uhr.”
- Bhūmisambhāra Budhara: according to archaeologist Johannes de Casparis, this is the temple’s full name, which translates as “The mountain of the accumulation of the virtues of the ten stages of bodhisattvas.”
Influence and symbolism
Borobudur is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a symbol of Buddhist philosophy. It reflects the cosmic model of the universe, where each level of the temple corresponds to a stage of spiritual development. Its name, location, and unique design make Borobudur one of the most significant landmarks of Indonesia.
Architectural features and symbolism
Borobudur is a stepped pyramid with nine levels. The six lower tiers are square, while the three upper tiers are circular, crowned by a large central stupa. Its total height is 35.4 meters (42 meters with the now-lost umbrella-shaped chattra). The base covers an area of 123 x 123 meters.
• Material: The temple is built of andesite, a durable volcanic rock. More than 2 million stone blocks were laid without mortar, using a dovetail joint technique.
• Shape: Viewed from above, the temple resembles a Buddhist mandala – a symbol of the universe combining squares and concentric circles. The upper stupas symbolize the transition into a spiritual state.
• Levels:
- Base (Kamadhatu) represents the world of desires and passions.
- Body (Rupadhatu) symbolizes the world of forms, where appearances dominate.
- Upper section (Arupadhatu) represents the formless world, free from attachments.
Reliefs and statues
The temple walls are decorated with 2,672 panels of bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the life of Buddha, jatakas, and legends. Their total length exceeds 2.5 km, with more than 10,000 figures.
• On the levels of Rupadhatu, there are 432 Buddha statues in various poses (mudras). In total, the temple once had 504 Buddha statues, though some have been lost.
History
• 8th–9th centuries: The temple was built during the reign of the Buddhist Shailendra dynasty. Construction is believed to have taken around 75–100 years.
• 11th century: The eruption of Mount Merapi and other factors forced the locals to abandon the area. The temple was left deserted and eventually buried under layers of volcanic ash.
• 1814: The British governor of Java, Thomas Raffles, rediscovered the temple. Excavations began under the supervision of Hermann Cornelius.
• 1907–1911: The first major restoration was carried out by Dutch engineer Theodoor van Erp.
• 1975–1982: A large-scale restoration was conducted with UNESCO’s support, including strengthening the base and building a drainage system.
Modern significance
Borobudur was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. It has become a symbol of Buddhism and an important pilgrimage site. Major religious festivals, such as Vesak, attract Buddhists from all over the world.
• Tourism: The temple is visited by around 2 million people annually. To protect the site, restrictions were introduced in 2020: only 1,200 visitors per day are allowed.
• Threats: Mount Merapi continues to pose a danger. Its last major eruption in 2010 caused damage to the temple.
Park complex and museums
• Karmawibhangga Museum: exhibits archaeological finds and relief fragments.
• Samudra Raksa Ship Museum: showcases the maritime history of the region and a reconstruction of an ancient ship.
• Dagi Hill viewpoint: an ideal place to admire the temple from above.
Borobudur is not only a cultural heritage site but also a living sanctuary where the past meets the present.
Borobudur Temple is located here
