The document provides information on the history and architecture of Borobudur temple in Indonesia. Some key points: - Borobudur is a massive Buddhist stupa located in Indonesia, constructed in the 8th-9th centuries during the height of the Buddhist Sailendra dynasty. - It takes the form of a massive mandala consisting of 6 square platforms topped by 3 circular platforms, with over 500 Buddha statues and 2,600 relief panels depicting Buddhist teachings. - The monument guided pilgrims on a journey through 3 levels of Buddhist cosmology towards enlightenment. It was abandoned after the 14th century decline of Buddhism in Indonesia.

1. Mid-term examinationMid-term examination
Grade distributionsGrade distributions
100=0100=0
90=190=1
80=580=5
70=470=4
60=1060=10
50=350=3
40=440=4
30=230=2
20=420=4
10=110=1

2. Borobudur: A Fact SheetBorobudur: A Fact Sheet
 Kāmadhātu (the world of desire)Kāmadhātu (the world of desire)
 Rupadhatu (the world of forms)Rupadhatu (the world of forms)
 Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness)Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness)
 Gupta and post Gupta art from BengalGupta and post Gupta art from Bengal
 Monks and traders traveled between India and the islands of Bali, Java and Sumatra.Monks and traders traveled between India and the islands of Bali, Java and Sumatra.
 Flourishing commerce took place between India and Indonesia.Flourishing commerce took place between India and Indonesia.
 The art of Srivijaya period is based on Gupta styleThe art of Srivijaya period is based on Gupta style
 Fluidity of the form is the hallmark of high Gupta styleFluidity of the form is the hallmark of high Gupta style
 Length of the Borobudur stupa is 408’-- Height is 105’Length of the Borobudur stupa is 408’-- Height is 105’
 Five identical square terraces—each smaller in size than the one below—rest on aFive identical square terraces—each smaller in size than the one below—rest on a
plinth, making a total of 6 terraces.plinth, making a total of 6 terraces.
 Each terrace is walled off.Each terrace is walled off.
 The top square terrace contains 3 identical circular terraces—each smaller in size thanThe top square terrace contains 3 identical circular terraces—each smaller in size than
the one below.the one below.
 In the center of the 3rd circular terrace sits a closed stupa with a statue of Buddha inIn the center of the 3rd circular terrace sits a closed stupa with a statue of Buddha in
preaching/teaching mudra.preaching/teaching mudra.
 Borobudur located in the Dieng plautaeu of Central Java is a great monument.Borobudur located in the Dieng plautaeu of Central Java is a great monument.
 The Stupa is inspired by the Mahayana cosmogony.The Stupa is inspired by the Mahayana cosmogony.
 The stupa is conceived in the form of mandala as a Buddhist universe.The stupa is conceived in the form of mandala as a Buddhist universe.
 There are 2,672 panels and 504 Buddha statuesThere are 2,672 panels and 504 Buddha statues
 A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 BuddhaA main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha
statues seated inside perforated stupa.statues seated inside perforated stupa.
 A pilgrim proceeds from the lower to the higher level—from base to pure, i.e.A pilgrim proceeds from the lower to the higher level—from base to pure, i.e.
 Highest plane consists of the divine world, populated by 72 statues of Buddhas.Highest plane consists of the divine world, populated by 72 statues of Buddhas.

3. 1.1. Significance of number 72.Significance of number 72.
2.2. 72 is a magical number in Buddhist cosmology.72 is a magical number in Buddhist cosmology.
3.3. It’s a representation of Buddhist universe in a small scale—microcosm of macrocosm.It’s a representation of Buddhist universe in a small scale—microcosm of macrocosm.
4.4. Access to the top is gained from a walkway on each cardinal direction.Access to the top is gained from a walkway on each cardinal direction.
5.5. The structure is open to the sky.The structure is open to the sky.
6.6. Ground represents the workings of Karma that represents cycle of birth and rebirth—the worldGround represents the workings of Karma that represents cycle of birth and rebirth—the world
of Samsara.of Samsara.
7.7. First terrace—i.e. the 6th—was originally concealed from view.First terrace—i.e. the 6th—was originally concealed from view.
8.8. Not clear the purpose—for iconographic reasons or for structural—e.g. providing a buttress forNot clear the purpose—for iconographic reasons or for structural—e.g. providing a buttress for
the main structure.the main structure.
9.9. Visible plane depicts Jataka tales.Visible plane depicts Jataka tales.
10.10. Next higher level depicts scenes from the life of the Buddha, i.e. Shakyamuni.Next higher level depicts scenes from the life of the Buddha, i.e. Shakyamuni.
11.11. Higher still are relief illustrating Mahayana scriptures—episodes from the lives of variousHigher still are relief illustrating Mahayana scriptures—episodes from the lives of various
Bodhisattvas.Bodhisattvas.
12.12. In Indonesian, ancient temples are known asIn Indonesian, ancient temples are known as candicandi
13.13. "Borobudur Temple" is locally known as"Borobudur Temple" is locally known as Candi BorobudurCandi Borobudur
14.14. The termThe term candicandi also is used more loosely to describe any ancient structure, for example gatesalso is used more loosely to describe any ancient structure, for example gates
and bathing structuresand bathing structures
15.15. The nameThe name Bore-BudurBore-Budur, and, and BoroBudurBoroBudur, is thought to have been written by Sir Thomas Raffles, is thought to have been written by Sir Thomas Raffles
in English grammar to mean the nearby village of Bore; mostin English grammar to mean the nearby village of Bore; most candicandi are named after a nearbyare named after a nearby
village. If it followed Javanese language, the monument should have been named ‘BudurBoro’village. If it followed Javanese language, the monument should have been named ‘BudurBoro’
16.16. Raffles also suggested that 'Budur' might correspond to the modern Javanese wordRaffles also suggested that 'Budur' might correspond to the modern Javanese word BudaBuda
("ancient") – i.e., "ancient Boro". However, another archaeologist suggests the second("ancient") – i.e., "ancient Boro". However, another archaeologist suggests the second
component of the name (component of the name (BudurBudur) comes from Javanese term) comes from Javanese term bhudharabhudhara (mountain).(mountain).
17.17. The pilgrims begin at the base of the stupa by circumambulating the monument whileThe pilgrims begin at the base of the stupa by circumambulating the monument while
ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namelyascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely KāmadhātuKāmadhātu (the(the
world of desire),world of desire), RupadhatuRupadhatu (the world of forms) and(the world of forms) and ArupadhatuArupadhatu (the world of formlessness).(the world of formlessness).

4. During the journey the monument guides the pilgrims through a system ofDuring the journey the monument guides the pilgrims through a system of
stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall andstairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and
the balustrades.the balustrades.
10 miles of reliefs surround the stupa, a staggering number.10 miles of reliefs surround the stupa, a staggering number.
Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the 14th-centuryEvidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the 14th-century
decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanesedecline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese
conversion to Islam.conversion to Islam.
Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by SirWorldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by Sir
Thomas Stamford Raffles, then the British ruler of Java, who was advisedThomas Stamford Raffles, then the British ruler of Java, who was advised
of its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since beenof its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since been
preserved through several restorations.preserved through several restorations.
The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982
by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which theby the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which the
monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage; once a year Buddhists in IndonesiaBorobudur is still used for pilgrimage; once a year Buddhists in Indonesia
celebrate Vesak at the monument, and Borobudur is Indonesia's singlecelebrate Vesak at the monument, and Borobudur is Indonesia's single
most visited tourist attraction.most visited tourist attraction.

5. There is no written record of who built Borobudur.There is no written record of who built Borobudur.
The construction time has been estimated by comparison between carved reliefsThe construction time has been estimated by comparison between carved reliefs
on the temple's hidden foot and the inscriptions commonly used in royal charterson the temple's hidden foot and the inscriptions commonly used in royal charters
during the 8th and 9th centuries. Borobudur was likely founded around 800 CE.during the 8th and 9th centuries. Borobudur was likely founded around 800 CE.
This corresponds to the period between 760 and 830 CE, the peak of the SailendraThis corresponds to the period between 760 and 830 CE, the peak of the Sailendra
dynasty in central Java, when it was under the influence of the Srivijayan Empire.dynasty in central Java, when it was under the influence of the Srivijayan Empire.
The construction has been estimated to have taken 75 years and been completedThe construction has been estimated to have taken 75 years and been completed
during the reign of Samaratungga in 825.during the reign of Samaratungga in 825.
There is confusion between Hindu and Buddhist rulers in Java around that time.There is confusion between Hindu and Buddhist rulers in Java around that time.
The Sailendras were known as ardent followers of Lord Buddha, though stoneThe Sailendras were known as ardent followers of Lord Buddha, though stone
inscriptions found at Sojomerto suggest they may have been Hindus.inscriptions found at Sojomerto suggest they may have been Hindus.
It was during this time that many Hindu and Buddhist monuments were built on theIt was during this time that many Hindu and Buddhist monuments were built on the
plains and mountain in the area.plains and mountain in the area.
Construction of Buddhist temples, including Borobudur, at that time was possibleConstruction of Buddhist temples, including Borobudur, at that time was possible
because Sanjaya's immediate successor, Rakai Panangkaran, granted hisbecause Sanjaya's immediate successor, Rakai Panangkaran, granted his
permission to the Buddhist followers to build such temples.permission to the Buddhist followers to build such temples.
In fact, to show his respect, Panangkaran gave the village of Kalasan to theIn fact, to show his respect, Panangkaran gave the village of Kalasan to the
Buddhist community, as is written in the Kalasan Charter dated 778 AD.Buddhist community, as is written in the Kalasan Charter dated 778 AD.
This has led some archaeologists to believe that there was never serious conflictThis has led some archaeologists to believe that there was never serious conflict
concerning religion in Java as it was possible for a Hindu king to patronize theconcerning religion in Java as it was possible for a Hindu king to patronize the
establishment of a Buddhist monument; or for a Buddhist king to act likewise.establishment of a Buddhist monument; or for a Buddhist king to act likewise.

6. Indonesia linkIndonesia link
http://portal.sliderocket.com/shimkhada/Indonesiahttp://portal.sliderocket.com/shimkhada/Indonesia

7. Indonesia: JavaIndonesia: Java
Terms to rememberTerms to remember
BorobudurBorobudur
BengalBengal
SrivijayaSrivijaya
MandalaMandala
Buddhist universeBuddhist universe
MahayanaMahayana
BodhisattvaBodhisattva
DevarajaDevaraja
ShakyamuniShakyamuni
Bodhisattvas (108)Bodhisattvas (108)
Kāmadhātu (the world of desire),Kāmadhātu (the world of desire),
Rupadhatu (the world of forms)Rupadhatu (the world of forms)
Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness)Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness)

8. Indonesia is an archipelago
comprising approximately
17,508 islands. It has 33
provinces with over 238
million people, and is the
world's fourth most
populous country.
Java

15. The History of Indonesia is shaped by its geographic position,The History of Indonesia is shaped by its geographic position,
its natural resources, the series of human migrations, contacts,its natural resources, the series of human migrations, contacts,
economy and trade, conquests and politics.economy and trade, conquests and politics.
Indonesia is an archipelagic country of 17,508 islands (6,000Indonesia is an archipelagic country of 17,508 islands (6,000
inhabited) stretching along the equator in South East Asia.inhabited) stretching along the equator in South East Asia.
The country's strategic sea-lane position fostered inter-islandThe country's strategic sea-lane position fostered inter-island
and international trade; trade has since fundamentally shapedand international trade; trade has since fundamentally shaped
Indonesian history.Indonesian history.
The area of Indonesia is populated by peoples of variousThe area of Indonesia is populated by peoples of various
migrations, creating a diversity of cultures, ethnicities, andmigrations, creating a diversity of cultures, ethnicities, and
languages.languages.
The archipelago's landforms and climate significantlyThe archipelago's landforms and climate significantly
influenced agriculture and trade, and the formation of states.influenced agriculture and trade, and the formation of states.

16. Indonesian dynastic kingdomsIndonesian dynastic kingdoms
Tarumanagara (358–669)Tarumanagara (358–669)
Kalingga (6th–7th century)Kalingga (6th–7th century)
Srivijaya (7th–13th centuries)Srivijaya (7th–13th centuries)
Sailendra (8th–9th centuries)Sailendra (8th–9th centuries)

17. Indonesia=India and Asia/Indian AsiaIndonesia=India and Asia/Indian Asia
Gupta and post Gupta art from BengalGupta and post Gupta art from Bengal
Monks and traders traveled between India and theMonks and traders traveled between India and the
islands of Java, Bali, etc.islands of Java, Bali, etc.
Indonesian traders built temples in Bengal as an actIndonesian traders built temples in Bengal as an act
of homageof homage
Flourishing commerce took place between the twoFlourishing commerce took place between the two
countriescountries
The art of Srivijaya period is based on Gupta styleThe art of Srivijaya period is based on Gupta style
Fluidity of form is the hallmark of high Gupta styleFluidity of form is the hallmark of high Gupta style

18. Mahameru (Semeru) above Mount Bromo, East Java
Indonesia is home to many active volcanoes

26. An architectural model of the Prambanan temple complex, originally there was 240 temples stood in this temple compound

27. Prambanan temple complex

28. Prambanan, the largest Hindu Temple in
Indonesia
The temples are made of volcanic rocks

31. Candi Plaosan in Prambanan (9th century)

34. Prambanan is a ninth
century Hindu temple
dedicated to Trimurti, the
expression of God as the
Creator (Brahma), the
Sustainer (Vishnu) and the
Destroyer (Shiva).
The temple is a UNESCO
World Heritage Site,
currently is the largest
Hindu temple in Indonesia,
and is one of the largest
Hindu temples in south-east
Asia.
It is characterised by its tall
and pointed architecture,
typical of Hindu temple
architecture.

40. Prambanan temple

41. CandiTikus, Trowulan

42. Ship voyage. Ship carved on Borobudur stupa, c. 800 CE. Indonesian outrigger boats may have made trade voyages to the
east coast of Africa as early as the 1st century CE

43. Borobudur lay hidden for centuries under layers of volcanic ashBorobudur lay hidden for centuries under layers of volcanic ash
and jungle growth.and jungle growth.
The facts behind its abandonment remain a mystery.The facts behind its abandonment remain a mystery.
It is not known when active use of the monument and BuddhistIt is not known when active use of the monument and Buddhist
pilgrimage to it ceased.pilgrimage to it ceased.
Sometime between 928 and 1006, King Mpu Sindok moved theSometime between 928 and 1006, King Mpu Sindok moved the
capital of the Medang Kingdom to the region of East Java aftercapital of the Medang Kingdom to the region of East Java after
a series of volcanic eruptions; it is not certain whether thisa series of volcanic eruptions; it is not certain whether this
influenced the abandonment, but several sources mention this asinfluenced the abandonment, but several sources mention this as
the most likely period of abandonment.the most likely period of abandonment.
Soekmono in 1976 mentions the popular belief that the templesSoekmono in 1976 mentions the popular belief that the temples
were disbanded when the population converted to Islam in thewere disbanded when the population converted to Islam in the
15th century.15th century.

44. Ravana kidnapping Sita while the Jatayu on the left tried to help her. Prambanan bas-relief

46. Candi Mendut, Central Java, Indonesia
The Buddhist temple of Candi Mendut is located about 3km (2
mi) east of Borobudur, and dates from the same period (c. 800
AD, reign of Sailendra Indra).
Its unusual northwest orientation is unexplained.
Like most ancient temples in Java, it was found in ruined
condition by the Dutch, and later restored by anastylosis.
The top of the roof is missing; it could not be recovered, due to
the removal of its (presumably) scattered stones by unknown
causes (human reuse? flooding?) in earlier times.

47. Candi Mendut, 9th
century. It’s the oldest of the three temples including Pawon and Borobudur. According
to an inscription dated 824, the temple was built and finished during the reign of King Indra of Sailendra
dynasty as a sacred bamboo forest called Venuvana.

48. Statue of Shakyamuni Buddha
Central Shrine, Candi Mendut
This colossal (10 ft tall) statue of
Shakyamuni, located in the interior
cella of Candi Mendut, is very special.
It is the oldest (c. 800 AD, the largest,
and the finest statue of the historical
Buddha that still remains in its original
location in Java.
The Buddha is seated in "Western"
style, legs apart (cf: Ajanta, Cave 26),
displays dharmachakra mudra, and is
flanked by two bodhisattvas (following
pages).
In this temple, as in few other places in
Java, modern visitors can experience
something of the awe and majesty that
inspired the devotees who first
worshiped here, over a thousand years
ago.

49. Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara
Central Shrine, Candi Mendut
The 9 ft tall statue of Avalokiteshvara is
located in front of the perpendicular wall
of the cella, to the viewer's left of
Shakyamuni.
The bodhisattva of compassion is
identified by a small statue of Amitabha
Buddha that is carved into the top of his
crown.
Seated on a lotus throne in "Royal Ease,"
his extended right hand holds a missing
attribute, and his raised left hand holds a
missing lotus stem.

50. Bodhisattva Vajrapani
Central Shrine, Candi Mendut
The identity of this bodhisattva is
disputed. If he is really Vajrapani,
then the bodhisattva on the left
should be Padmapani

51. Relief Of Atavaka, Inner Southwest Wall of the Porch, Candi Mendut
Twin reliefs on the inner walls of the porch illustrate the popular Buddhist legend of Hariti, a
Hindu ogress and plague goddess who was converted by the Buddha to become the
protectoress of children1. Her relief (not shown) is displayed on the inner northeast wall of the
porch. Seen here, on the inner southwest wall, is a rare and unusual relief of her husband,
Atavaka (or, Panchika) surrounded by the children whom he, like his wife, is now protecting.

52. The Story Of The Foolish Tortoise, Northeast Wing of the Stairway, Candi Mendut
The outer walls of the stairway exhibit fine reliefs of the Tantri Tales: these are moralizing stories about
animals, the charming East Asian equivalent of Aesop's Fables in the West. The story illustrated here is
about a foolish tortoise who, chased by hunters, suspended himself by his jaws from a stick, and convinced
two geese to carry him to safety. But the silly turtle could not stop himself from opening his mouth to boast
of his cleverness, which of course caused him to lose his grip on the stick, and so he fell down to his death
on the rocks below.

54. Prajñāpāramitā statue from East Java

56. Goddess Prajnaparamita

57. The most beautiful and elegant of all Buddha images
is the one at Mulaghandhi Kuta Vihare at
Sarnath, India, 6th
century, Gupta period

58. Seated image of the Buddha in Western style
6th
century, Sarnath, India
Now in British Museum
,

59. In what posture does this figure stand?

60. Borobudur, IndonesiaBorobudur, Indonesia

61. Eruption of Mount Merapi probably caused the abandonment of Borobudur

67. Dharmachakra Pravardana Mudra

69. Borobudur Stupa
Length of the stupa is 408’-- Height is 105’Length of the stupa is 408’-- Height is 105’
Five identical square terraces—each smaller in size than oneFive identical square terraces—each smaller in size than one
below—rest on a plinth, making a total of 6 terraces.below—rest on a plinth, making a total of 6 terraces.
Each terrace is walled off.Each terrace is walled off.
The top square terrace contains 3 identical circular terraces—The top square terrace contains 3 identical circular terraces—
each smaller in size than the one below.each smaller in size than the one below.
In the center of the 3In the center of the 3rdrd
circular terrace sits a closed stupa with acircular terrace sits a closed stupa with a
statue of Buddha in preaching/teaching mudra.statue of Buddha in preaching/teaching mudra.
Borobudur located in the Dieng plautaeu of Central Java is aBorobudur located in the Dieng plautaeu of Central Java is a
great monument.great monument.
The Stupa is inspired by the Mahayana cosmogony.The Stupa is inspired by the Mahayana cosmogony.
The stupa is conceived in the form of mandala as a BuddhistThe stupa is conceived in the form of mandala as a Buddhist
universe.universe.

70. There are 2,672 panels and 504 Buddha statuesThere are 2,672 panels and 504 Buddha statues
A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, isA main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is
surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.
A pilgrim proceeds from low to high—from base to pure, i.e.A pilgrim proceeds from low to high—from base to pure, i.e.
Highest plane consists of the divine world, populated by 72Highest plane consists of the divine world, populated by 72
statues of Buddhas.statues of Buddhas.
Significance of number 72.Significance of number 72.
72 is a magical number in Buddhist cosmology.72 is a magical number in Buddhist cosmology.
It’s a representation of Buddhist universe in a small scale—It’s a representation of Buddhist universe in a small scale—
microcosm of macrocosm.microcosm of macrocosm.
Access to the top is gained from a walkway on each cardinalAccess to the top is gained from a walkway on each cardinal
direction.direction.
The structure is open to the sky.The structure is open to the sky.

71. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45
46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54
55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63
64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 =9
=9
=9
=9
=9
=9
=9
=9

76. Borobudur Stupa Symbolism
Ground represents the workings of Karma that represents cycle ofGround represents the workings of Karma that represents cycle of
birth and rebirth—the world of Samsara.birth and rebirth—the world of Samsara.
First terrace—i.e. the 6First terrace—i.e. the 6thth
—was originally concealed from view.—was originally concealed from view.
Purpose is not clear—for iconographic reasons or for structural—Purpose is not clear—for iconographic reasons or for structural—
e.g. providing as a buttress for the main structure.e.g. providing as a buttress for the main structure.
Visible plane depicts Jataka tales.Visible plane depicts Jataka tales.
Next higher levels contain scenes from the life of the Buddha, i.e.Next higher levels contain scenes from the life of the Buddha, i.e.
Shakyamuni.Shakyamuni.
Higher still are relief illustrating Mahayana scriptures—episodesHigher still are relief illustrating Mahayana scriptures—episodes
from the lives of various Bodhisattvas.from the lives of various Bodhisattvas.

77. In Indonesian, ancient temples are known asIn Indonesian, ancient temples are known as candicandi
"Borobudur Temple" is locally known as"Borobudur Temple" is locally known as Candi BorobudurCandi Borobudur
The termThe term candicandi also is used more loosely to describe anyalso is used more loosely to describe any
ancient structure, for example gates and bathing structuresancient structure, for example gates and bathing structures
The nameThe name Bore-BudurBore-Budur, and, and BoroBudurBoroBudur, is thought to have been, is thought to have been
written by Sir Thomas Raffles in English grammar to mean thewritten by Sir Thomas Raffles in English grammar to mean the
nearby village of Bore; mostnearby village of Bore; most candicandi are named after a nearbyare named after a nearby
village. If it followed Javanese language, the monument shouldvillage. If it followed Javanese language, the monument should
have been named ‘BudurBoro’have been named ‘BudurBoro’
Raffles also suggested that 'Budur' might correspond to theRaffles also suggested that 'Budur' might correspond to the
modern Javanese wordmodern Javanese word BudaBuda ("ancient") – i.e., "ancient Boro".("ancient") – i.e., "ancient Boro".
However, another archaeologist suggests the secondHowever, another archaeologist suggests the second
component of the name (component of the name (BudurBudur) comes from Javanese term) comes from Javanese term
bhudharabhudhara (mountain)(mountain)

78. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument
They follow a path circumambulating the monument while
ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist
cosmology, namely Kāmadhātu (the world of desire),
Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world
of formlessness)
During the journey the monument guides the pilgrims through
a system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief
panels on the wall and the balustrades
10 miles of reliefs surround the stupa, a staggering number.

79. The composition and distribution of relief story ledge on the wall and the temple are as
follows:
Level I
Walls A 120 frames Latitawistara
Walls B. Jataka and Avadana 120 frames
Ledge A Jataka and Avadana 372 frames
Ledge B Jataka and Avadana 128 frames
Level II
Wall frame Gandawyuha 128
Ledge Jataka and Avadana 100 frames
Level III
Walls 88 frames Gandawyuha
Ledge 88 frames Gandawyuha
Level IV
Walls 84 frames Gandawyuha
Ledge 72 frames Gandawyuha
Total number of frames 1460

80. Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the 14th-
century decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the
Javanese conversion to Islam
Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by Sir
Thomas Stamford Raffles, then the British ruler of Java, who was
advised of its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since
been preserved through several restorations
The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and
1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following
which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site
Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage; once a year Buddhists in
Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, and Borobudur is
Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction

81. There is no written record of who built Borobudur.There is no written record of who built Borobudur.
The construction time has been estimated by comparison betweenThe construction time has been estimated by comparison between
carved reliefs on the temple's hidden foot and the inscriptionscarved reliefs on the temple's hidden foot and the inscriptions
commonly used in royal charters during the 8th and 9th centuries.commonly used in royal charters during the 8th and 9th centuries.
Borobudur was likely founded around 800 CE.Borobudur was likely founded around 800 CE.
This corresponds to the period between 760 and 830 CE, the peakThis corresponds to the period between 760 and 830 CE, the peak
of the Sailendra dynasty in central Java, when it was under theof the Sailendra dynasty in central Java, when it was under the
influence of the Srivijayan Empire.influence of the Srivijayan Empire.
The construction has been estimated to have taken 75 years andThe construction has been estimated to have taken 75 years and
been completed during the reign of Samaratungga in 825.been completed during the reign of Samaratungga in 825.
There is confusion between Hindu and Buddhist rulers in JavaThere is confusion between Hindu and Buddhist rulers in Java
around that time. The Sailendras were known as ardent followersaround that time. The Sailendras were known as ardent followers
of Lord Buddha, though stone inscriptions found at Sojomertoof Lord Buddha, though stone inscriptions found at Sojomerto
suggest they may have been Hindus.suggest they may have been Hindus.
It was during this time that many Hindu and Buddhist monumentsIt was during this time that many Hindu and Buddhist monuments
were built on the plains and mountain in the area.were built on the plains and mountain in the area.

82. Construction of Buddhist temples, including Borobudur, atConstruction of Buddhist temples, including Borobudur, at
that time was possible because Sanjaya's immediate successor,that time was possible because Sanjaya's immediate successor,
Rakai Panangkaran, granted his permission to the BuddhistRakai Panangkaran, granted his permission to the Buddhist
followers to build such temples.followers to build such temples.
In fact, to show his respect, Panangkaran gave the village ofIn fact, to show his respect, Panangkaran gave the village of
Kalasan to the Buddhist community, as is written in theKalasan to the Buddhist community, as is written in the
Kalasan Charter dated 778 AD.Kalasan Charter dated 778 AD.
This has led some archaeologists to believe that there wasThis has led some archaeologists to believe that there was
never serious conflict concerning religion in Java as it wasnever serious conflict concerning religion in Java as it was
possible for a Hindu king to patronize the establishment of apossible for a Hindu king to patronize the establishment of a
Buddhist monument; or for a Buddhist king to act likewise.Buddhist monument; or for a Buddhist king to act likewise.

86. Queen Maya riding horse carriage retreating to Lumbini to give birth to Prince Siddhartha Gautama

87. Apsara

110. Queen Maya on her way to Lumbini to deliver her first child

113. Planets as mandala
Sun

114. Earth as Mandala

119. Mandala of Nairatmya
The globe as mandala