The Magnificent Candis of Borobudur: A Journey of Tradition and Spirituality
Hello PikiranMedia’s Friends, welcome to a journey of tradition and spirituality. Indonesia is a treasure trove of ancient monuments and Borobudur temple is one of the most significant and visited pilgrimage centers in the world. Built in the 9th century, Borobudur temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site that blends Hindu and Buddhist architecture to create a unique religious emblem in Central Java.
What is Borobudur
Borobudur temple measures 123×123 meters on the ground and is 35 meters high. It consists of six square terraces, each smaller than the one below, topped by three circular terraces. It has 72 stupas, each containing Buddha statues inside. The temple was abandoned in the 14th century and buried under volcanic ash until its rediscovery in 1814 by Sir Stamford Raffles, the British Governor of Java. Since its renovation during the Dutch colonial period, the temple has become a popular tourist attraction and a sacred site for Buddhists and Hindus around the world.
The Candis of Borobudur
Beside the Borobudur temple, there are four smaller shrines or candis situated around it. They are the Mendut Temple, Pawon Temple, Ngawen Temple, and the Lor Temples. These candis almost disappear in the shadow of the majestic Borobudur temple, yet they have their own significance and stories to tell.
The Mendut Temple is the largest of the four and predates Borobudur. Built in the 8th century, it features three chambers with impressive statues of Buddha, Maitreya, and Avalokitesvara. The Pawon Temple appears in between the Mendut and Borobudur temples and is believed to be a resting place for the funeral procession of King Indra in the 9th century. It houses a single large Buddha statue that is well-preserved.
The Ngawen Temple is the smallest of the four and is located in a quiet village near Borobudur. It was rediscovered in 1950 and features depictions of Hindu gods, such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The Lor Temples consist of two smaller temples located at the northeast and southeast of Borobudur temple. They are believed to be the home of the guardian deities who protect Borobudur from evil spirits. The Lor temples are the least visited of the four candis but offer a glimpse into the mysticism surrounding Borobudur.
The Significance of the Candis
The candis surrounding Borobudur are not merely smaller temples to visit. They speak of the deeper spiritual and cultural significance of Borobudur and the people who built it. The candis reflect the religious and cultural diversity of Indonesia and its rich history. The integration of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs in the candis, as well as in Borobudur, symbolizes the harmony and coexistence of different religions and cultures in the country.
Moreover, the candis serve as a reminder of Indonesia’s glorious past and the ingenuity and skills of its people. The candis and Borobudur are a testament to the creativity, artistry, and devotion that existed among the people who built them.
Conclusion
The candis surrounding Borobudur offer visitors a chance to explore and appreciate the rich spiritual and cultural heritage of Indonesia. Each candi holds its own story and significance, adding to the mysticism and reverence that surrounds Borobudur. A visit to Borobudur and its candis is an enriching experience that anyone interested in history, culture, and spirituality should not miss.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more interesting articles!
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