The Story of Candi Borobudur: From Abandonment to Restoration
Hello PikiranMedia’s Friends! Today, we will take a journey back in time to discover the story of Candi Borobudur. This beautiful temple was abandoned for centuries until it was restored to its former glory. Let’s dive into the story.
The Abandonment of Candi Borobudur
Candi Borobudur is a ninth-century Mahayana Buddhist Temple located in Central Java, Indonesia. It was built during the Sailendra Dynasty, which is believed to have been one of the greatest Buddhist empires in ancient Indonesia. The temple took over 75 years to complete and covers an area of 123 square meters.
Candi Borobudur was abandoned in the 14th century due to the decline of the Sailendra Dynasty and the rise of Islam in Indonesia. The temple was buried by volcanic ash and was forgotten by the world for centuries.
The Rediscovery of Candi Borobudur
In the early 19th century, Sir Thomas Raffles, the Governor-General of Java, heard rumors of a lost temple in Central Java. He sent his Dutch lieutenant, H.C. Cornelius, to find the temple. Cornelius discovered Candi Borobudur buried under layers of volcanic ash and jungle foliage.
The temple was in a state of disrepair, and most of the stone reliefs were broken or missing. The jungle had taken over the temple, and it was covered in moss and vines.
The Restoration of Candi Borobudur
Candi Borobudur became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The Indonesian government began restoring the temple in the early 20th century, and the restoration was completed in 1983. The restoration took over 20 years to complete and was funded by the Indonesian government and UNESCO.
The restoration process was a challenging task. The temple was disassembled, the stones numbered, cleaned, and repaired before being reassembled in the original manner. The restoration process also included repairing the drainage system, installing new lighting, and providing access for visitors.
The Significance of Candi Borobudur
Candi Borobudur is a beautiful example of Mahayana Buddhist architecture in Indonesia. The temple is decorated with over 2,600 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The temple is divided into three levels, which represent the Buddhist concept of life. The lowest level represents the world of desire, the middle level represents the world of form, and the upper level represents the world of formlessness.
Candi Borobudur is also significant because it represents the cultural and religious heritage of Indonesia. The temple is visited by over 2 million tourists every year and is a source of national pride for the Indonesian people.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Candi Borobudur is a beautiful and significant temple that tells the story of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Indonesia. The temple was abandoned for centuries before being rediscovered and restored to its former glory. Today, Candi Borobudur is enjoyed by millions of people from around the world and is a symbol of national pride for Indonesia.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Stay tuned for another interesting article!