Architecture of Borobudur

Welcome to Chandi Borobudur, one of the sacred buildings of Buddhism as a World Cultural Heritage site. The splendor and beauty of Borobudur has its own historical value for Indonesian people. The government has designated Borobudur as a major tourist attraction, a priority tourist destination for local and foreign visitors.

Traveling and visiting Borobudur have enthusiasm aims to know its monument more closely, learn about its history and admire the splendor and beauty of architectural art, as an appreciation and participation in maintaining and protecting the world cultural heritage site of Borobudur.

Your journey to Borobudur will send to an excellent trip with the hospitality of Pamong Carita who will guide you on a special tour to visit and explore history, admiring the beauty of the arts and architecture of Chandi Borobudur more closely.

Step into Borobudur

Borobudur is a world cultural heritage site, the Mahayana Buddhist temple is located in Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The location of the temple is approximately 99 kilometers southwest of Semarang, 86 kilometers west of Surakarta, and 40 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta City.

Circular terraces decorated with rows of stupas on terrace of Arupadhatu

Source: Guiding technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Foto screenshot arisguide.

Architecture

Borobudur is a masterpiece of Indonesian Buddhist art, an example of the pinnacle of achieving harmony between architectural techniques and the aesthetics of Buddhist art in Java. Borobudur as a Mandala, a symbol of the universe in Buddhist cosmology.

The design of Borobudur uses tala measuring units, namely the length of the human face between the end of the hairline on the forehead to the tip of the chin, or the distance between the tip of the thumb and the tip of the little finger when the palm is fully extended. Of course, this unit is relative and varies slightly between individuals, but this unit remains in this monument.

Research in 1977 revealed a ratio of 4:6:9 found in this monument. Architects use this formula to determine the exact dimensions of a self-similar repeating fractal geometry in the Borobudur design. This mathematical ratio is also found in the design of the nearby Mendut and Pawon temples.

Circular terraces decorated with rows of stupas. Source: Guiding technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Foto screenshot arisguide.

Archaeologists believe that the 4:6:9 ratio and the tala unit have calendrical, astronomical and cosmological functions and significance. The same thing applies to the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia.

The building structure can be divided into three parts: base (legs), body, and top. The base measures 123×123 m (403.5×403.5 ft.) with a height of 4 meters (13 ft.). The body of the temple consists of five square terraces that get smaller at the top. The first terrace is set back 7 meters (23 ft.) from the end of the terrace base. Each subsequent terrace is set back 2 meters (6.6 ft.), leaving a narrow passage at each level.

The upper part consists of three circular terraces, each level supporting a row of interlocked stupas arranged concentrically. There is the largest main stupa in the center; with shoots reaching a height of 35 meters (115 ft.) from the ground. The original height of Borobudur, including the Chattra (three-tiered umbrella) which is now removed, was 42 meters (138 ft.).

Borobudur was built to symbolize a lotus flower floating on the surface of the lake.
Source: Guiding technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Foto arisguide.

The stairs are located in the middle of the four cardinal sides which take visitors to the top of the monument through a series of arched gates guarded by 32 lion statues. The gate gate is decorated with Kala carvings on the top of the center of the door and makara carvings protruding on both sides.

The Borobudur stairs climb through a series of carved Kala-Makara gates. Corridor with gallery relief carved walls A Buddha statue inside the stupa. Lion statue guarding the gate.

Decoration of Kala makara carved gate of Borobudur. 
Source: Guiding technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Foto screenshot arisguide.

Design Concept

Archaeologists suspect that the initial design of Borobudur was a single, very large stupa crowning the peak. It is suspected that the enormous and heavy mass of this giant stupa endangered the body and feet of the temple.

The Kala-Makara motif is commonly found in temple door architecture in Java. The main door is located on the east side, and is also the starting point for reading the relief story. This straight staircase continues to connect with stairs on the hillside that connects the temple to the surrounding plains.

The architect who designed Borobudur decided to dismantle this giant stupa and replace it with three rows of small stupas and one main stupa as it is now. The following are approximate stages of construction of Borobudur:

First stage

The construction period of Borobudur is not known for certain (approximately estimated between 750 AD and 850 AD).

First stage

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Borobudur was built on a natural hill, the top of the hill was leveled and the flat courtyard was expanded. In fact, Borobudur is not entirely made of andesite, parts of the earthen hill were compacted and covered with a stone structure so that it resembles a shell that encloses the earthen hill. The rest of the hill is covered with stone structures layer by layer.

Initially built-storey apartment layout. It appears to have been designed as a stepped pyramid, but was later changed. As evidence there is a layout that was dismantled. The first three steps were built which closed the original structure of the stepped pyramid.

Second stage

Addition of two square steps, a balustrade and one circular step on which a very large single stupa was directly built.

Second stage

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Third stage

There was a change in design, the upper steps of the circle with the single large main stupa were dismantled and replaced by three circular steps.

Third stage

Source: Guiding technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. Foto screenshot arisguide.

Smaller stupas were built in a circular row on this terraced platform with a large main stupa in the middle. For some reason the foundation was widened, an additional leg was built which encloses the original leg and covers the Karmawibhangga relief.

Archaeologists suspect that Borobudur was originally designed as a single, very large stupa crowning a square terrace. However, this large stupa was too heavy, causing the building structure to tilt outward. It is important to remember that the core of Borobudur is just a hill of land so that the pressure at the top will be distributed to the outside of the bottom so that Borobudur is threatened with landslides and collapse.

That's why it was decided to dismantle the large single main stupa and replace it with circular terraces decorated with rows of small stupas with interlocks and only one main stupa. To support the temple walls from collapsing, an additional leg structure was added that wraps around the original leg. This structure is a reinforcement and functions like a belt that ties it together so that the body of the temple does not collapse and fall out, as well as hiding the Karmawibhangga relief on the Kamadhatu section.

Fourth stage

There are small changes such as improving the relief, adding the outermost balustrade, changing the stairs and arch over the door gate, as well as widening the toe.

Fourth stage

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The ten courtyards of Borobudur depict the philosophy of the Mahayana school and simultaneously describe cosmology, namely the concept of the universe, as well as the levels of the natural mind in Buddhist teachings.

Like a book, Borobudur describes the ten levels of Bodhisattva that must be passed to achieve perfection in becoming a Buddha. The base of the square plan measures 123 meters (404 ft) on each side. This building has nine terraces, the bottom six terraces are square and the top three terraces are circular.

In 1885, a hidden structure was accidentally discovered at the foot of Borobudur. At this hidden foot there are reliefs, 160 of which tell the story of Karmawibhangga. On this relief panel there are carved characters which are instructions for the carver to create the scene in the relief image. This original foot is covered by the addition of a stone structure that forms a fairly large courtyard, the true function of which is still a mystery.

Initially it was thought that the addition of these legs was to prevent the monument from collapsing. Another theory suggests that the addition of these legs was due to an error in the design of the original legs, and is not in accordance with Wastu Sastra, an Indian book on architecture and urban planning. The reasons for adding and making additional legs are carried out carefully by considering religious, aesthetic and technical reasons.

The three levels of the spiritual realm in Buddhist cosmology are:

Kamadhatu

The feet symbolize a world that is still dominated by kama or "lower desires".

This section is mostly covered by piles of stones which are thought to have been made to strengthen the construction of the temple. On the original foot there are 160 panels of the Karmawibhangga story which are now hidden. A small part of the additional structure in the southeast corner was opened so that some reliefs can be seen in this section. The additional andesite foot structure that covers the original foot has a volume of 13,000 cubic meters.

Rupadhatu

The four terrace steps that form a surrounding corridor whose walls are decorated with relief galleries are called Rupadhatu. The floor is square.

Rupadhatu consists of four halls with 1,300 relief images. The total length of the relief is 2.5 km with 1,212 decorative carved panels. Rupadhatu is a world that has been able to free itself from lust, but is still bound by appearance and form. This level represents the intermediate realm, namely, between the lower realm and the upper realm.

In this part of Rupadhatu, Buddha statues are found in alcoves or niches in the walls above the balustrades or hallways. Originally there were 432 Buddha statues in open niches along the outside of the balustrade. On the balustrade there is a slight difference in design which symbolizes the transition from the Kamadhatu realm to the Rupadhatu realm; The lowest balustrade is crowned with a pearl, while the four levels of balustrade above it are crowned with stupika (small stupa). These square terraces are rich in decoration and relief carvings.

Arupadhatu

In contrast to the Rupadhatu hallways which are rich in reliefs, from the fifth to the seventh floor the walls do not have reliefs. This level is called Arupadhatu (which means formless or formless). The floor plan is circular.

This level represents the upper world, where humans are free from all desires and bonds of form and shape, but have not yet reached nirvana. In the circular courtyard there are 72 two small interlocked stupas arranged in three rows surrounding one large stupa as the main stupa.

These small bell-shaped stupas are arranged in 3 circular terraces, numbering 32, 24 and 16 respectively (a total of 72 stupas). The bottom two terraces of the stupa are larger with a rhombus-shaped hole, the top terrace of the stupa is slightly smaller and the hole is square-shaped. Buddha statues are placed in stupas covered with holes like in cages.

Building Structure

The highest level which depicts the absence of perfect form is symbolized in the form of the largest and highest stupa. The stupa is described as plain without holes. Inside this largest stupa, an imperfect Buddha statue, also known as an incomplete Buddha, was found, which was mistaken for the 'Adi Buddha' statue. Even though through further research there was never a statue in the main stupa, the incomplete statue was a mistake of the sculptor in ancient times.

According to belief, statues that go wrong during the manufacturing process should not be damaged. Archaeological excavations carried out in the courtyard of this temple found many statues like this. The main stupa which is left empty is thought to mean the highest wisdom, namely the reality of perfect silence and nothingness where the human soul is no longer bound by desires, desires and forms and is free from the cycle of samsara.

Around 55,000 cubic meters of andesite stone was transported from stone quarries and inlays to build this monument. This stone is cut to a certain size, transported to the site and put together without using cement.The Borobudur structure does not use cement at all, but instead has an interlock system, which is like Lego blocks that can stick together without adhesive. These stones are joined together with precise protrusions and holes that fit each other, as well as a "dove tail" shape that locks the two stone blocks together. The relief was created on site after the building structure and walls were completed.

This monument is equipped with a drainage system for areas with high rainfall. To prevent puddles and flooding, 100 showers are installed in every corner, each with a design in the shape of a giant kala or makara head.

Borobudur is very different from other temple designs, this temple was not built on a flat surface, but on a natural hill. The construction technique is similar to other temples in Java. Borobudur does not have worship rooms like other temples.

Borobudur Stupa

What exists are long corridors which are narrow roads. Hallways bordered by walls surround the temple level by level. In general, the design of Borobudur is similar to a stepped pyramid. It is in these halls that Buddhists carry out walking ceremonies around the temple to the right. Borobudur functions as a stupa, a sacred building to glorify Buddha, built as a symbol of respect and glorification of Buddha.

The design shows that the building is a place of worship. The shape of the building without rooms and the multi-tiered terrace structure is a development of the punden form of terraces from prehistoric Indonesia.

Borobudur originally functioned as a stupa, a sacred building to glorify Buddha, built as a symbol of respect and glorification of Buddha. The design shows that the building is a place of worship. The shape of the building without rooms and the multi-tiered terrace structure is a development of the terraced punden form of prehistoric Indonesia.

Source: Guide Book arisguide. Guidance Techniques Chandi Borobudur arisguide.

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Welcome to Borobudur.

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Borobudur Temple is a Mahayana Buddhist temple, built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra dynasty, designed in the form of Javanese Buddhist architecture, which combines the original Indonesian culture of ancestor worship and the Buddhist concept of achieving Nirvana.

Explore, admire the beauty of art in pictures and photos by typing the detailed link in PHOTO IMAGE BOROBUDUR.

Welcome to more narrative about Chandi Borobudur in Selamat Datang di Kebudayaan Borobudur - wisata dengan Pamong Carita.

Borobudur

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