Borobudur Temple Complex (750 to present)

A Borobudur Temple Complex (750 to present) is a buddhist temple complex in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia.

• AKA: Candi Borobudur, บุโรพุทโธ.
• Context:
  • It can serve as a Mahayana Buddhist Temple representing buddhist cosmology through mandala architecture.
  • It can function as a Pilgrimage Site for buddhist pilgrims following pradakshina paths around its circular terraces.
  • It can demonstrate Sailendra Dynasty Architecture combining javanese indigenous traditions with indian gupta architecture.
  • It can display Stone Relief Panels depicting jataka tales, lalitavistara texts, and gandavyuha narratives.
  • ...
  • It can feature Volcanic Stone Construction using andesite blocks without mortar binding.
  • It can incorporate Bell-Shaped Stupas containing buddha statues in dharmachakra mudra.
  • It can utilize Drainage Systems through hidden channels preventing water damage.
  • It can embody Three-Tier Structure representing kamadhatu, rupadhatu, and arupadhatu realms.
  • ...
  • It can range from being an Active Buddhist Temple to being an Archaeological Monument, depending on its historical period.
  • It can range from being a Royal Temple to being a Tourist Destination, depending on its societal function.
  • ...
  • It can have Nine Stacked Platforms consisting of six square platforms and three circular platforms.
  • It can contain 72 Perforated Stupas housing seated buddha statues.
  • It can display 2,672 Relief Panels covering total surface area of 2,500 square meters.
  • It can feature 504 Buddha Statues in various mudra positions.
  • ...
• Examples:
  • Borobudur (750-850), during sailendra dynasty's construction period.
  • Borobudur (928-1006), during mataram kingdom's abandonment period.
  • Borobudur (1814), during thomas stamford raffles's rediscovery.
  • Borobudur (1973-1983), during UNESCO restoration project.
  • Borobudur (1991-present), as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • ...
• Counter-Examples:
  • Angkor Wat, which combines hindu temple and buddhist temple rather than being purely buddhist.
  • Prambanan, which is a hindu temple complex rather than a buddhist monument.
  • Bagan, which is a temple city rather than a single monument.
  • Shwedagon Pagoda, which is a golden stupa rather than a stone pyramid structure.
• See: Magelang, Sailendra Dynasty, Mahayana Buddhism, Buddhist Architecture, Mandala, Stupa, World Heritage Site, Javanese Architecture, Syailendra Kingdom, Buddhism on Indonesian Archipelago

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