Borobudur Temple as Ancestral Heritage

Borobudur Temple as Ancestral Heritage

Source: Pinterest (https://pin.it/26xDl3o)

    Hi Good People! Did you know that Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, each of which has its own characteristics and meanings. You need to know that Borobudur Temple is a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture from the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, which is located in Magelang, Central Java. Borobudur Temple was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1991. After being buried for a long time due to the eruption of Mount Semeru and other mountains in ancient times, this temple was rediscovered in 1814, when Thomas Stamford Raffles.

    So, who built the Borobudur Temple and what is the history of its construction? Based on historical records, Borobudur Temple was built during the Syailendra Dynasty. Until now, there has been no evidence of historical records that can explain who the person who built the Borobudur Temple was. Even the year of construction and the background of its establishment is still shrouded in mystery. Based on expert research, Borobudur Temple is estimated to have been built in the 8th century, when the Ancient Mataram Kingdom was ruled by the Syailendra dynasty. Researchers suspect that the construction of this stupa-shaped temple was carried out by Mahayana Buddhists in stages. Based on the size and uniqueness of its architecture, the construction of Borobudur Temple allegedly took tens or even more than a hundred years and was completed during the reign of King Samaratungga (820-840 AD). 

    The construction process of Borobudur Temple is believed to have started by leveling the ground and compacting it using stones to form a pyramid structure. After that, square and circular steps were built, then continued with the refinement stage, such as adding fences, stairs, and so on. The temple building was built using stones that were cut and arranged in such a way without the use of mortar (the element to glue the stones). As is known, the Borobudur Temple consists of six square terraces, above which there are three circular courtyards. Then the largest main stupa is located in the middle, surrounded by three circular rows of 72 perforated stupas. 

    Borobudur Temple is one of the ancestral heritages that we must protect. This temple is a testament to the history of the great civilization of our ancestors in the past. They can build a temple as big as a hill with stone materials and very beautiful relief sculptures. Currently, Borobudur Temple is a place of worship for Buddhists and a beautiful tourist spot. On Vesak Day there will be a lantern festival that adorns the night sky of Magelang city at night

 

Author:

Putu Devi Mas Wulandari

2E Denpasar / 2129081020

Instagram: devimasw