Borobudur, a majestic 9th-century temple that whispers stories of a bygone period, is nestled in the verdant emerald hills of Central Java in Indonesia. This massive Mahayana Buddhist monument, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, demonstrates the Syailendra dynasty’s building prowess and enduring faith. But when exactly did Borobudur emerge from the volcanic soil, and what purpose did it serve for its mysterious creators?
The Syailendra dynasty, steeped in historical mystery, thrived in Southeast Asia between the eighth and tenth centuries. Their origins are still being debated, with some claiming they came from the Malay Peninsula and others pointing to the Sumatran islands. Regardless of their origins, the Syailendras formed a formidable kingdom in Central Java, coexisting (and occasionally clashing with) the Hindu Mataram dynasty.
What is obvious is their steadfast commitment to Mahayana Buddhism. This school of Buddhism, which emphasises compassion and the possibility for everyone to gain enlightenment, had a significant impact on the Syailendras’ cultural and creative endeavours. They commissioned numerous temples throughout the region, notably the adjacent Prambanan, a beautiful Hindu temple that exemplified the era’s religious diversity. However, Borobudur is their crowning achievement, a massive endeavour that is thought to have taken 75 years to construct.
Borobudur’s construction is thought to have begun around 780 AD, at a time of relative peace and prosperity under the Syailendra monarch Samaratunga. This wonder of technical ingenuity is a three-tiered mandala that represents the Buddhist universe. Visitors make a symbolic trip up through the base, which represents the terrestrial realm of desires and karma. The base is embellished with exquisite sculptures showing everyday life during the Syailendra period, providing insight into the social structures, dress, and activities of the time.
The trip continues into the Rupadhatu, or middle tiers, which reflect the transitory sphere of form. The stupas grow perforated, allowing pilgrims to catch glimpses of the Buddha statues inside. The reliefs depict the Buddha’s previous lives as well as his actions of compassion, charity, and knowledge, as told in Jataka Tales.
Finally, pilgrims reach the pinnacle, the Arupadhatu, which is crowned by a single stupa representing total enlightenment, or Nirvana. This highest level is free of decoration and represents a state beyond the physical world.
Borobudur’s exact purpose remains unknown. Historians believe it served as a place of worship, a pilgrimage centre for both royalty and ordinary people seeking spiritual virtue, and possibly even a university for Buddhist scholars. The walkways were designed to be climbed clockwise, emulating the meditative technique of circumambulation.
Unfortunately, by the 14th century, the temple had been abandoned, presumably due to the Syailendra dynasty’s fall and volcanic explosions in the surrounding area. Borobudur was gradually engulfed by Java’s jungles, which kept it hidden from the rest of the world for centuries.
The rediscovery of Borobudur in the early nineteenth century is a tale of endurance. Lieutenant Colonel Cornelius van Klaveren, stationed in Dutch-controlled Java in 1814, learned of a hidden edifice buried beneath the thick flora from a local villager. Borobudur awoke after decades of excavations, exposing its architectural grandeur and beautiful sculptures.
Today, Borobudur stands as a beacon of Buddhist heritage, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Borobudur holds special significance during Vesak, a holiday celebrating the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. Thousands of Buddhists from Indonesia and neighbouring countries assemble at the temple for prayers, meditations, and candlelit processions that wind around the monument’s base.
Borobudur’s significance extends beyond religion, serving as a potent emblem of human aspiration, artistic ability, and the unwavering search of knowledge. It provides insight into the Syailendra dynasty’s deep faith and long-standing contribution to Southeast Asia’s cultural fabric.
