Borobudur
9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Central Java, Indonesia.
Borobudur, also transcribed Barabudur, is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. It is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and ranks with Bagan and Angkor Wat as one of the great archaeological sites of Southeast Asia.
- type
- Mahayana Buddhist temple
- location
- Magelang Regency, near Muntilan, northwest of Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia
- constructed
- 8th–9th century
- builder
- Sailendra Dynasty
- material
- Gray andesite-like stone
Lore & Background
Borobudur was built during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, with its design blending Javanese Buddhist architecture, indigenous ancestor worship, and the Buddhist concept of attaining nirvāṇa. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated stupa. The temple was abandoned following the 14th-century decline of Hindu kingdoms in Java and the Javanese conversion to Islam.
Reader's Guide
Borobudur is a shrine to the Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage, remaining popular for such use, with Buddhists in Indonesia celebrating Vesak Day at the monument. Among Indonesia's tourist attractions, Borobudur is the most-visited monument. The temple's original name may have been Bhūmi Sambhāra Bhudhāra, Sanskrit for 'a mountain of combined virtues after the ten stages of Boddhisattvahood,' as suggested by Johannes Gijsbertus de Casparis. The etymology of 'Borobudur' remains debated, with various proposed meanings including 'ancient Boro,' 'great Buddha,' or 'vihara of Buddha located on a high place.'
Did You Know?
- The temple was abandoned following the 14th-century decline of Hindu kingdoms in Java and the Javanese conversion to Islam.
Common Misconceptions (Editorial)
A common misconception is that Borobudur is a Hindu temple, but it is actually a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple built during the Sailendra Dynasty. Another is that the temple has been in continuous use since its construction; in fact, it was abandoned following the 14th-century decline of Hindu kingdoms in Java and the Javanese conversion to Islam.
Why It Matters (Editorial)
Borobudur matters not only as the world’s largest Buddhist temple but as a testament to the cultural and religious crossroads of Southeast Asia. Its enduring design, blending indigenous traditions with Buddhist cosmology, continues to inspire millions of visitors and scholars alike, reminding us of the region’s rich and layered heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Borobudur?
Borobudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Central Java, Indonesia, and it holds the title of the largest Buddhist temple structure on Earth. It is widely regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia.
Who built Borobudur and when?
The monument was erected during the 8th to 9th century under the patronage of the Sailendra Dynasty. It was carved from gray andesite-like stone and arranged into nine stacked platforms topped by a central dome.
Where exactly is Borobudur located?
It stands in Magelang Regency, northwest of Yogyakarta, in Central Java, Indonesia, near the town of Muntilan. The site sits at a moderate elevation in the volcanic highlands of the island.
Why is Borobudur considered so important to world heritage?
As the largest Buddhist temple ever built, it represents a singular achievement of Mahayana religious art and monumental stone architecture. Scholars routinely place it in the same tier as Bagan and Angkor Wat when discussing the great archaeological treasures of Southeast Asia.
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