Stupas on the top terrace of the Arupadhatu layer
The Borobudur monument is about Buddhist philosophy and Gauthama Buddha’s birth, life, death, and enlightenment. According to Buddhist philosophy, human beings need to go through three realms, Arupadhatu, Rupadhatu, and Kamadhatu, to attain enlightenment. The three layers of Borobudur represent these realms. The top layer with three round terraces represents Arupadhatu. The middle layer with five square terraces represents Rupadhatu. The lowest layer, which is at the courtyard level, represents Kamadhatu.
The image shows the stupas placed in a circular fashion on the top terrace of the Arupadhatu layer.
Located about 30 miles northwest of Yogyakarta on the island of Java, Borobudur is the largest and one of the most fascinating Buddhist monuments in the world. It was built between 778 and 850 CE by the rulers of the Shylendra (Cailendra) dynasty, who were the followers of Mahayana Buddhism. According to an inscription, it was founded by King Samaratungga of the Shylendra dynasty.
Related Pages
– Borobudur, Prambanan, Bali, Indonesia
– Angkor Wat, Angkor Wat Bas-Reliefs, Banteay Srei, Cambodia
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