Borobudur: A view of the monument

yatrika

7 years ago

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A view of the Borobudur Temple
Borobudur is the largest and one of the most beautiful 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 this dynasty.

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.

Unlike the other Buddhist structures in the world, Borobudur is unique in that its structure looks like a step pyramid. The size of Borobudur is comparable to the Giza Pyramids in Egypt.

The image shows a view of Borobudur from the courtyard. The five terraces of the Rupadhatu and a large bell-shaped stupa, known as mother stupa, with a pinnacle on top are visible in this image. The pinnacle originally supported a giant umbrella, but was later destroyed by lightning. It is believed that a golden statue of Buddha was inside the mother stupa, but was stolen in the 1800s when Borobudur was discovered.