Ultimate Yogyakarta Travel Guide: Part 2 – Borobudur Temple

History of Borobudur Temple

History of Borobudur Temple

The meaning of the name “Borobudur” remains uncertain, possibly derived from Sanskrit roots meaning “Complex of
Temples on the Hill,” or according to an inscription dating back to 842 CE, “Boro-budur” could mean
“Accumulation of Virtue in the Ten Stages of the Bodhisattvas.”

Although modern techniques have helped reveal much that was earlier unknown, a considerable amount of speculation and
mystification remains. Neither the name of the ruler who ordered its construction, nor the exact date of start or
completion, nor the duration of construction is certain. Scientific estimates vary between 80 and 200
years. The exact time and cause of its abandonment are also a mystery.

It is believed that the Buddhist sanctuary was ordered to be constructed around 750 CE by a powerful
ruler of the Shailendra Dynasty. However, around 929 CE, King Mpu Sindok moved the
capital of the Mataram Kingdom from Central Java to East Java, possibly due to volcanic eruptions from Mount Merapi,
floods, or political reasons. As a result, construction might have stopped and the region gradually became
depopulated. Several sources mention the period between 926 CE and 1006 CE as the
most likely time of early abandonment.

The timing of Borobudur’s final abandonment remains debated. While some link it to the
10th–11th century shift of power, others connect it to the spread of Islam. Islam
first appeared on the northern coast of Java in the 14th–15th centuries, but in the inland Central
Java region around Yogyakarta, widespread conversion happened mainly in the 15th and early 16th
centuries. Prominent Indonesian archaeologist Raden Soekmono suggested that the temple
was largely abandoned only after the local population converted to Islam in the 15th century.

Further, the monument is mentioned vaguely as “the vihara in Budur” in a text recorded as late as
1365 CE. Interestingly, Raden Soekmono, who researched Borobudur for his entire
life, stated that the temple’s abandonment occurred only after the local population was converted to Islam in the
15th century CE.

Irrespective of the period of abandonment, whether in the 11th century or the 15th century, the monument remained
unnoticed, overgrown by tropical vegetation and buried under volcanic ash for centuries. It was rediscovered
in 1814 CE during the brief British occupation of Java. Restoration efforts began in 1907 CE under
Dutch rule, followed by a major UNESCO project between 1973 and 1984 CE. In 1991, Borobudur was designated a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Learn more about its World Heritage status here: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/592/

The temple is structured as a representation of Buddhist cosmology with three main levels:

• Kamadhatu (the base) symbolises the world of desire and contains ~2,672 relief panels depicting
  human suffering and daily life.
• Rupadhatu (the middle terraces) represents the world of form and illustrates the life and
  teachings of the Buddha.
• Arupadhatu (the upper circular platforms) signifies the formless realm of enlightenment,
  featuring 72 latticed stupas each containing a seated Buddha (originally 504 Buddha statues in total across the
  monument).

Today, Borobudur remains not only a historical wonder but also an active Buddhist pilgrimage site drawing devotees
and tourists from around the world.7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3″>Further, the monument is mentioned vaguely as “the vihara in Budur” in a text recorded as late as 1365 CE. Interestingly, Raden Soekmono, who researched Borobudur for his entire life, stated that the temple’s abandonment occurred only after the local population was converted to Islam in the 15th century CE.