Borobudur temple is the world's biggest Buddhist temple in the world located in Magelang, Central Java. The temple widely considered to be one of the world's seven wonders. This ancient site built in the 9th century during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom. The architects of Borobudur was Gunadharma. Little is known about Gunadharma. Based on Kayumwungan inscription, Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur was completed to be built on 26 May 824, almost one hundred years from the time the construction was begun. The temple's design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. Borobudur is the icon of Indonesia's cultural heritage.
Borobudur covers enormous area, measuring 123 x 123 metres. The temple is a marvel of design, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The architecture and stoneart of this monument has no equal. Borobudur was built without using any kind of cement or mortar. The structure of Borobudur is like a set of massive interlocking blocks held together without any glue.
Borobudur was abandoned at 14th century because decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java and the Javanese conversion to Islam. Worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British ruler of Java, who was advised of its location by native Indonesians. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the UNESCO and Indonesian government. Borobudur temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage by Buddhists in Indonesia especially to celebrate Vesak.
