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ArchitectureCandi Bhima
This temple is the only North-Indian affiliated temple in Javanese art as the superstructure of this temple is in Nāgara Śikhara. The superstructure is dividable into three offsets, each offset is beautified with the horseshoed arches “Gvākṣa” and the face of human. The corner offsets are decorated with Amalaka, typical to North Indian art. The contour of the superstructure is in trapezoid shape, different from the stepped contour of Candi Arjun and Candi Puntadeva. After the early phase of Central Javanese art, the North-Indian superstructure would be out of fashion and the South-Indian superstructure would be the only popular convention in the middle and the late Central Javanese Art.
ArchitectureCandi Mendut
The temple rests on the huge platform providing the space for circumambulation. The wall of the body is divided into three portions. The central portion depicts the sitting figure of Bodhisattva while the corner portions depict the standing statues of the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Aṣṭamahābodhisattva). This allows Candi Mendut to be comparable to the Mahayanist Iconographic diagram. The superstructure of this temple follows the South Indian fashion, the stepped multi-tiered roof. However, the roof of this temple is ornamented with miniature Stupas (Stūpika), typical to the Central Javanese art. The decoration of miniature stupas on the top of the roof is associated with Buddhism.
ArchitectureCandi Pawon
Despite being small, Candi Pawon is one of the most beautiful temple of the Mid Central Javanese period. The temple rests on the high circumambulatory platform, which is similar to Candi Mendut. The body is divided into three parts. The central projection is beautified by the Kalpavriksha or the wish-fulfilling mythical tree symbolizing the fertility. The side parts of the body are decorated with the standing figures of Bodhisattvas. The superstructure is decorated with the series of Stupikas (miniature stupas which is the identity of the period. Stupikas suggest that the temple belongs to Buddhism. The staircase’s balustrades are also decorated by the the wish-fulfilling mythical tree blessing the fertility to the devotees.
ArchitectureCandi Puntadeva
These temples closely resemble to those in South Indian art. The plan of the temple is characterized by the sanctum attached by the short porch. The body is divided by four pilasters into three parts, i.e. the central and the side projections. The superstructure comprises the superimposing miniature tiers (Tala) and the corner miniature temple (Hara). The step-like contour of the superstructure is similar to those in South Indian art. The central projection of Candi Puntadeva is decorated by the square frame whereas the corner projections are decorated by the pilasters and niches. These features indicate the further artistic development of this temple, being more complex than that at Candi Arjun
ArchitectureBorobudur
The Stupa comprises the series of five multi-angled square bases. Each base provides the circumambulatory passage beautified by the narratives of Mahayana concepts. The Dhyani Buddha statues are enshrined at every side of these square bases. These Dhyani Buddha’s gesture is in accordance with the Mahayanist iconography. For example, Akshobhaya must be enshrined in the east and gesture Bhumisparsha; Ratnasambhava must be enshrined in the south and gestureVarada. On the upper circular platforms exist the series of perforated Stupa enshrining Vairochana in Dharmacakra gesture. The topmost central Stupa is the solid Stupa symbolizing the supreme Adi Buddha.
ArchitectureLowest base at Borobudur
Borobudur is conceived as Maṇḍala or the Mahayanist iconographic diagram. Therefore, the lowest base is conceived as Kāmabhūmi or the lowest realm of the universe in which the common people occupy. The story of defilements of common people in Kāmabhūmi has been narrated in the scripture named “Karmavibhanga” and these stories have been depicted in the narratives at the lowest base of Borobudur. The narratives, however, were hidden by the stone later added for strengthening the structure.
ArchitectureCircumambulatory path and narratives at Borobudur
The stupa comprises five multi-angled terraces, each of them provides the circumambulatory path and the narratives of Mahāyāna Buddhism. The themes of the narratives derive from several scriptures. The narratives at the lower terrace depict the stories from Lalitavistara, Jātaka and Avadāna while the upper 2nd-4th terraces depict the story form Gandhavyuhasūtra. Devotees who circumambulated the stupa would be able to be educated from these narratives. Moreover, these narratives are also the iconographic symbol of the cosmological program conceived at Borobudur.
ArchitectureCircular base with Stupas at Borobudur
The circular upper plain bases, devoid of any narrative, indicate the realm of formless, Arupabhumi. On these bases there exist the perforated Stupas inside which the statues of Vairochana in Dhamacakra gesture are enshrined. The perforated Stupas indicate the transition between the form and formlessness. The topmost solid Stupa represents the supreme Adi Buddha, the first Buddha of the cosmos, the immortal one, the timeless and the formless one, the original source of the whole Buddha in the universe as well as the world.
