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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.
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.
SculptureAkashagarbha
Candi Mendut was built in Centra Java by Sai Lane dynasty in 14th century BE. It was built in Mahayana around the same period as Borobudur. Candi Mendut is in the same area as Candi Pawon and Borobudur.
SculptureNarrative derived from Panchatantra: Crane and Crab
Candi Mendut was built in Centra Java by Sai Lane dynasty in 14th century BE. It was built in Mahayana around the same period as Borobudur. Candi Mendut is in the same area as Candi Pawon and Borobudur.
SculptureHariti
Candi Mendut was built in Centra Java by Sai Lane dynasty in 14th century BE. It was built in Mahayana around the same period as Borobudur. Candi Mendut is in the same area as Candi Pawon and Borobudur.
SculptureMain Buddha Image at Candi Mendut
The Buddha image with a dropping leg shows a strong influence of Jalukya at Aelola cave and Pala art from the east India. The image has hair between eyebrows according to Pala art, but the robe only covers half of the body, which is similar to the Buddha image with dropping leg at Aelola and Ajanta. The Lord Buddha holds the robe while dropping his leg. Also, the edge of the robe falls down between his thights, which is similar to the art at Aelola cave. The throne is decorated with a dragon and elephants. This appear at Aelola in Pala art beforehand.
