Borobudur and Mendut Temples

Borobudur, built in the 9th Century, is the largest buddhist stupa in the world. The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues each seated inside a perforated stupa.

Unfortunately it was quite cloudy that morning, and I wasn't able to get good pictures of the Mt. Merapi Volcano in the background. During the right time of the year, apparently, one side of the buddha statues look towards the two mountains, with sun rising from Gunung Merbabu on the left, and Gunung Merapi on the right forming a second 'sun'. The tips of the mountains did peek out a bit later, but not too much as you can see in the pictures.

The Mendut temple, was also built in the 9th Century, and lies in Mendut village, just a short distance by bicycle from Borobudur. It is unique as it is one of the few (or perhaps the only) temples to feature a Buddha sitting in 'western' style and not the traditional lotus position. Unfortunately it was much too dark inside Mendut and I was unable to get a decent picture of this. A couple half attemps are included.

Borobudur_Panorama1.jpg	Borobudur	Manohara Hotel in the early morning	Borobudur, before sunrise
Borobudur, before sunrise	Borobudur, sunrise	Borobudur - I think that is Sumbing Volcano in the background	Borobudur - I think that is Sumbing Volcano in the background
Borobudur, sunrise	Borobudur	Borobudur	Borobudur
Borobudur	Borobudur_Panorama2.jpg	Borobudur	Borobudur
Borobudur	Borobudur	Borobudur	Borobudur
Borobudur	Borobudur, museum where unidentified pieces are stores	Borobudur	Borobudur
Borobudur	Borobudur, Merbabu on the left, Merapi Volcano on the right	Gunung Merapi from Borobudur	Borobudur
Candi Mendut (Mendut Temple)	Candi Mendut (Mendut Temple)	Candi Mendut - Buddha	Candi Mendut - Buddha