The Location of Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is located in Mungkid, about 15 kilometres to the south of Mount Tidar. Mount Tidar is believed as a fragment of Mount Mahameru in India brought here by the gods to nail down the Java Island which was then still floating unsteadily in the middle of the sea. The gods used Mount Tidar to tack the island firmly onto the Earth in order that humans could inhabit it. The legend names Mount Tidar as ” The Nail of Java Island.”

The area around ” The Nail of Java Island” is known as ” Kedu Plain”. The fertile soil and hardworking people are the reason why the area is well known as ”The Garden of Java Island”. Amid ”The Garden of Java Island”, Borobudur Temple was built by kings of the Sailendra Dynasty.

The Garden of Java Island where Borobudur Temple lies is surrounded by mountains and a mountain range. Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu guard the east side. In the northeast side, stand Mount Sindoro and Mount Sumbing. Meanwhile, the north and south sides of the temple are shielded by the range of Mount Tidar and Menoreh Mountains.

If it is seen from Borobudur Temple, the crest of Menoreh Mountains resembles a human figure in lying down pose. According to legend, it is Sang Gunadarma who is believed to be the architect of Borobudur Temple.

Not far from Borobudur Temple run two big rivers namely River Progo and River Elo. Both big rivers run almost in parallel flows from north to south and are blocked by the slope of Mountain Menoreh to entwine as River Progo which flows to the South Sea. It is believed that the stones used for constructing Borobudur Temple came from these two rivers.

Formerly, the area surrounding the confluence of River Progo and River Elo was a sacred shrine for the followers of Buddhism and Hinduism. It was proven by many temples found in this area. The remnants of Hindu temples are Banon Temple and Ngrajeg Temple. While those of Buddhist temples are Ngawen Temple, Mendut Temple, Pawon Temple, and Borobudur Temple.

Borobudur Temple had been built on the top of a hill which stretches horizontally from the east to the west. The back of the hill was transformed into a plane high land and on the top of it, the temple was built. The plains stretching at the west side was intended to be the place to build a monastery.

The high land which becomes the yard of the temple, is 15 metres above the surrounding area. And the top of the temple stands 19 metres above the temple’s yard. Borobudur Temple is built around and surrounds the top of the hill.

Check out my other guide on The Age and the Name of Borobudur Temple
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