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| Candi Mendut front view |
Mendut is a ninth century Buddhist temple, located in Mendut village, Mungkid sub-district, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. The temple is located about three kilometres east from Borobudur. Mendut, Borobudur and Pawon, all of which are Buddhist temples, are located in one straight line. There is a mutual religious relationship between the three temples. Built around early ninth century AD, Mendut is the oldest of the three temples including Pawon and Borobudur. According to Karangtengah inscription, the temple was built and finished during the reign of King Indra of Sailendra dynasty. The inscription dated 824 AD mentioned that King Indra of Sailendra has built a sacred building named Venuvana or “ Wenuwana” which means "bamboo forest". Dutch archaeologist JG de Casparis has connected the temple mentioned in Karangtengah inscription with Mendut temple. In 1836 it was discovered as a ruins covered with bushes. The restoration of this temple was started at 1897 and it was finished at 1925.
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| Candi Mendut on the Summer |
Building materials is actually a brick temple that was covered with natural stone. The building is located on a high basement, so it looks more elegant and sturdy. The roof top has three levels and decorated with 48 small stupas. The 26.4 metres tall temple is facing northwest. The stairs projecting from the northwest side square elevated base is adorned with Makara statue on each sides, the side of the stairwall carved with bas-relief of Jataka fable narrating the animal story of buddhist teaching. The square terrace surrounding the body of the temple was meant for pradakshina or circumambulating ritual, walking clockwise around the temple. Originally the temple had two chambers, a small chamber in the front, and the large main chamber in the center. Inside the main chamber there were three large Buddha statues, the Dhyani Buddha with the hands position reflecting typical meditation called Wairocana hands (mudra) dharmacakramudra. In front of Buddha statues there are wheel-shaped relief and flanked by a pair of deer, the symbol of Buddha. On the left there is a statue Awalokiteswara (Padmapani) and the right of the statue Wajrapāņi. Today, during the full moon on May or June, Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak, annual ritual by walking from Mendut Temple passing through Pawon Temple and ends at Borobudur Temple.
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| Mendut Temple and the Park |
This temple is about 3 Km easthern of Borobudur Temple, it take about 10 – 15 minutes from Borobudur Temple. Most tourist will visit this temple after visiting Borobudur Temple. As This temple has a simple park and doesn’t need to walk to far, even this Temple is able to seen from any transportation that most tourist on.
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| Special Ceremony in Mendut Tempel |
If you have any trip question regarding this temple please don't hesitate to contact our admisintrator. You may refer to our Tour Package Offer as well.
