Hindu Buddhist Temples of Mataram

Dr Uday Dokras
MATARAM AND SAILENDRA KINGDOMS
The most notable of the temples constructed in Mataram are Kalasan, Sewu, Borobudur and
Prambanan, all quite close to present-day city of Yogyakarta.But there are many more.

A lithograph of Tjandi Sewoe ruins near Prambanan, circa 1859/Borobudur, the largest single
Buddhist structure in the world, one of the monuments constructed by the Shailendra dynasty of the
Mataram Kingdom

The Prambanan temple compound originally consisted of hundreds of temples, built and expanded in
the period between the reign of Saladu and Balitung.\The Plaosan temple with Mount Merapi in the
background

The construction of Kalasan temple was mentioned in Kalasan inscription, under the auspices of
King Panangkaran.\ construction of Manjusrigrha temple was mentioned in Manjusrigrha inscription,
under the auspices of King Panangkaran and completed during Dharanindra reign.

1
The construction of Mendut temple was initiated and completed during the reign of King Indra (r.
780–800), a valiant king of Shailendra dynasty\The massive stone stupa-mandala of Borobudur was
completed in 825 during the reign of King Samaratungga.

Ratu Boko, a fortified hill, probably referred in Shivagrha inscription as the location of a battle\
Bubrah temple

Sajiwan Buddhist temple, linked to Nini Haji Rakryan Sanjiwana or Sri Kahulunnan/
Towering Merapi volcano overlooking Prambanan prasad tower. It was suggested that Merapi
volcanic eruption had devastated Mataram capital, forcing them to relocate in the east.

Sambisari temple buried five metres under volcanic debris of Mount Merapi. /Barong Hindu temple,
constructed on large terraces

2
Badut temple near Malang, East Java circa 8th century/Plaosan twin temples

The bas relief of 8th century Borobudur depicts the scene in royal court./ Shiva statue in main
chamber of Prambanan/ statue of Dhyani Buddha Vairocana, Avalokitesvara, and Vajrapani inside
the Mendut temple

Comparison between left: Borobudur of Java (825) and right: Bakong of Cambodia (881), both
temples had similar basic design of stepped pyramid and similar corbelling method, which suggest
there was a connection of technical and cultural influence between ancient Java and Cambodia./
Pagoda in Javanese or Sailendran stynasty