Mendut Temple, Central Java Buddhist Temples – Yogyakarta Places of Interest
Mendut Temple is a ninth-century Buddhist temple located in Mendut village, Mungkid sub-district, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. It is a beautiful temple just three kilometres, east side from Borobudur since ever. Mendut, Borobudur and Pawon Temple are all Buddhist temples in one straight line as the tourist objects to visit when travelling to Yogyakarta. There is a mutual religious relationship between the three temples, despite the exact ritual process is unknown. This temple is also made from the dark grey andesite stone (Batu Candi in Bahasa), beautifully crafted and design among the population. It is a unique temple with beautiful relief ornaments on the temple’s wall, meanwhile, there are three big Buddha statues set inside of the temple. It is one of the recommended places to visit since this site listed on Yogyakarta Places of Interest.
Location and Story of Mendut Temple
It’s location on Jalan Mayor Kusen, Mungkid Town, Magelang Regency, Central Java – Indonesia. It is just 1,5 hours driving from Yogyakarta and it is also a part of tourist destinations on Yogyakarta Tours. Mendut Temple is also listed on Yogyakarta places of Interest for tourists who want to visit this beautiful temple. Meanwhile, this temple is built during the reign of King Indra of Sailendra dynasty. Moreover, in the inscription Karangtengah which is dated 824 AD, mentioned that the king Indra has built a shrine called Wenuwana which means bamboo forests. Furthermore, by a Dutch archaeologist named J.G. de Casparis, this word is associated with Mendut.
Decorations and Ornaments at Mendut Temple
Firstly, the form of decorations on the Mendut Temple are criss-cross. It is decorated with carvings of celestial in form of Gandarwa Gods and nymphs, two monkeys as well as an eagle. On both sides of the stairs, there are reliefs Panchatantra and Jataka stories.
History came from Buddha Mahayana
The reliefs are decorating the temple walls such as Boddhisatwa Awalokiteswara, Maitreya, Wajrapāṇi and Manjushri. Meanwhile, we can find a relief Kalpataru, two angels, Hariti (a Yaksi who repent and follow the Buddha) and Āţawaka on the wall of the temple. Moreover, there is a statue of Buddha holding a large amount to three: the Dhyani Buddha Vairocana with a hand gesture (mudra) Dharmacakramudra inside of it. In addition, in front of Buddha statue, there is a relief in the form of wheels with a pair of deer, the symbol of Buddha flank it. Meanwhile, the Awalokiteswara (Padmapani) and Wajrapāņi statues are on the left and right side.
Other Places of Interest or Tourist Destinations Nearby
PUBLIC FACILITIES
- Hotels
- Restaurant
- Parking Area
- Souvenir Shops
- Food Stalls
- Drink Stalls
- Entrance Ticket
- Security
Bali and Yogyakarta Tour Packages, as a result below:
- Bali – Yogyakarta One day Tours
- Borobudur Sunrise Tours- 1 night / 2 days Package
- Bali – Yogyakarta Overnight stay Package
- Borobudur Sunrise Tours afternoon departure
- Borobudur Sunrise Tours evening departure
Tours Start from Yogyakarta, as a result below:
- Borobudur and Prambanan One day tours
- Borobudur Sunrise tours 1 nights / 2 days
- Yogyakarta and Solo Tours 4 Nights / 5 Days
- Yogyakarta, Merapi and Solo Tours 4 Nights / 5 Days
Trips from Solo to Yogyakarta, as a result below:
- Solo and Borobudur Sunrise Tours
- Yogyakarta and Merapi volcano tours
- Solo, Merapi and Borobudur tours
- Solo, Borobudur and Dieng Plateau Tours
Borobudur and Bromo Tours, as a result below:
- Yogyakarta and Mount Bromo Tours
- Yogyakarta, Solo and Mount Bromo Tours
- Borobudur, Mount Bromo and Kalibaru Tours