The Buddhist Temple of Borobudur was built around 800 AD by King Kertanegara, who ruled over Java at that time. It is located on the island of Java, Indonesia.
Who Built it?
The temple was constructed between 726 and 814 AD by an Indian monk named Dharmapala. He was born into royalty and had been trained in India before coming to Java. His name means “the one who has conquered his senses.”
Why was it built?
It was built because of the power of meditation. Buddhists believe that when people meditate, they gain wisdom and insight. They also believe that through meditation, they will achieve enlightenment. This belief led to the construction of the temple.
What does it look like today?
Today, the temple is still standing strong after more than 1,000 years. It has been preserved by the Indonesian government and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What happened after it was built?
After construction began in 794 AD, the temple took almost 30 years to complete. During this period, the site was attacked several times by invading armies. In 830 AD, an earthquake destroyed much of the structure. However, the temple was rebuilt using the same techniques and materials.
Where did it go?
Today, only a small portion of the original temple remains. It has been reconstructed at the National Museum in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
