Karmawibhangga Museum

Last updated
Karmawibhangga Museum
Museum Karmawibhangga
Karmawibhangga Museum Pendopo of Borobudur.jpg
Javanese Pendopo of Karmawibhangga Museum
Karmawibhangga Museum
Established1983
LocationTaman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Jalan Badrawati, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java 56553, Indonesia
Type Archaeology museum
Website www.borobudurpark.com/temple/museumBorobudur
Karmawibhangga Museum

Karmawibhangga Museum also known as Borobudur Museum, is an archaeology museum located just several hundred meters north of 8th century Borobudur Buddhist monument, within Borobudur Archaeological Park, Magelang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. The museum featuring pictures of Karmawibhangga bas reliefs carved on the hidden foot of Borobudur, [1] some disassembled Borobudur stones, archaeological artifacts found around Borobudur and Central Java. The museum also displays the Borobudur architecture and structure, also the documentation of restoration project conducted between 1975 and 1982 under UNESCO guidance. The museum was built in traditional Javanese architecture; the joglo house with pendopo pavilion. [2] The museum is integrated within Borobudur Archaeological Park inaugurated in 1983.

Contents

Also located within Borobudur archaeological complex, right on west side of Karmawibhangga Museum is Samudra Raksa Museum displaying Borobudur Ship. The entry to both museums are included within the entrance ticket of Borobudur Archaeological Park. [3]

Exhibits

The museum was built as integrated part within Borobudur Archaeological Park.

Karmawibhangga bas reliefs

Relief O 109 on a hidden panel with two scene in one frame read from right to left, the right scene depicting two deer and monkey watching four fishermen catching fish with the net, while other two fishmonger carry the caught fish with a pole probably to the market, on the left describe six men being cooked alive by an asura demon in hell. This scene describes cause-and-effect law, that people who kill creatures for living, such as hunters and fishermen in the afterlife will be put in hell and must endure torture by being cooked or boiled alive. COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Relief O 109 op de verborgen voet van de Borobudur TMnr 10015846.jpg
Relief O 109 on a hidden panel with two scene in one frame read from right to left, the right scene depicting two deer and monkey watching four fishermen catching fish with the net, while other two fishmonger carry the caught fish with a pole probably to the market, on the left describe six men being cooked alive by an asura demon in hell. This scene describes cause-and-effect law, that people who kill creatures for living, such as hunters and fishermen in the afterlife will be put in hell and must endure torture by being cooked or boiled alive.
Relief O 119 on a hidden panel, scene on the right describing adulterous and promiscuous behavior would lead to dirty gossip and scandal, yet it is also describes the harm of spreading lies, rumors and false gossip. COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Relief O 119 op de verborgen voet van de Borobudur TMnr 10015856.jpg
Relief O 119 on a hidden panel, scene on the right describing adulterous and promiscuous behavior would lead to dirty gossip and scandal, yet it is also describes the harm of spreading lies, rumors and false gossip.

The base level of Borobudur illustrating the first of the three zones of consciousness in Buddhist concept; the Kamadhatu or "desire realm". This series of reliefs is known as the Mahakarmawibhangga or simply Karmawibhangga and represents the realm of desire. These 160 hidden panels do not form a continuous story, but each panel provides one complete illustration of cause and effect. [4]

The depiction of theft, murder, rape, abortion and torture appear amongst other immoral acts. The direct or indirect result of these acts is shown to be a tortuous afterlife. The depiction of hell includes the cutting up of bodies with a saw, burning bodies, and bondage with hot chains. There are also praiseworthy activities, that include charity and pilgrimage to sanctuaries, and their subsequent rewards. The reliefs also depict more harmonious topics including working together, agricultural methods, and planned parenthood. The pains of hell and the pleasure of heaven are also illustrated. There are scenes of daily life, complete with description of samsara (the endless cycle of birth and death). Some of the panels have inscriptions which are believed to have been instructions to the carvers. Some panels remain unfinished, and this gives rise to the theory that the additional base was added before the temple had been completed.

However these 'hidden foot' of Borobudur with exquisite bas-reliefs is covered with additional encasement, the purpose of which remains a mystery. The encasement base was built with detailed and meticulous design and with aesthetic and religious consideration. Apart from southeast corner which has been revealed for visitors, it is not possible to see the remaining reliefs remain hidden below the supporting structure. The encasement base of the Borobudur temple was disassembled to reveal the hidden foot and the reliefs were photographed by Kassian Cephas in 1890. It is these photographs that are displayed in this museum. [1]

Borobudur stone blocks

Approximately 4,000 of the original stones and carvings from the temple are stored in this museum. [2] These include some dissasembled stone blocks, decorative panels, parts of reliefs and structures are stored in the open air field within museum compound. These stone blocks could not be included within Borobudur structure because of missing connecting parts. Borobudur structures are interlocking stone blocks and sometimes replacement new stones are added to replace the missing ones. Some of the important stone blocks displayed here are the chattra, the triple-tiered stone umbrellas served as the pinnacle of Borobudur main stupa. The chattra was reconstructed by Theodoor Van Erp during restoration project between 1907 and 1911. Although the chattra was carefully reconstructed, there was too few remains of the original stone pinnacle. Since the pinnacle design was considered only based upon estimation, Van Erp finally decided to dismantled the chattra pinnacle, now displayed in this museum.

Archaeological findings

Some statues taken from Borobudur are also stored in this museum, such as fragments of Buddha statues. One of the famous exhibit is the "Unfinished Buddha", [5] believed to be discovered in the main stupa during early restoration effort in early 20th century. However today this opinion is highly doubted, this unperfect Buddha statue was probably taken from elsewhere and the inner chamber of main stupa was more likely originally designed to be left empty to symbolize the ultimate concept of Śūnyatā (nothingness).[ citation needed ]

Some of archaeological relics found in and around Borobudur are also displayed in this museum. Terracotta water vessels, containers, jars and also other relics were discovered around Borobudur during restoration projects. Other important exhibit also the 9th century large Buddha head, discovered in Selomerto, Wonosobo Regency, Central Java.

Borobudur restoration

The museum displays the history and documentations of Borobudur restoration project led by UNESCO between 1975 and 1982. Old photographs, maps and the model of interlocking Borobudur stones and structures are on display. The exhibit was meant to educate visitors about the problems and challenge on preserving Borobudur; such as structure integration, fungal, moss and decaying problems affecting Borobudur stones and bas reliefs, and also drainage problems. The modern technique applied on Borobudur restoration is also displayed, such as concrete supporting structure underneath Borobudur stones, lead covered stones, modern drainage system, etc.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Borobudur</span> 9th-century Buddhist temple in Java, Indonesia

Borobudur, also transcribed Barabudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Magelang Regency, not far from the city of Magelang and the town of Muntilan, in Central Java, Indonesia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sanchi</span> Buddhist complex in Madhya Pradesh, India

Sanchi is a Buddhist complex, famous for its Great Stupa, on a hilltop at Sanchi Town in Raisen District of the State of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is located, about 23 kilometers from Raisen town, district headquarter and 46 kilometres (29 mi) north-east of Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stupa</span> Mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, used as a place of meditation

In Buddhism, a stupa is a mound-like or hemispherical structure containing relics that is used as a place of meditation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prambanan</span> 9th-century A Hindu temple compound in Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Prambanan is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, in southern Java, Indonesia, dedicated to the Trimūrti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva). The temple compound is located approximately 17 kilometres (11 mi) northeast of the city of Yogyakarta on the boundary between Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buddhist temple</span> Buddhist place of worship

A Buddhist temple or Buddhist monastery is the place of worship for Buddhists, the followers of Buddhism. They include the structures called vihara, chaitya, stupa, wat and pagoda in different regions and languages. Temples in Buddhism represent the pure land or pure environment of a Buddha. Traditional Buddhist temples are designed to inspire inner and outer peace.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Buddhist architecture</span> Style of building

Buddhist religious architecture developed in the Indian subcontinent. Three types of structures are associated with the religious architecture of early Buddhism: monasteries (viharas), places to venerate relics (stupas), and shrines or prayer halls, which later came to be called temples in some places.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Candi of Indonesia</span> Hindu and Buddhist temples and sanctuaries in Indonesia

A candi is a Hindu or Buddhist temple in Indonesia, mostly built during the Zaman Hindu-Buddha or "Hindu-Buddhist period" between circa the 4th and 15th centuries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mendut</span> 9th-century Buddhist site in Indonesia

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 of 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, although the exact ritual process is unknown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sewu</span> 8th-century Buddhist site in Indonesia

Sewu is an eighth century Mahayana Buddhist temple located 800 metres north of Prambanan in Central Java, Indonesia. The word for a Hindu or Buddhist temple in Indonesian is "candi", hence the common name is "Candi Sewu". Candi Sewu is the second largest Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia; Borobudur is the largest. Sewu predates nearby "Loro Jonggrang" temple at Prambanan. Although the complex consists of 249 temples, this Javanese name translates to 'a thousand temples,' which originated from popular local folklore. Archaeologists believe the original name for the temple compound to be Manjusrigrha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prambanan Temple Compounds</span> Group of temples in Indonesia

Prambanan Temple Compounds is the World Heritage designation of a group of Hindu temple compounds that lie on the border between Yogyakarta and Central Java, Indonesia. It comprises Prambanan, Lumbung, Bubrah and Sewu temple compounds, all are located within Prambanan Archaeological Park.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kewu Plain</span> Plain in Java, Indonesia

Kewu Plain, also known as Prambanan Plain or Opak River valley, is a fertile volcanic plain that lies between Merapi-Merbabu complex in the north, Bantul lowlands and Sewu karst limestone range in the south, Bengawan Solo river valley in the east, the Progo River in the west, and Kedu Plain on northwest. It is located within the Yogyakarta Special Region, Sleman Regency, Klaten Regency and Solo City, Indonesia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Banyunibo</span> 9th-century Buddhist site in Indonesia

Banyunibo is a 9th-century Buddhist temple located in Cepit hamlet, Bokoharjo village, Prambanan, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The temple, dating from the era of Mataram Kingdom, sits in a narrow valley surrounded by paddy fields about two kilometers southeast of the Ratu Boko archaeological park on the east side of modern Yogyakarta. Further north is the Prambanan temple, and to the south are the Gunung Sewu hills, extension of Gunung Kidul hills.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Samudra Raksa Museum</span> Maritime museum, Archaeology museum in Central Java, Indonesia

Samudra Raksa Museum is a maritime museum that was built several hundred meters north of the 8th-century Borobudur Buddhist monument, within the Borobudur archaeological complex, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The museum features and interprets the ancient maritime Indian Ocean trade among between ancient Indonesia, Madagascar, and East Africa, popularly dubbed as "the cinnamon route". The centerpiece of museum is the full-scale reconstruction of the 8th-century Borobudur ship. It was used in a successful expedition from Indonesia to Madagascar and Ghana in 2003—2004. The Borobudur Ship — a 25 meter-long wooden ship modeled after wall reliefs found on the 8th century Borobudur temple in Central Java.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sojiwan</span> 9th-century Buddhist site in Indonesia

Sojiwan is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple located in Kebon Dalem Kidul village, Prambanan, Klaten Regency, Central Java. The temple is located nearly two kilometres southeast of Prambanan temple. This temple is among numbers of temples scattered in Prambanan Plain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jabung</span> 14th-century Buddhist site in Indonesia

Jabung is a 14th-century Buddhist temple dated from Majapahit era, located in the Jabung Sisir village (desa), Paiton area, Probolinggo district, East Java, Indonesia. The temple is made from red brick measuring 16.20 metres. The temple was mentioned in Nagarakretagama as Bajrajinaparamitapura, being visited by king Hayam Wuruk during his royal tour across East Java in 1359 CE. The temple is mentioned in Pararaton as Sajabung, a mortuary temple of Bhre Gundal, a member of Majapahit royalties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Unfinished Buddha</span> Statue in Karmawibhangga Museum

The Unfinished Buddha is a statue which is believed to have originated from the largest stupa of Borobudur. It is currently located in Karmawibhangga Museum.


Buddhavanam is a tourism project in Nagarjuna Sagar, Telangana created by the Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation. The project was sanctioned by the Government of India viz., Integrated Development of Nagarjunasagar as part of Lower Krishna valley Buddhist circuit with a view to attract large number of domestic and foreign tourists particularly from the South-East Asian countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Archaeology of Indonesia</span>

The archaeology of Indonesia is the study of the archaeology of the archipelagic realm that today forms the nation of Indonesia, stretching from prehistory through almost two millennia of documented history. The ancient Indonesian archipelago was a geographical maritime bridge between the political and cultural centers of Ancient India and Imperial China, and is notable as a part of ancient Maritime Silk Road.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sumberawan</span> Buddhist stupa near Malang, East Java, Indonesia

Sumberawan is a Buddhist stupa located in Toyomarto village, Sumberawan subdistrict, Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The stupa is located in the highlands, on the southern slope of Mount Arjuno, surrounded by numerous Springs.

Samudra Raksa Indonesian replica ship

Samudra Raksa is a replica ship built in 2003 based on the relief of ships in the Borobudur temple. In the late 20th century, Philip Beale, a British sailor, became interested in depictions of the ship at Borobudur and decided to reconstruct one. Aided by government and international bodies, he organized an expedition team that constructed the ship and, from 2003 to 2004, sailed it from Indonesia to Madagascar and to Ghana, proving that long-distance trade could have occurred. The Samudra Raksa Museum was constructed at Borobudur Archeological Park to house the ship, opening in 2005, and provides other displays to interpret the ancient maritime history of Indonesians.

References

  1. 1 2 "Borobudur Museum". Borobudur Park. Archived from the original on 18 January 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  2. 1 2 "Borobudur Museums (Borobudur, Central Java, Indonesia)". World Guides. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  3. "Museum of Borobudur: All Ever You Need to Know About This Wonder of the World". Indonesia Travel. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  4. "Museum Karmawibhangga". Museum Indonesia. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  5. "Karmawibhangga Museum". Yogyes. Archived from the original on 28 March 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2012.