Page 9 - Descriptive Text, grade 8
P. 9
Borobudur Temple, located in Central Java, Indonesia, is one of
the world's most magnificent Buddhist monuments. Built in the
9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, this
massive structure is a testament to the advanced architectural and
artistic skills of its builders. The temple is designed in the form of
a mandala, symbolizing the universe in Buddhist cosmology.
Borobudur consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and
three circular, topped by a central dome. The temple's walls and
balustrades are adorned with thousands of intricate relief panels
depicting various scenes from Buddhist teachings and Javanese
daily life. These panels serve as a visual guide to enlightenment,
guiding pilgrims on their spiritual journey.
At the summit of Borobudur, the central dome is surrounded by
72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupas. The temple’s
overall structure represents a journey from the earthly realm to
nirvana, the ultimate goal in Buddhism.
Borobudur was abandoned in the 14th century as the influence
of Buddhism waned and the region converted to Islam. It was
rediscovered in the 19th century by British Sir Thomas Stamford
Raffles and has since undergone several restorations to preserve
its grandeur. Today, Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
and remains a major pilgrimage site and tourist attraction,
drawing visitors from around the globe who marvel at its
historical, cultural, and spiritual significance.
Evaluasi Pembelajaran
- Students will be given descriptive text questions to check
students' understanding of the material
Sumber Pembelajaran
7