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The History of Buddha Gautama in Basreliefs Mendut Pawon

Chandi Mendut faces west contrary to Chandi Borobudur which has its front to the east. Architectonically the latter is called a stupa, the former a "chandi". This word originates from "Chandika", one of the names of Durga, the goddess of death.

According to Buddhist customs a "chandi" is used for ceremonies, whereas the Hindus used to build a "chandi" as a shrine to preserve the relics of kings or other important persons. Accordingly Chandi Mendut was only used for worshipping services (Dharma Dhatu. Waiqak Day was celebrated at Chandi Mendut, as Chandi Borobudur is in restoration now). The Borobudur stupa was the initiation place for novices to be ordained priests. According to Dr.J.G. de Casparis the transcription of the Karangtengah (Temanggung) prasasti dating from 824 A.D. revealed that the name "Mendut" was a derivation of the Sanskrit term Venu (bamboo), Vana - grove; Mandira (temple), standing for "a temple amidst the bamboo grove".

Chandi Mendut was built at about the same time as Borobudur, in the second half of the eighth century, and most probably by the gailendra King Sri Maharaja Panangkaran.

When entering the front gate along a flight of steps we arrive at the porch, the back wall to which is ornamented with bas-reliefs, representing the Kaplavreksa tree (the jewel bearing Wishing Tree) on both halves of it, whereas the wall on the northside (left) shows the goddess Hariti, surrounded by her children (symbol of fertility) and on the south wall we see god Jambhala or Kuwera (the symbol of wealth), also amidst his offspring. The bas-reliefs overhead show gods (devas), strowing from above.

Upon entering the adjoining cell we observe the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni, sitting on a throne (prabha) and respectively on the left and on the right hand are the statues of Avalokite Iswara (a small image of Amitaba in his crown) and Vajranity in the Unity. Below the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni we distinguish a Chakra wheel between two deer. The handpose of the Buddha image is turning the Wheel of Law of Cause and Effect (Dharma Chakra Mudra). Buddha Sakyamuni is depicted proclaiming the Buddha doctrine in the Deer Park in the town of Benares. Remarkably, Buddha has not the usual cross-legged sitting attitude, but both legs are hanging (Pralambha - Padasana).

Other distinctive marks of Buddha Sakyamuni are frizzy hair with a bump jutting outward, and in the midst of the forehead there is a small knot, representing the third eye. The lobes of the ears are long and the eyes focussed on the nose tip have an expression of tranquility. Around the neck three necklaces like stands are perceptible. Those are the rings of felicity. The robe is depicted as if made of very thin fabric, in such a way that the statue seems nude. Obviously the statues were made under the influence of the Gandara art. In front of the statue there are six empty niches. In all probability those niches were formerly used to put in the candles for worshipping. The ceiling of the cell has a phyramidal structure. The most important thing about the pyramidal roof is the keystone in the middle top that supports all stones that form of roof.

On the outer side of the body of the temple (the "die") we find the image of Devi Tara (Sakti or Spirit of Buddha), chiselled in the north wall; Avalokite Isvara is on the east wall and Manjusri on the south one. On the balustrade of the stairs, leading into the temple, carvings represent stories from the Jatakas, which are also found in the ornaments on the footing of the "die" (the stylized figures of animals), e.g. stories about the double-headed bird, the stupid crocodile and the monkey, the bird and the monkey etc. On the soubassement, we find ornaments in which we recognize a carpet with images of Bodhisattvas (Vidyadaras) faces turned upward in adoration of the Trinity (Buddha - Dharma - Sanga) inside the cell.

Chandi Mendut has undergone alterations as to its architectonic structure. Originally the temple was built of terra cotta, afterwards, was stuccoed with andesite stones in which form it has remained ever since.