After watching the sunrise at Borobudur, it was time to continue the “tour” I had booked through the Hyatt Regency Yogykarta.
The next stops would be the Mendut Temple and the Candi Pawon Temple.
Visiting The Mendut And Candi Pawon Temples (Yogykarta, Indonesia)
Along with Borobudur, the Mendut and Candi Pawon temples form a straight line crossing the Progo River.
Image courtesy of Gunawan Kartapranata
While it is not fully understood why the three temples were built in a straight line, it is clear they were built around the same time during the 9th century and likely share an important symbolic relationship with each other.
Today, they comprise the diameter of the Borobudur Cultural Heritage Area.
Candi Pawon
Candi Pawon lies between Borobudur and Mendut. It is believed to have been a stopping point for the faithful to “purify their souls” before venturing onto Borobudur.
Candi Pawon
The Mendut Temple
Beyond Candi Pawon lies the oldest of the three temples, Mendut.
Mendut Temple is believed by many Javanese and Buddhists to have the power to grant wishes.
This large banyan tree grows near Mendut
Entrance to the Mendut Temple
This bas-relief of Hariti is believed to grant children to the childless
Statue of Dhyani Buddha Vairocana
Final Thoughts: Visiting The Mendut And Candi Pawon Temples (Yogykarta, Indonesia)
Along with Borobudur, Candi Pawon and Mendut form a historically significant triad in Central Java.
Although Pawon and Mendut are much smaller than Borobudur, they are no less important and even pre-date the larger temple. Taken together, the three temples can help piece together over 1,000 years of religion and history in ancient Java.
Cheers!
