Candi Mendut, Yogyakarta
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Steps leading up Candi Mendut.
Mendut was built at about the same time as Borobudur, around the second half of the eighth century, and most probably by King Sri Maharaja Panangkaran, of the same dynasty that gave us Borobudur.
The back wall of the porch is ornamented with bas reliefs representing the Kaplavreksa tree, or Jewel Bearing Wishing Tree. On the wall of the north side is the relief of the goddess Hariti surrounded by her children. This is a symbol of fertility. On the south wall is the god Jambhala or Kuwera, the symbol of wealth. He is also depicted with his offsprings.
Upon entering the temple, we come to the dark cell. As our eyes adjust to the dim light within, we can see in front of us the statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni seated on a prabha, or throne. On his left is the Avalokiteswara, with the Amitabha on her crown, Vajrapani. She is holding a red lotus and put on her palm. On his right is Maitreya. Below the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni is 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 Isipathana Deer Park.
On the outer side of the body of the temple, the image of Devi Tara (Sakti or Spirit of Buddha) is chiselled in the north wall. The Avalokiteswara is on the east wall while the Manjusri on the south. On the balustrade leading into the temple are carvings represent stories from the Jatakas, children's fables and lessons using animals as the characters.
 | A bayan tree in the compound of Candi Mendut. |
The Buddha Sakyamuni seated on a prabha, or throne, with his hand in the Dharma Chakra Mudra, or turning the Wheel of Law of Cause and Effect position.
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