The Meaning of Buddhist Statue Symbols In Borobudur, Mendut And Plaosan Temples Based on Buddhist Literature

Abstract

Borobudur, Mendut, and Plaosan   temples   are representative temples in Buddhist   temple architecture in Indonesia. These three temples were built with different backgrounds in their time but have a common function as places of worship. One of the main characteristics in the   building of this   temple is the presence of   Buddha statues with their spiritual function in the religious activities of Buddhists.  This research uses qualitative research methods with a phenomenological approach. Data is processed and analyzed with several stages, namely data condensation, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study show that the   Buddha statue is interpreted as an important main symbol in temple buildings.  This symbol is related to   the   sacred meaning of the temple and puja activities carried out by the community.  The Buddha statue is the most important symbol because it   directly represents the Buddha. These Buddha statues are found in all three temples with different names but as Buddhist symbols, have the same characteristics. All three stand out because they are in the middle and tend to be larger in size than other objects, and without a doubt that Buddha statues symbolizing Buddha itself are certainly discussed in Buddhist literature. Although in making Buddhist   statues in the three temples look different such as the sitting   position of the statues, the shape of the   mudras, and the ornaments that adorn them, there are similarities in the components of the statues based on Buddhist   literature. The similarity   of   these components is contained in one sermon (sutta) that explains the characteristics or signs of a Buddha is the   Lakkhaṇa Sutta in Dīghanikāya. It is said in the literature  that  Buddha had 32 signs of the body as  a great man