Mendut Temple

The eldest of three Buddhist temples situated in Central Java, around 40 kilometers from central Yogyakarta, Mendut Temple was thought to be built in the early part of the ninth century by King Indra of the Sailendra Dynasty.
Mendut Temple stands at almost 37 meters tall, with the main structure set on a platform that also serves as a walkway. Stairs adorned with sculptured panels lead to the door of the temple, which features a corbelled roof and reaches as high as the roof of the main structure itself. 
It’s fair to say that the star attraction of Mendut lies inside the temple, in the form of three intricately-carved stone statues. The main statue within the temple’s chamber depicts the Buddha facing west with hands in the ‘Dharmacakra mudrā’ position, also known as ‘the turning of the Dharma Wheel.’ On either side of this huge central statue sit two Bodhisattvas. To the left, Boddhisatva Avalokitesvara represents liberation from the karma of speech, and to the right, Boddhisatva Vajrapani represents liberation from karma of thought.

Practical Info

Mendut Temple is located in Mendut village, close to the temples of Pawon and Borobudur. The temples can be reached within around an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta’s city center, and a popular way to travel between the temples on arrival is by horse and cart.