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Buddhism 101 Karmavibhanga Jatakamala Avadana Lalitavistara Gandavyuha Bhadracari Summit
Early History Buddhist Art Architecture Mantrayana Angkor The Silk Road Asian Art Books
Candi Mendut Candi Pawon C. Ngawen C. Plaosan Prambanan C. Kalasan C. Banyunibo Candi Sewu
Kalasan_Fig_25.jpg (269453 bytes)    Kalasan_Fig_11.jpg (340184 bytes)

Candi Kalasan

Candi Kalasan is located on the northwest side of modern Yogyakarta on the south side of the road that leads to Prambanan village. Initially constructed during the late 8th century, the design of Candi Kalasan underwent a   considerable number of changes during the remainder of Central Java's Classic Age. One notable feature of the temple is its octagon-shaped roof, which featured carved images of the Tathagatas facing the four cardinal points, each of which was flanked by a pair of   bodhisattvas in bas-relief. It has been suggested that the  bodhisattva serial on the upper part of Kalasan represent the famous Eight Great Bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism.  (Drag the cursor over each picture to access the descriptive text.)

      Kalasan from the southeast.          Kalasan's entranceway faces the East.
   Closeup view of the ornamentation over one of the external image niches at the level of the first storey.              Makara staircase banister.

                  Kalasan_Fig_23.jpg (313548 bytes)

A standing male image in bas-relief; either a bodhisattva or some other celestial deity.           A standing male image in bas-relief; either a bodhisattva or some other celestial deity.
      A closeup view of the temple's second storey.          One of the image niches at the level of the first storey above the basement.

 The Kala head motif at Kalasan features the small reliefs of deities.          The Kala head motif at Kalasan features the small reliefs of deities.
     The relief of a goddess over one of the temple's windows. The Kalasan inscription tells us that the temple was initially dedicated to the goddess Tara.          This bell was discovered near the remains of what was believed to be monastic quarters for Buddhist monks.

    A Tathagata flanked to either side by a bodhisattva.

    Closeup view of one of the bodhisattvas in bas-relief.          Closeup view of one of the bodhisattvas in bas-relief.       

Closeup view of one of the bodhisattvas in bas-relief.          One of Kalasan's Tathagata images.

    An interview view of the temple's underlying octagonal design, looking straight up.

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