|
 |
 |
As mentioned before,
Pawon Temple is believed to have a ritual link with Borobudur and Mendut. Pilgrims walked
from Mendut Temple about 1,150 metres to Pawon, and then continue about 1,750 metres to
reach the Borobudur for the final procession of ceremony. Pawon is much smaller than Mendut, but have similarities
in style and decorations, and it is presumed that this temple was also built about the
same time with Mendut. |
|
The single inner chamber
no longer contains a statue, but the decorations indicate that it was once dedicated to Kuvera,
the Buddhist God of Fortune. The outer walls are decorated with "Kalpataru"
Wishing Trees as the main feature. Local
people say that the name "Pawon" was taken from a traditional Javanese language,
meaning a place for cremation. Also this temple is called "Brajanalan" which
comes from the Sanskrit words "Vajra" (thunder) and "Anala" (fire). If
these interpretations are accepted, it could be assumed that besides being a gate to
Borobudur, Pawon Temple was also, perhaps, a place for cremation of notable people.
|
