Pawon Temple

Overview

Candi Pawon is a small but beautifully decorated Buddhist temple standing midway between Mendut and Borobudur on the ancient pilgrimage route. Its external walls feature some of the finest ornamental stone carving in Java, including celestial beings pouring treasures from overflowing jars.

Highlights

• Kinnara reliefs: Half-bird, half-human celestial musicians carved on the exterior walls.
• Kalpataru trees: Money trees flanked by treasure pots — believed to symbolize spiritual wealth.
• Pilgrimage waypoint: Part of the straight-line alignment connecting Mendut, Pawon, and Borobudur.

History

Dating from the early 9th century, Pawon's exact purpose remains debated — it may have been a royal mausoleum for King Indra of the Sailendra dynasty or a meditation hall for monks walking between Mendut and Borobudur. Despite its small size, its carving quality rivals that of Borobudur itself.

Visitor Tips

• Quick stop: The temple is compact and can be appreciated in 20–30 minutes.
• Combined visit: Walk or cycle the 1.5 km from Mendut to Pawon to Borobudur for the full pilgrimage experience.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.