Candi Pawon

Origins

Built in 800, situated 1km from Borobudhur. 

Candi Pawon is dedicated to Kuwera, the God of wealth. The dedication reflects that Buddhism started as a merchant's religion. 

Ariswara writes that Brojonalan, the name of the village where Pawon is located means vraja nala - a place to clean one's heart - and suspects that Pawon was a place to keep holy water before continuing to Borobudhur. 

Description of architecture

Candi Pawon 800 locally associated with Kuvera, the Hindu god of wealth. Statue no longer inside, and most likely ultimately Buddhist, given proximity to Mendut & B.

Description of reliefs

Identifiable reliefs include the kalpataru tree and a pair of kinnara - half-bird half-human creatures. The kalpataru trees can be identified as wish-granting trees as they are surrounded by pots of money. Bearded dwarfs over the entrance pour jewels from sacks. 

The cella to the West is empty and could have contained a statue of the Goddess Indra as <vajra> is her symbol. (Ariswara)

Restoration

Prior to restoration, Candi Pawon was flanked by a tall and slender randu alas tree that had grown into it, and whose roots were threatening to destroy the temple. The tree was felled in 1903, and restoration on Pawon was started by Public Works officer van den Ham, under the direction of Brandes. Brandes had also been involved with the Mendut restoration and was known for his passion to recreate rather than to preserve what remained for future generations. Few visitors will realise that the crown that so harmonious tops the candi is of Brandes' creation. It might have been that way, but then again, it might not. 

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