Maha Vihara Mojopahit (Reclining Buddha Statue)

Maha Vihara Mojopahit: A Manifestation of Acculturated Architecture and the Grandeur of the Reclining Buddha

Maha Vihara Mojopahit, located in Bejijong Village, Trowulan District, Mojokerto Regency, is more than just a place of worship for Buddhists. This complex is an architectural monument that weaves the threads of the Majapahit Kingdom's glorious history with contemporary spirituality. As one of East Java's iconic destinations, its main attraction—the Reclining Buddha Statue (Rupang Buddha Mahaparinibbana)—has become a symbol of cultural syncretism and breathtaking civil engineering.

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History of Establishment and Location Context

Established on a 20,000 square meter plot of land, Maha Vihara Mojopahit began construction in 1987 on the initiative of Y.M. Bhante Viriyanadi Mahathera. The choice of Trowulan as the location holds deep historical significance, given that this area was the center of the Majapahit Kingdom's government in the past. The vihara's architecture was intentionally designed to honor this past glory, creating a visual bridge between Majapahit's archaeological heritage and its modern religious function.

The construction of the Reclining Buddha Statue itself was completed in 1993. The statue measures 22 meters in length, 6 meters in width, and 4.5 meters in height, making it the largest reclining Buddha statue in Indonesia and the third largest in Southeast Asia after Thailand and Nepal.

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Architectural Style: Javanese and Buddhist Syncretism

Structurally, the Maha Vihara Mojopahit complex adopts a strong Central Javanese architectural style, particularly evident in the main building (Dhammasala). The use of a tiered roof (tajug), resembling traditional Javanese pendopo architecture, signifies an effort to accommodate local culture within a religious building.

The building walls are adorned with reliefs carved from natural stone, narrating the life journey of Siddhartha Gautama and the law of Karma. Uniquely, the relief carving technique follows the aesthetic style of reliefs found in Majapahit heritage temples, such as Candi Tikus or Candi Bajang Ratu, with slimmer body proportions and intricate ornamental details.

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Mahaparinibbana: Structural and Aesthetic Innovation of the Statue

The main icon of this complex is the gold-colored Reclining Buddha Statue. From a civil engineering perspective, the statue is built using robust reinforced concrete. However, the most prominent aspects are the anatomical details and symbolism embedded in its carving.

The statue's posture depicts the Buddha's final moments before achieving Parinirvana (perfect physical death). The Buddha is shown lying on his right side, with his right hand supporting his head—a pose symbolizing absolute tranquility. The gold leaf (prada) coating on the concrete surface provides a magnificent reflective effect, especially when exposed to sunlight, creating a strong spiritual aura for anyone who beholds it.

Beneath the statue's base, a fish pond surrounds the main structure. Architecturally, this pond functions as a natural cooling element (passive cooling) and provides a visual effect as if the statue is floating on water, enhancing the sense of peace and transcendence.

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Miniature Temples and Relief Details

In addition to the giant statue, the complex features a miniature replica of Candi Borobudur strategically placed in a corner of the courtyard. This placement is not without reason; it serves as a tribute to the pinnacle of Buddhist architectural achievement in the archipelago.

The reliefs scattered around the vihara area were crafted by local sculptors who understand the Majapahit artistic conventions. The use of exposed red bricks on some parts of the fence and entrance gate (Candi Bentar) reinforces Trowulan's visual identity as the "Red Brick City." This integration of local materials creates harmony between the new buildings and the surrounding ancient sites.

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Cultural and Social Significance

Maha Vihara Mojopahit plays a dual role as a meditation center and a cultural tourism destination. Its presence amidst a predominantly Muslim community in Bejijong Village is a tangible testament to religious tolerance that has been rooted since the Majapahit era (Mpu Prapanca in Nagarakretagama mentions the harmony between Shiva and Buddha).

The vihara is not only open to devotees for prayer but also to general tourists interested in learning about history and art. This creates a socio-economic ecosystem where religious architecture functions as a catalyst for regional tourism.

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Visitor Experience and Built Environment

Upon entering the vihara area, visitors are greeted by a serene atmosphere with many shady trees that cool the open spaces. The landscape design is intended to guide visitors' movement from the main gate to the Dhammasala area, culminating at the Reclining Buddha Statue.

Small details such as miniature statues along the pathways and motivational spiritual inscriptions provide a contemplative spatial experience. The lighting at night is also dramatically designed, highlighting the silhouette of the golden statue that appears to glow in the darkness, creating a highly iconic scene for architectural photography.

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Conclusion

Maha Vihara Mojopahit with its Reclining Buddha Statue is an architectural achievement that successfully unites the dimensions of the past, present, and spiritual values. Through the use of modern concrete materials combined with traditional Javanese aesthetics and Buddhist symbolism, this building stands tall as Mojokerto's visual identity. It is not merely a grand physical structure but a visual narrative of peace, historical reverence, and highly dedicated human craftsmanship. For the world of Indonesian architecture, this place serves as an important reference on how a religious building can adapt to its local context without losing its sacred essence.