Manjusrigrha inscription facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Manjusrigrha inscription |
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Manjusrigrha inscription, displayed in Studio Manjusrigrha or Candi Sewu Restoration Museum on the north side of Candi Sewu near Prambanan.
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| Material | Andesite stone |
| Writing | Old Javanese script in Old Malay and Sanskrit |
| Created | 714 Saka (2 November 792 CE) |
| Discovered | Discovered in 1960 at the west perwara temple no. 202 (row 4 No. 37) of Sewu Buddhist temple compound in Klaten Regency, located not far north of Prambanan temple, Central Java |
| Present location | Studio Manjusrigrha (Museum Pemugaran Candi Sewu), Klaten Regency, Central Java |
The Manjusrigrha inscription is an ancient stone carving from Indonesia. It was made in the year 792 CE. This special inscription is written in Old Malay language using the Old Javanese script.
It was found in 1960 at the Sewu temple complex in Klaten Regency, Central Java. Specifically, it was on the stairs of a smaller temple (called a pervara) on the west side. This inscription is very important because it tells us that the original name of the Sewu temple complex was probably Manjusrigrha. Sewu temple is a large Buddhist temple located about 800 meters north of the famous Prambanan temple. The inscription is carved on a stone block that is about 71 centimeters long, 42 centimeters wide, and 29 centimeters thick.
What the Inscription Says
The Manjusrigrha inscription has 16 lines of text. It was translated by a scholar named Kusen.
A Special Building for Manjusri
The inscription talks about the completion or renovation of a very important Buddhist building. This building was called a prasada and was named Vajrasana Manjusrigrha. This name suggests it was a special place for Manjusri, who is a very wise figure in Buddhism.
The text shows that the people who worked on this project were very happy and satisfied. It mentions that many people from all directions came to admire this building. It also talks about how all creatures and villagers contributed to this great effort.
Wisdom and Protection
The inscription also mentions a "Srinaresvara," who is described as someone who has passed away and joined the gods. It suggests that the good deeds from this project came from the guidance of this important person. The inscription also talks about upholding his orders and works.
This inscription is a key piece of evidence. It shows the influence of a type of Buddhism called Tantrayana—Vajrayana Buddhism in ancient Java. Historians believe the temple dedicated to Manjusri mentioned in the inscription is actually the Sewu temple itself.
See also
- Canggal inscription (732)
- Kalasan inscription (778)
- Kelurak inscription (782)
- Karangtengah inscription (824)
- Tri Tepusan inscription (842)
