Some temples in Asia have magnificent sets of gargoyles, not just in terms of superb carving but also with a very interesting iconography that tells us about the culture and traditions of the fascinating countries on the Asian continent. Many of these gargoyles depict fantastical figures drawn from the mythology of these countries.
On the island of Java (Indonesia), in the Borobudur (Buddhist) and Prambanan (Hindu) temples, built between the 8th and the 11th centuries, there are some really splendid gargoyles.
The Borobudur temple, the largest Buddhist monument in the world, was built in honour of the Buddha. The Prambanan site is dedicated to the three main Hindu deities that make up the Trimurti: Shiva, Brahma and Visnu.
Borobudur (Java). Image 1.
Borobudur (Java). Image 2.
Prambanan (Java). Image 3.
Prambanan (Java). Image 4.
Gargoyles
The mythological figures depicted on Indonesian gargoyles include the monster Makara, in Sanskrit sea dragon or water monster (मकर). It’s the most commonly recurring creature in Hindu and Buddhist temple iconography and is regarded as a guardian god, which is why it appears on walls and temple entrances.
Makara is a sea creature, a hybrid formed by various animal parts, and its origins lie in Indian mythology. It’s depicted with the head of an elephant and the body of a fish. Makara is also said to have a scaly body, tusks and boar or pig’s ears, sometimes with a peacock tail with the feathers spread out.
It has been linked to the crocodile, in fact it’s said to have this reptile’s jaw. Makara’s powers are connected with sexuality and virility. It’s also considered as a vehicle (vahana) of the Ganges river goddess (Ganga) and the sea god (Varuna).
Makara frequently appears as a gargoyle, like at the sites of Borobudur and Prambanan, where you can see some absolutely beautiful and intricately carved examples.
On one of his trips to Indonesia, my son Manuel brought me photographs of some of these marvellous gargoyles, fantastic figures that I want to share with you.
Monster (Borobudur). Image 5.
Monster (Borobudur). Image 6.
Monster (Borobudur). Image 7.
Monster (Borobudur). Image 8.
Monster (Borobudur). Image 9.
Monster (Borobudur). Image 10.
Makara (Borobudur). Image 11.
Makaras (Prambanan). Image 12.
Makaras (Prambanan). Image 13.
Makara (Prambanan). Image 14.
Monster (Prambanan). Image 15.
Monster (Prambanan). Image 16.
Doctora en Historia del Arte. Investigadora especializada en el estudio de las gárgolas.
Otros artículos de gárgolas interesantes:
The Enchanting, Magical Imagery of the Gargoyles at the Monastery of San Martín Pinario in Santiago de Compostela
Unsettling and Amazing Creatures. The Archetypal Gargoyles at Mirepoix
The Outstandingly Magnificent Iconography of the Cathedral of Valencia Gargoyles
Geometric Gargoyles. Geometry as Ornamentation
Gargoyles Looking out to Sea
The Dragon and its Symbolism
Mythology and Fascinating Mythical Creatures in Gargoyles
Realism and Fantasy in Gargoyles. Aachen Cathedral
Gargoyles and Sculpting. The Language of Stone
