Karmawibhangga Museum, Archaeological museum in Borobudur complex, Indonesia
The Karmawibhangga Museum houses 4,000 original stones and carved pieces from Borobudur temple, including decorative panels and structural fragments uncovered during excavation work. These artifacts were discovered and preserved from the temple site over decades of archaeological investigation.
The museum was founded in 1983 to preserve discoveries made during the UNESCO-directed restoration of Borobudur temple between 1975 and 1982. This major restoration project uncovered and documented thousands of stone pieces that had been buried or displaced over centuries.
Stone reliefs in the collection show how people lived in ancient times, with scenes of religious practices, clothing, tools, and local plants and animals. Visitors can observe daily routines and beliefs through carvings that reveal much about the society that created them.
The museum sits several hundred meters north of the main Borobudur monument and operates daily from sunrise to sunset. Entry is free for all visitors, making it an easy addition to a temple tour.
A highlight is the 160 Karmawibhangga relief panels that illustrate Buddhist teachings on karma by showing everyday scenes alongside their consequences. These specific carvings tell a visual story about how actions lead to results both in this life and beyond.
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