Local and universal principles of cultural heritage at Candi Borobudur and Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan

Abstract

This study explores the preservation of cultural heritage through a qualitative comparative case study of two iconic Buddhist temples: Candi Borobudur in Indonesia and Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan in Thailand. Although both temples have reflected Buddhist traditions originating in India and serve similar religious functions, each temple reflects distinct architectural forms, spatial organization and cultural characteristics shaped by local contexts. The main research question of this study is how these two temples compare in terms of cultural, historical, and architectural elements, and what these differences reveal about their preservation and cultural significance. Using a qualitative approach, this research examines the overall site plans and key architectural components of both temples, including stupas, overall site plan designs, structural layout and the mudrā represented in Buddha statues. The analysis highlights how processes of acculturation, local adaptation, and foreign cultural influences have shaped the development of each temple. While Borobudur temple demonstrates a monumental mandala-based structure influenced by Javanese cosmology and Indian Buddhist philosophy, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan reflects Thailand’s architectural traditions and regional interpretations of Buddhist symbolism. The study reveals shared histories of acculturation influenced by local and foreign cultures, thereby shedding light on their respective cultural contexts and preservation challenges. By comparing these two heritage sites, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of cultural heritage preservation in Southeast Asia and provides insights into the challenges of maintaining religious monuments while respecting their historical and cultural identities.