Borobudur
Temple
The name of
Borobudur Temple must already be familiar to you. The temple is known as the
largest Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia, even the world's largest. UNESCO
set it as one of the world heritage site in 1991. In addition to being the
world's cultural heritage, the Borobudur Temple also became one of the sights
that attract a lot of attention of domestic and foreign travelers.
Tourist
attractions in Central Java have an area of 123 x 123 square meters and
consist of 10 levels. The building is composed of volcanic blocks that make up
the 504 statues, 72 stupas and a large main stupa at the peak. Uniquely, the
beams are arranged without using an adhesive or cement
Borobudur temple walls are decorated around 1,460 relief panels
with each panel length of 2 meters. This relief panels tell about the level of
the Buddha's life. Relief at the bottom of the temple called 'Kamadathu' which
tells about the bad behavior of human lust-filled world and make him go to
hell. Relief central part called 'Rapadathu', tells the story of men who have
been freed from the passions of the world, while the top relief is
'Arupadhatu'. This relief depicts the top achievement levels where the gods dwell.
In addition to
the three reliefs, there is still a relief panel in the lower part of the
temple were buried. According to historians, the buried reliefs named Karmawibhangga'. Here reliefs that tells about the lowest levels of human.
This relief depicts human bad behavior that follows their own lusts like
killing, gossiping and rape. Even mentioned there are pictures of the marital
relationship. Funerals relief panel has two reasons, namely because the relief
is considered rude and for strengthening efforts so that the temple remained
standing.
Borobudur temple is called as one of the greatest masterpieces of
human history. The composition of the volcanic beams and sculptured reliefs are
a work of art that is unsurpassed value. This tourist spot is also a proof of
ancient human civilization progress in the fields of architecture, technology
and literary arts.
In this complex
there are two museums namely Museum and Museum Ocean Mercury Karmawibhangga.
Mercury Ocean Museum contains various collections and information about the
history of Asian trade - Africa in ancient times, while the Museum
Karmawibhangga contains information about the development of Borobudur.
Not only the
temple that attracts attention, but also the surrounding natural scenery. On
the south side of the temple are Bukit Manoreh when viewed resembles someone in
a sleeping position. Besides Bukit Manoreh, there Sumbing, Mt. Sindoro, Mount
Merbabu, and Mount Merapi that surrounds this magnificent building.
History of Borobudur Temple
Borobudur
estimated was built during the Sailendra dynasty around the 9th century under
the reign of King Samaratungga. The architect of the temple complex named
Gunadharma who succeeded in designing this remarkable building though not know
the computer systems and other advanced technologies. The construction of the
temple complex can be completed around 50-70 years later. The name of Borobudur
comes from the Sanskrit 'Vihara Buddha Uhr "meaning Buddhist Monastery on
the Mount.
At that time,
the Borobudur Temple became the largest center of religious activity. Until
now, the influence of Islam in the 15th century. This temple began to be
abandoned by the people who turn to Islam. Borobudur increasingly forgotten as
the eruption of Mount Merapi, which makes buried volcanic ash.
Borobudur temple.
In 1814, Sir
Thomas Stamford Raffles reveal the existence of Borobudur temple after being
informed of the existence of a large building which buried volcanic ash. Not
only buried by volcanic ash, when the temple was also found covered with
shrubs.
Since
rediscovered, restoration and reconstruction of the temple performed a variety
of businesses ranging from British colonial period. With the help of UNESCO and
cultural historians from around the world, Indonesia continues to improve the
condition of Borobudur. After more than ten centuries unkempt, the temple
complex is still standing strong today.
What can be done in Borobudur?
There are so
many things you can do while in the large Buddhist temple complex in the world,
among them:
Learn the art of literature and culture
If you love art literature and culture, was at Borobudur temple
will certainly be an interesting experience once. You can read and observe the relief
panels were painted on the walls of the temple.
To be able to
read the story of this relief in order, you have to walk around the temple in a
clockwise direction from left to right.
Start from the east entrance at the level of the bottom and walk back to the
door turning up early and then go up the stairs to the next level. Do this
continuously up to the top level to get the story in sequence and intact. You
are having difficulty reading the stories in relief? Not to be confused because
there are guide services that is ready to help you.
These
attractions offer a lot of interesting objects to your photos, photography
enthusiasts. Try walking around the temple complex and find the right angle for
photographing. Borobudur temple is also known to have views of the sunrise and sunset
is beautiful. Come at the right moment, prepare your camera and safely capture
the beautiful scenery.
Souvenir Hunting
It feels
incomplete if visiting a tourist spot without buying a souvenir characteristic.
Not far from the Borobudur temple complex, there are rows of souvenir stalls.
You can buy a variety of goods ranging from hats, shirts, bags, key chains
until miniature temple. The price offered is varied, use your skills in the
best possible bargain.
Walking around the temple complex
In the
Borobudur temple complex is spacious green courtyard that you can explore.
Besides on foot, you can rent a bike to surround these attractions. You bring a
small child? Try to ride the train a rabbit that must appeal to kids. If you
want to try a different experience, why not try riding horse cart to get
around?
What's more interesting than Borobudur?
Borobudur temple became one of the influential religious place for
Buddhists in the world. Each year, this temple complex at the center of the
feast of Vesak celebrations and attended by Buddhists from various countries
such as Thailand, Cambodia, China and Tibet. The feast of Vesak is celebrated
during the full moon in May or commonly called the Siddhi Purnama.
The highlight of these Vesak celebrations invites many tourists
both domestic and foreign. At the time of release of hundreds of lanterns into
the sky along with best wishes for the year ahead.
Borobudur temple is located at street Badrawati, Magelang, Central
Java.
The most practical way of course by using a personal car or use the
services of a travel agent. If you choose public transport, bus there are many
majors Borobudur which you can find at the Bus Terminal, Yogyakarta.
Many people
around the world have made Borobudur Temple as a place that must be visited in
his life. Many theories that attempt to explain the origin of the word
Borobudur. One of them states that the name is probably derived from the word
Sambharabhudhara, which means "mountain" (bhudara) where the slopes
are located terraces. In addition there is several other folk etymology.
Suppose Borobudur word comes from the word "the Buddha" is due to
shift Borobudur sound. Another explanation is that the word is derived from the
word bara and budur. Bara / vihara means temple complex and budur or beduhur
means top or hill. So, could be interpreted as Borobudur temple complex located
on the hill.
Location of Borobudur temple
Borobudur
temple is located in the village of Borobudur, District Borobudur, Magelang
regency, about 40 km northwest of Yogyakarta, 7 km south of the city of
Magelang, and 100 km southwest of Semarang. Borobudur temple complex provides
accommodation facilities are quite complete, such as hotel / lodging,
restaurant / dining, souvenir shops which is very comprehensive, gas stations,
and means of communication, such as kiosks and Internet cafes. Around the
Borobudur Temple, also a lot of carriage (a type of carriage) which could be
used to take a walk around the temple complex. While in the temple complex,
there is also a train engine if you are tired or lazy to walk up to the temple.
In the Borobudur temple complex are also museums that are worth visiting.
Advice & Tips
Weather in
Borobudur very hot during the day. Do not forget to bring an umbrella and a
hat, and wear sunblock to your skin is not sunburned. But if you do not want to
bother carrying an umbrella from the house, near the entrance of many rental
umbrellas.
