This tourist attraction in Central Java has an area of 123 x
123 square meters and consists of 10 levels. The building is composed of
volcanic beams which form 504 statues, 72 stupas and a large main stupa at the
top. Uniquely, these blocks are arranged without using glue or cement, this
complex looks like a giant lego arrangement.
The decoration about 1,460 relief panels on the Borobudur
temple with a length of 2 meters each. These relief panels tell about the
stages of Buddha's life. There is a relief at the bottom of the temple called
'Kamadathu' which tells about the bad man's behavior that is filled with the
passions of the world and makes him go to hell. The middle relief, called
'Rapadathu', tells the story of humans who have been freed from the passions of
the world, while the top relief is 'Arupadhatu'. This relief illustrates the
highest level of attainment at which the gods reside.
In addition to the three reliefs, actually there is still a
relief panel at the bottom of the buried temple. According to historians, the
buried relief was named 'Karmawibhangga'. This is a relief that tells the
lowest level of humans. This relief illustrates the bad behavior of humans who
follow their passions such as killing, gossiping and raping. There was even
mentioned a picture of a husband and wife relationship. The burial of the
relief panel has two reasons, namely because the relief is considered impolite
and because of the strengthening efforts to keep the temple standing tall.
Borobudur Temple is said to be one of humanity's greatest
masterpieces in history. The arrangement of the volcanic beams and relief
sculpture is a work of art that is unrivaled. This tourist spot is also a
testament to the progress of ancient human civilization in the fields of
architecture, technology and literary arts. In this complex there are two
museums namely the Ocean Mercury Museum and the Karmawibhangga Museum. The
Museum of Ocean Mercury contains various collections and information about the
history of Asian-African trade in ancient times, while the Karmawibhangga
Museum contains information about the construction of the Borobudur Temple.
Not only the temple building that attracts attention, but
also the natural scenery around it. To the south of the temple is the Manoreh
Hill which, if seen in shape, resembles someone in a sleeping position. Besides
Manoreh Hill, there is still Sumbing Mountain, Sindoro Mountain, Merbabu
Mountain, and Mount Merapi that surround this magnificent building.
The History of Borobudur Temple
The age of the Borobudur Temple is estimated to have begun
to be built during the Syailendra Dynasty around the 9th century under the
reign of King Samaratungga. With the architect of the construction of the
temple complex named Gunadharma who managed to design this extraordinary
building despite not knowing computer systems and other advanced technologies.
The construction of the largest temple complex can be completed around 50-70
years later. The name Borobudur comes from the Sanskrit ‘Vihara Buddha Uhr’
which means Buddhist Monastery on the Mount. At that time, Borobudur Temple
became the largest center of religious activity. Until the entry of the
influence of Islam in the 15th century. This temple began to be abandoned by
people who converted to Islam. Borobudur is increasingly forgotten when the
eruption of Mount Merapi, which made it buried volcanic ash.
And around 1814, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles revealed the
existence of Borobudur Temple after receiving information about the existence
of a large building piled up with volcanic ash. Not only covered by volcanic
ash, the condition of the temple when it was discovered was also filled with
shrubs. Since being rediscovered, restoration and various temple reconstruction
efforts were carried out starting from the British, Dutch colonial era until when
Indonesia was independent. With assistance from UNESCO and cultural historians
from various parts of the world, Indonesia continues to improve the condition
of Borobudur Temple. After more than ten centuries of being repaired and not
maintained, this temple complex still stands strong today.
Activities You Can Do at Borobudur Temple
Of course there are lots of activities you can do while you
are in the largest Buddhist temple complex in the world, including:
Studying Literary Arts and Culture
By being in Borobudur Temple it will certainly be a very
interesting experience. If you like literary arts and culture, you can read and
observe the relief panels drawn on the walls of the temple. To be able to read
these relief stories in sequence, you have to walk around the temple in a
clockwise direction that is from left to right. Start at the east door at the
lowest level and walk around until you return to the initial door then take the
stairs to the next level. Do this continuously up to the top level to get
sequential and complete stories. Do you have difficulty reading stories in
relief? No need to be confused because there are guide services ready to help
you.
Photo Hunting
In this tourist spot offers a lot of interesting photo spots
for you, photography enthusiasts. Try to walk around this temple complex and
find the right angle to take pictures. Borobudur Temple is also known to have
beautiful sunrise and sunset views. Come at the right moment, prepare your
camera and safely capture the beautiful scenery.
Souvenir Hunting
And it feels incomplete if visiting a tourist spot without
buying his trademark souvenirs. Not far from the Borobudur Temple complex,
there are rows of souvenir stalls. You can buy a variety of items ranging from
hats, shirts, bags, key chains to miniature temples. The price offered varies,
use your ability to bid as well as possible. Around the temple complex In the
Borobudur temple complex there is a large green courtyard that you can explore.
In addition to walking, you can rent a bicycle to surround this tourist spot.
You brought a small child? Try to ride the rabbit train that is certainly liked
by children. If you want to try a different experience, why not try andong ride
to get around?
What's interesting about Borobudur Temple
Borobudur
Temple is one of the most influential places of worship for Buddhists in the
world. Every year, this temple complex becomes the center of Vesak celebrations
and is visited by Buddhists from various countries such as Thailand, Cambodia,
China and Tibet. Vesak Day is celebrated during the full moon in May or
commonly referred to as the Full Siddhi. The climax of Vesak celebrations invited
many domestic and foreign tourists. At that time the release of hundreds of
lanterns into the sky along with the best wishes for the next year.
Opening
Hours and Ticket Prices
The price of
admission is divided into 2 types, namely the price of tickets for local and
foreign tourists.
Here is the
price list:
Adult:
30,000 Rupiah for Indonesian citizens
15 USD for
foreigners
Children:
12,500 Rupiah for Indonesian citizens and
8 USD for
foreigners
Transportation Address and Route
Borobudur Temple is located on Jalan Badrawati, Magelang,
Central Java. And to get there can be via land transportation. The most
practical way, of course, by using a private car or using the services of a travel
agent. If you choose public transportation, there are many bus majors that can
be found at Borobudur Temple at Giwangan Terminal, Jogja.
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