Borobudur
The Ascent to Salvation
Borobudur, the mountain of statues, is the largest non-monastic Buddhist Temple of the planet. A monument of breathtaking grandeur and grace, it has the power to make the viewer speechless.
Synopsis
| Country | Indonesia |
| State | Central Java |
| Location | Borobudur District, South of Magalang |
| Known For | Largest non-monastic Buddhist stupa representing cosmos |
| Borobudur Temple Area | 85 hectares |
| Best Moment To Visit | Morning |
| Architectural Style | Gupta architecture of Indian influence |
Why to Visit
- One of the seven medieval wonders of the world.
- Biggest non-monastic Buddhist temple in the world.
- Listed as a World Heritage Site.
- Intended replica of cosmos.
Fine Points of Borobudur
- Few sights as beautiful as watching Borobudur in morning.
- From the air, the monument looks floating.
- Structure with a unique architectural design.
- A replica of the universe.
- Takes the visitor to incredible journey back in time.
- A marvel of history, religion and art preservation
The Structure
The form of Borobudur Temple is a combination of zigurat (middle Asian Pyramid) and Indian stupa. Perched atop a hill, the huge monument is built from volcanic rock. It is in the form of a colossal mandala, symbolically depicting the path to salvation.
The monument has nine concentric terraces. The upper three are circular while the six in bottom are square.
The Circumambulation
A pilgrim goes around the monument clockwise, starting with the reliefs on the eastern staircase. He circumambulates the monument before ascending to the next level.
Thus, going round and round the monument, he reaches the top. The total journey covers the distance of five kilometres.
Kamadhatu (World of Wishes)
The base of Borobudur, which was later covered by a platform to buttress the structure, contains Kamadhatu level. This level depicts the deeds of passion and worldly desires. At least 160 relief panels were carved around this level.
Rupadhatu (World of Forms)
The levels related to Rupadhatu display events related to the life of Siddartha or Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. The depiction starts with his birth and ends with the Buddha's last sermon which he delivered near Varanasi, a city of India.
Arupadhatu (World of formlessness)
The three circular terraces at the top of the monument represent the state of Arupadhatu. No reliefs are there to convey the point. Instead, they display life-size statues of the Buddha, either within the stupas or in niches in the walls.
Not To Miss
Meet Borobudur with her companions. For the tour of the great temple would not be complete without them.
Waisak Festival
Come May and Borobudur sinks in the sea of joy. For, in May, Borobudur celebrates Waisak festival to mark the birth of Buddha.
This is a colorful, multi-day event which ends with a long, candle-lit procession of saffron-clad monks from Candi Mendut to Borobudur. Surely a vision you will never forget!
http://www.tourism-asia.net/wonders-of-asia/borobudur.html
Prambanan
Situated in central Java
Prambanan Temples is the largest Hindu temple compound in Indonesia. Rakai Pikatan, king of the second Mataram dynasty built the
Prambanan Temples in 850 CE. The temple got damaged soon after it construction. The
Prambanan Temples compound was reconstructed in 1918. Reconstruction of the main building was completed around 1953. It may be mentioned here that
Prambanan Temples has been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the largest Hindu temples in South –East Asia.
Description of Prambanan Temples –
A tall and pointed architecture is a typical sign of
Prambanan Temples.
Prambanan Temples has got a 47m high central building inside a large complex of individual temples.
Prambanan Temples has got the biggest temple complex in Java. There are altogether 224 temples in the complex. The three main temples are Brahma Temple in the north, Vishnu Temple in the south and the Shiva Temple within the Complex.
Prambanan Temples in Indonesia is regarded as one of the imperial temples in the South –East Asia.
Prambanan Temples appears to be very beautiful shortly after dawn or before sunrise. A beautiful park has been designed especially for children and the rest of your family to play in and have loads of fun while enjoying the magnetic beauty of Prambanan Temple. There is also an archeological museum in the
Prambanan Temples compound where you can learn about the ancient history of
Prambanan Temples and all the surrounding temples and Wanabaya's discoveries. Built in the 9th century, the
Prambanan Temples is a unique example of Hindu architectural traditions. It resembles the Hindu temples in many aspects. The sculptural reliefs adorn the walls of the
Prambanan Temples depicting the story of Ramayana.
Drawing almost a million tourists every year, visit to the
Prambanan Temples is a must when on a tour to Indonesia.
www.asiarooms.com
Boko
Ratu Boko Temple is one of the fascinating ancient temples in Yogyakarta. It showcases the rich cultural and architectural traditions of Indonesia and is a popular tourist attraction of Yogyakarta visited by thousands every year. It also displays a blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectural elements indicating the extensive spread of both religions in Indonesia, once upon a time.
Location
Ratu Boko Temple is located 196 m above sea level on a mountain, about 3 km south from Prambanan Temple.
History of Ratu Boko Temple, Yogyakarta
The Ratu Boko Temple is considered to have been built as a dormitory for monks, according to inscriptions dating back to the mid 700's. It is also a remainder of King Boko's palace built around 8th century. Ratu Boko Temple was originally named Abhayagiri Vihara. Several legends say that the temple was used for staging mortal combats.
Description
Ratu Boko Temple has a width of 2.5 lakh square meters and boasts beautiful monasteries, terraces, ponds and temples.
The impressive entrance gate of the Ratu Boko Temple boasts two separate gateways set at different levels. It is decorated with intricate stone facings. About 50 m from the main gate is a temple of white stone. Just nearby you can see two square terraces used for burning corpses. Within the Ratu Boko Temple, there is a well called Amerta Mantana. The water of this well is considered lucky and used on auspicious days by Indonesia's Hindu people.
At Ratu Boko Temple you'll also see a series of circular pools carved into the limestone. These were used for royal baths.
Two caves formed of sediment stones lie at the eastern end of the palace, The upper cave is called Gua Lanang (Male Cave) and the lower cave Gua Wadon( Female Cave). These Buddhist caves also have Hindu elements of Linga and Yoni, and statue of Ganesha.
So, visit the beautiful Ratu Boko Temple, Yogyakarta and get an insight into Indonesia's fascinating heritage.
