What You May Not Have Known About Indonesia's Borobudur Temple

What You May Not Have Known About Indonesia's Borobudur Temple

   2:55 PM       Rizkooblogsite

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You must at least once in your lifetime see the majestic Borobudur temple, the largest Buddhist structure in the world, which is situated on the island of Java. The region is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscape unique to Central Java.

The temple is perched majestically on a hill with a view of far-off hills and lush green plains. The temple was constructed between AD 780 and 840 during the rule of the Syailendra dynasty, and its Gupta architectural style displays India's influence on the area. However, enough native sceneries and components have been added to make Borobudur distinctly Indonesian.

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It encompasses the southern region of Central Java's Kedu Valley, which has a total surface area of around 2,500 m2. The monument is an architectural wonder, with 2,672 relief panels and 504 authentic Buddha sculptures all around it. This temple's craftsmanship and architecture are unparalleled. It was constructed without the use of mortar or cement. The building resembles a huge set of interlocking Lego bricks that are kept together by friction rather than glue. It is hardly surprising that UNESCO has included Borobudur on its list of World Heritage Sites.

Despite being neglected for 10 centuries, the temple has held up well. As directed by Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles, it was found in 1814. Together with UNESCO, the Indonesian government sought to restore Borobudur to its former grandeur in the 1970s. The eight-year repair process turned Borobudur into one of Indonesia's most priceless relics. This explains why there are a few prohibitions against touching or sitting on the Borobudur site when you go there. The beauty of this temple, which narrates their past, is something that the residents genuinely wish to preserve.

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Bas-relief stone sculptures that depict scenes from Buddha's life embellish the temple. The world's greatest and most comprehensive collection of Buddhist reliefs, according to commentators, is unmatched in terms of aesthetic quality.

Walk Around

When visiting the Borobudur temple, it is advised that you walk around the grounds. From the entrance, you may opt to stroll through Green Park. As you go through this area, several merchants will try to sell you trinkets and other things. Additionally, you can discover some other intriguing little exhibition sculptures as well as traditional Indonesian items like batik and clothing. Although there are rules to discourage them from bothering visitors, it is advised to purchase some of the traditional trinkets they offer to keep the beauty of the Borobudur temple in your memory.

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You will be in awe of the exquisite stone sculptures on exhibit on the walls of this majestic temple as you go to the summit. When visiting this cultural place, you should also be mindful of certain manners, such as dressing decently, abstaining from vandalism, maintaining your attitude, respecting any religious activities you may encounter, and lastly, refraining from over-posing for photographs. You might need to borrow a sarong to put across your hips if you chance to be wearing shorts while you are there.

Discover the site's history and significance, which are shown on its numerous reliefs, while you're there. You do not need to be concerned about expanding your knowledge of the history of Borobudur temple because there are guides available to assist you learn more about this landmark with a variety of language options. They will be able to show you around the location and provide a detailed history of the temple, starting with its building under the Syailendra dynasty. The narratives and stories shown in the stone carvings on the temple's exterior have significant philosophical implications.

Get going

Yogyakarta is around an hour's drive from Borobudur. Joining a tour or hiring a vehicle is the most straightforward method to get there. You may take in the clean, crisp air of Magelang city, where the streets are lined with large, leafy trees, as you go to Borobudur. The Menoreh mountain range that surrounds Borobudur creates a stunning background against which the monument itself stands tall. The best time to visit the location is from April to October, when the country is at its driest. Additionally, if you want a clear view of the temple, it will be best to go during the day rather than after dusk.

Normally, you must walk from the parking lot to the entrance gate after arriving. The cost of the tickets for visitors from outside Indonesia is 350,000 rupiahs, or 25 USD. There are more street sellers selling Central Javan food that you may have never tried if you still need to buy some snacks. Most people opt to stroll about on foot because it is simple to enter the temple complex. A horse-drawn carriage may be rented at a reasonable fee as an alternative. The cruise ship guests that disembark in Semarang may also take a day trip to Borobudur by driving through Wonosobo.