An Unraveling of the Secrets behind the Magnificent Candi Borobudur
Hello PikiranMedia’s Friends, are you ready for a trip to unravel the secrets and mysteries behind the magnificent Borobudur temple? Borobudur temple is located in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. It is one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The Origin of Borobudur
The Borobudur temple was built between the 8th and 9th century, during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty. The temple was built as a place of worship and also for Buddhist pilgrimage. The temple was abandoned in the 14th century after the fall of the Syailendra dynasty and was later rediscovered during the British era. It was later restored in the 20th century and even today stands as a testimony to the great craftsmanship of the Javanese.
The Structure of the Temple
The Borobudur temple consists of nine stacked platforms. The first six platforms are square, while the top three are circular. The temple has a total of 72 stupas, each containing a Buddha statue. The stupas are placed in such a way that the temple resembles a mandala, which represents the Buddhist universe.
The Carvings on the Temple
The temple is adorned with exquisite carvings that are made of volcanic andesite rock. The carvings are divided into panels, each containing different stories from Buddhist teaching.
The carvings on the lower level of the temple depict the laws of karma, rebirth, and the wheel of life. The middle level of the temple contains carvings that depict Jataka tales. The top-level of the temple contains carvings that depict the Buddha, his teachings, and his life.
The Hidden Chambers
There are several hidden chambers in the Borobudur temple. These chambers were discovered during the restoration of the temple in the 20th century. The hidden chamber is believed to have been built for meditation purposes.
The Symbolism in the Temple
The Borobudur temple is full of symbolism. The number of stupas, the number of panels, and the number of Buddha statues all have a specific meaning. The number of stupas represents the stages of enlightenment, while the number of panels represents the steps towards enlightenment. The number of Buddha statues represents the different forms of Buddha.
The Sunrise View of the Temple
One of the most popular ways to view the Borobudur temple is at sunrise. The sunrise view of the temple is breathtaking. The temple is surrounded by lush green hills, and the sunrise adds an extra layer of beauty to the temple.
The Borobudur Marathon
The Borobudur Marathon is an annual event that takes place in Magelang. The marathon takes the runners through some of the most beautiful places in Central Java, including the Borobudur temple.
Visiting the Temple
The Borobudur temple is open from 6 am to 5 pm daily. The entrance fee for foreign visitors is IDR 500,000, while the entrance fee for locals is IDR 30,000. To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to visit the temple early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
The Preservation of the Temple
The Borobudur temple is an ancient monument that requires care and preservation. The Indonesian government has taken several measures to preserve the temple, including limiting the number of visitors per day and banning climbing on the stupas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Borobudur temple is a magnificent structure that represents the glory of the Syailendra dynasty. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a testimony to the great craftsmanship of the Javanese. The carvings, symbolism, and hidden chambers of the temple all add to the mysticism and beauty of the temple. It is truly a wonder of the world that must be seen to be believed.
Thank you for reading this article, PikiranMedia’s Friends. We hope you have gained a new appreciation for the Borobudur temple and will plan a visit soon. Stay tuned for more interesting articles!