Candi Borobudur – Where Past Meets Present in Indonesia

Hello PikiranMedia’s Friends! If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia, visiting Candi Borobudur should be on your must-see list. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Indonesia, located in Magelang, Central Java, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Candi Borobudur is not only an impressive ancient monument but also a symbol of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

The History of Candi Borobudur

Candi Borobudur has stood for over 1,200 years and was built during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty. The temple was constructed in the 9th century and it took 75 years to complete. The temple is adorned with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, making it the world’s largest Buddhist temple.

Over the years, Candi Borobudur had been abandoned and neglected, but in 1814 it was rediscovered by the British under the leadership of Sir Stamford Raffles. For the next hundred years or so, Candi Borobudur was restored and maintained by the Dutch government. Today, Candi Borobudur is considered one of the greatest architectural wonders of the world.

Candi Borobudur Today

Candi Borobudur is a must-see attraction for tourists who visit Indonesia. The temple is open daily from 6 am to 5 pm, but the best time to visit is during sunrise when the temple is at its most beautiful. You can watch the sunrise from the top of the temple, with a panoramic view of the forest and hills of the surrounding area.

Visitors can walk through the different levels of the temple and admire the carvings and statues depicting Buddhist teachings. Tour guides are available to explain the rich history of Candi Borobudur and provide insight into the culture of Indonesia. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about the country’s religion, mythology, and history.

The Five Platforms of Candi Borobudur

Candi Borobudur has five platforms, each representing a different level of enlightenment. The base of the temple represents the world of desire, where people have yet to discover the truth of life. As visitors climb up to the summit, they move through the realms of form, formlessness, and attain the state of Nirvana.

Along the way, visitors will encounter numerous carvings representing the teachings of Buddha. The most famous carving is the “Diamond Throne,” located on the top platform, representing the highest level of enlightenment. It’s said that anyone who touches the diamond throne will be granted enlightenment.

Borobudur Conservation

Candi Borobudur is a priceless cultural treasure of Indonesia, and the government has taken significant steps to conserve and protect the temple. UNESCO declared Candi Borobudur a “World Heritage Site” in 1991, recognizing the temple’s cultural and historical importance.

The Indonesian government also established a conservation project called the “Borobudur Heritage Conservation Project,” which aimed to restore and preserve Candi Borobudur. Today, the project is still ongoing, and conservationists are working hard to ensure that the temple remains intact for future generations.

In Conclusion

Candi Borobudur is one of those places that you have to see to believe. It is a testament to the ingenuity of ancient architecture and a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia. Visiting the temple is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s an experience that you will never forget.

Thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoyed learning about Candi Borobudur.

Goodbye for now, and happy travels!