Hello PikiranMedia’s Friends, Welcome to a Journey into Indonesia’s Buddhist History
The History and Significance of Candi Borobudur
Candi Borobudur is a magnificent temple located in the central Java region of Indonesia. This temple was built in the 8th century, during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty. This site is a monument for Mahayana Buddhism and regarded as one of the world’s most significant Buddhist monuments. According to UNESCO, Candi Borobudur is considered a worldwide cultural heritage site. It’s a place of worship that was abandoned for centuries, but in recent times, it has regained its significance. In the mid-19th century, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles discovered Candi Borobudur, making it a famous destination for tourists.
Building of Candi Borobudur
The temple is composed of three different levels, each signifying different Buddhist doctrines: Kāmadhātu, Rupadhatu, and Arupadhatu. Kāmadhātu represents the world of desire, Rupadhatu represents the world of forms, and finally, Arupadhatu represents the world of formlessness. These three dimensions of the temple are designed to reflect the spiritual journey of a Buddhist follower ascending to enlightenment.
Symbolism and Reliefs
Every part of Candi Borobudur is symbolic. Starting from the base of the structure, which represents the physical world, and the upper levels symbolize increasing levels of consciousness. The temple also has 2,672 relief panels, and each panel tells a story about the life of the Buddha, the teachings of Buddhism, and the challenges that a person faces along the spiritual path.
The Buddhist Festival
Vesak Day is a significant festival celebrated by Buddhists worldwide, commemorating the birth, the enlightenment, and the death of the Buddha. Every year, at Candi Borobudur, Vesak Day is celebrated by thousands of Buddhists worldwide. The festival has various activities, including walking meditation, chanting, and the lighting of 1,000 candles, followed by a ceremony where the participants light candles and say prayers.
The Sunrise and Sunset at Candi Borobudur
Candi Borobudur is one of the best places to see a beautiful sunrise or sunset with its stunning and serene surroundings. When the sun is about to rise or set, the sky is painted with vivid orange and purple hues, making it a beautiful view. It’s an experience worth adding to your bucket list.
The Amazing Architecture
The construction of Candi Borobudur brings together the Indonesian indigenous cults, Theravada, and Mahayana Buddhism. The temple has 72 shrines, with each stupa containing a Buddha statue. The whole structure is made up of volcanic and river stones, and there are no metals, mortar, or adhesives used. The site is proof of Indonesia’s incredible architectural knowledge that existed over a thousand years ago.
The Environment of Candi Borobudur
The temple is surrounded by beautiful scenery, consisting of verdant hills, rice fields, and mountains. It’s interesting to note how the temple is flat, while the natural setting consists of peaks and valleys. The temple’s design is in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape.
The Best Time to Visit Candi Borobudur
The best time to visit Candi Borobudur is during the dry season, from about April to October. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, making traveling and sightseeing more manageable. It’s also a time when the temple is less crowded.
Etiquette When Visiting Candi Borobudur
When visiting Candi Borobudur, it’s advisable to wear modest clothing and remove shoes before entering. The temple is a sacred site and requires proper respect. Tourists are also advised to be mindful of how they treat the environment and maintain cleanliness while visiting the site.
Interesting Facts About Candi Borobudur
Candi Borobudur is home to over 500 Buddha statues, and this makes it the largest Buddha monument in the world. The temple took over 75 years to build and required over a million blocks of stone. Additionally, the temple’s foundation level is built over a natural hill with a 15-meter height.
The Future of Candi Borobudur
In conclusion, Candi Borobudur is a culmination of Indonesian history, culture, and religion. Despite being built over 1200 years ago, it remains one of the most remarkable structures in the world’s history. The Indonesian government has taken significant steps to preserve the temple, and with the continued support of locals and tourists, Candi Borobudur will remain a significant part of Indonesia’s heritage for many more years.