Hello PikiranMedia’s Friends! Rediscovering the Fascinating Legends behind Candi Borobudur
The Magnificence of Borobudur
Located in Central Java, Indonesia, Borobudur is a Buddhist temple that has been standing for over 1200 years. It is one of the world’s most impressive architectural achievements and a testament to the ingenuity of the ancient Javanese people. The enormous monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The temple’s grandeur, intricate design, and the legends surrounding it make it a place of fascination for history buffs and tourists alike.
Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is considered one of the most significant and complex architectural feats of the ancient world. It is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, comprising nine stacked platforms, six square, and three circular, topped with a central dome.
The Mythical Legacy of the Borobudur Temple
There is a haunting and mysterious story about the temple’s origin. The story is known as the Gunadharma legend, and according to it, a king named Samaratungga built Borobudur to repay his mother’s kindness. The queen had been ill, and her wise counselor promised her that if she made a vow to build a temple, she would recover. The queen did as she was advised, and when she recovered, she persuaded her son, Samaratungga, to build the temple.
Another story that surrounds the Borobudur temple is about the renowned ancient Waisak festivities held every year in Indonesia. People celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and departure of the Buddha on this day. It is believed that the giant terraces of Borobudur represent the path of the Buddhist soul searching for Nirvana, the ultimate spiritual destination.
The Design and Construction of the Temple
The Borobudur temple is a magnificent architectural achievement built without any cement or mortar, and its design reflects Javanese cosmology. The structure covers an area of over 1.2 hectares and comprises over 2 million stone blocks. The walls of the temple are adorned with more than 2,000 relief carvings and 504 Buddha statues.
The temple’s construction involved moving millions of large stone blocks, which were interlocked without using any mortar, in the hot and humid jungle environment. The temple’s construction continued for over 75 years, and it is said that close to 20000 men worked on the temple over this period.
Rediscovering the Legends: A Tourist’s Perspective
As a tourist, visiting the Borobudur temple will transport you back in time to when kings and queens ruled the land. As you wander through the grand stone temple, the intricate design and carvings will leave you spellbound.
The air at the temple is filled with a serene and calm vibe, making it the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on life. The temple’s size and structure make it easy to get lost in its maze of staircases, passageways, and chambers, and each one tells a story that could captivate your imagination.
Conclusion
The Borobudur temple is a testament to the creativity of the ancient Javanese people, and it still stands tall to this day. Beyond the temple’s complex structure and design, the legends that surround it add a layer of intriguing mysticism that only heightens its allure. As you explore this magical temple, you’ll discover a rich history, culture, and mythology that have been preserved for over a millennium. Visiting Borobudur should be on your bucket list!
Goodbye till Next Time!
Thank you for reading this article on the Borobudur temple; we hope you have enjoyed discovering the legendary stories behind it. Stay tuned for new and exciting articles coming your way, and until next time, goodbye!