Sunday, July 24, 2011

The Borobudur Temple


The Majesty of 11th Century Buddhist Temple.


The Borobudur Temple was an architectural marvel of its own time in the 11th century. It was built in a perfect square and is made out of only stones which were interlocked into one another. There was no cementing. The carvings of stones was impeccable and the number of statues on the temple were innumberable.
The Top floor had Stupas and within each stupa would sit an idol of Lord Buddha praying to God.
The Javanese people believed that the worship of Buddha was the ultimate religion. Till in the 12 th century , King Shailandra built the Prambanan Hindu Temples to get the Buddhist moving to the Hindu Gods.
In spite of the plundering of the kingdoms and change of the Kings, Borobudur survived the onslaught and got frozen in time with a Volcanic Ash eruption out of the nearby Merpati Volcano . It was a chance discovery by a Dutch Archaeologist that the temple came out unscathed.



All roads lead to Borobudur.

In its own time, it would have been the largest
Temple in the World. Though even today, it would count
as the largest Temple sight in terms of one single structure.

Layers of the Temple.

The Climb, and the little white statues seen on the first floor
is the story of Lord Buddha in carved stone Pictures.
From Life To Death.

Sunset at Borobudur
The Top Level dotted with Stupas


One Stupa removed for sight of Lord Buddha.
Front View
Stupa's Awaiting your Arrival.


The Peak




Gateway to Heaven.


Blessings of the Temple.

Hotel To Stay : Hyatt / Sheraton/ Mercure
Veggie Food : Don't try the Indian restaurant Sangam : Total waste .Instead would recommend " Loving Hut"
Transport : Many taxi operators.
Nearest Airport : Yogya Airport
Distance from Yogya : Around 35 kms.
Other Attractions : Prambanan Hindu Temple and enactment of Ramayana Play.


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