JC. Princen Borobudur, a masterpiece that stood proudly since the year 800 AD during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty, is evidence of the historically high level of civilization in the Land of Java in the past.
Borobudur, The Largest Buddhist Temple
The Borobudur temple, built long before Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, or the great cathedrals that stand in Europe, is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and one of the largest Buddhist monuments in the world.
Borobudur Temple was visited by pilgrims since the middle of the 9th century until the beginning of the 11th century. Buddhists come from Cambodia, Tibet, China, and India. Not only large and very majestic, but you can also see 2672 carved relief panels along the walls of the temple, which is arranged in a row that will reach a length of 6 km.
The story along with the relief
There are 4 main stories told through reliefs carved into the walls of the temple namely Karmawibangga, Lalita Wistara, Jataka and Awadana, and Gandawyuda.
The progress of Javanese society at that time was recorded in a series of stories along with the relief. Apart from that, it also tells the story of the Buddha’s life journey and teachings.
There are also 10 ship reliefs which are proof that the ancestors of the Indonesian people were skilled and tough sailors. One of the ship’s reliefs is used as a model in making ship replicas that are used to navigate the Cinnamon Route from Java to the African continent. Currently, the replica of the ship called Borobudur Ship is kept in the Samudra Raksa Museum.
Visitors must walk around the temple clockwise or known as pradaksina to be able to follow the flow of the story carved on the temple wall. Visitors Enter through the east gate, walk clockwise so that the position of the temple is always on the right until you reach the eastern stairs and walk up to the next level.
This is done repeatedly until all levels are passed and are at the top of the temple in the form of the main stupa. Arriving at the summit, glance in all directions, you will see a row of Menoreh Hills, Mount Sindoro, Mount Sumbing, Mount Merapi, and Mount Merbabu that stand tall around the temple. The mountains and hills seemed to be a guard to fortify the existence of Borobudur Temple.
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Borobudur Temple, masterpiece heritage for the world
