Archive for category History Borobudur
Borobudur Temple in Indonesia
Posted by admin in History Borobudur on May 26, 2011
Borobudur Temple is a magnificent ancient Buddhist structure located on the island of Java, Indonesia. The complex, that was built in the 9th century, is a masterpiece of architecture, presenting various levels, countless statues, perfect stupas and many stone carved reliefs. The temple consists of three platforms that sit on top of six different square platforms.
A devout Buddhist follower is traditionally supposed to walk around each and every level of Borobudur in an attempt to follow the series of narrative stone reliefs. This process is a symbolic parallel to the path of enlightenment. The walk can take a few hours and the sun is often extremely hot especially with the reflecting hot stones.
Borobudur temple comprises of three prestigious qualities that have now made it a World Heritage site. First, it’s easy to see form the outside with it’s delicate architecture and precise calculations that Borobudur is a masterpiece of human genius. Secondly, the temple displays a change of human values from the the Indonesian culture by showing various signs of human development in technology and architecture. During the period when Borobudur temple was built, there was a huge breakthrough in planning and design. Lastly, the temple obtained massive universal significance that is visible by the traditions, festivities and creative artistic ideas that all revolve around this temple.
Borobudur Temple complex is now the one of the most visited tourist sites in Indonesia. It is located about 42km from Yogyakarta and takes around 45 minutes to get there via bus or motorcycle. Read the rest of this entry »
Borobudur – UNESCO World Heritage
Posted by admin in History Borobudur on May 26, 2011
In 1991 the Borobudur was added in the UNESCO world Heritage list. Regardless if you are interested in architecture, religion or culture, it’s impossible to ignore the achievement of the builders of the Borobudur, which is one of the wonders of Asia.
The Borobudur was build in the 9th century. Imagine a tropical kingdom were people mostly lived from agriculture and trade. Most of the land is still jungle with the twin volcanoes Sundoro-Sumbing and Merbabu-Merapi, and two rivers, the Progo and the Elo nearby.
When a pilgrim starts the journey, the goal is to reach a form of enlightenment when reaching the top. This requires a certain mindset but it is certainly true the monument has an effect on you.
When in 1991 I visited very early in the morning, I was mostly alone. It seldom happens you will have the Borobudur for yourself. Most visitors go directly to the top of the monument but in fact it is far more rewarding to walk the corridors and walk through darkness into the light of the open air at the top where the Buddhas under their stone stupas keep an eye on you.
It’s not an easy life people have here. The volcanoes are active and the jungle is full with dangerous animals. The king is like a god. Tools used are basic. And then the king says he wants to build a monument. It seems an impossible task.
Although few know it, the original name of the construction has been lost in time. It was Sir Thomas Raffles who wrote down in a book about Javanese history the name Borobudur. It means “nearby village of Bore. Some suggest Budur has links to Buda, the Javanese word for ancient. Others suggest Budur comes from Javanese term bhudhara: mountain. Read the rest of this entry »