The beauty of Borobudur

Standing long before Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the great cathedrals in Europe, Borobudur has stood proudly in the land of Java. Building called UNESCO as a monument and grandest stupa complex world and is visited by pilgrims in the middle of the 9th century until the early 11th century. Buddhists who want to get the enlightenment flocked from India, Cambodia, Tibet, and China. Not only the magnificent and large, wall sculptures Borobudur filled 2672 relief panels which, when arranged in rows will reach a length of 6 km! It is hailed as the largest ensemble of Buddhist reliefs and comprehensive in the world, unsurpassed in artistic value.

Reliefs carved on the temple walls are divided into 4 main story that is Karmawibangga, Lalita Wistara, Jataka and Awadana, and Gandawyuda. Besides tells about the life of the Buddha and his teachings, the relief also record the progress of the Java community at that time. Evidence that the ancestors of the Indonesian nation is a skilful and formidable sailors can be seen in 10 relief ships. One of the relief ship as a model in making replica ships that used to sail the Cinnamon Route from Java to the African continent. Currently referred to as a replica of the ship that was kept in the Borobudur Ship Museum Ocean Mercury.

To follow the flow of the fabric of the story carved on temple walls, visitors have to walk around the temple clockwise or known as circumambulation. Enter through the east door, walk clockwise to the position of the temple is always on the right, until arriving at the east stairs and stepped up to the next level. This is done repeatedly until all levels are exceeded and in the top of the temple-shaped stupa. At the top, lift up the view in any direction it will show a row of Menoreh Hills, Mount Sindoro, Sumbing, Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu upright around the temple. The mountains and hills as if a guard which shields the existence of Borobudur.

Based on the inscriptions Kayumwungan 824 dated May 26, Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga between the 8th century until the 9th century, coincided with Mendut and Pawon. The development process lasted for 75 years under the leadership of architect Gunadarma. Although not familiar with computers and other advanced equipment, Gunadarma able to implement the interlock system in the construction of the temple. A total of 60,000 cubic meters, amounting to 2,000,000 andesite stone block that is brought from Elo and Progo sculpted and assembled into a giant puzzle that covers a small hill to form Borobudur.

Borobudur not only have very high artistic value, masterpiece which became evidence in the past of human civilization is also loaded with philosophical value. Carrying the concept of mandala symbolizing the universe cosmology in Buddhism, this magnificent building is divided into three levels, namely the world desire or lust (Kamadhatu), the world of forms (rupadhatu), and a world without form (Arupadhatu). If seen from a height, like fried lotus Borobudur temple on the hill. The walls of the temple which is at the level Kamadatu and Rupadatu as flower petals, while a row of circular stupa at the level Arupadatu into stamens. Parent Stupa symbolizes the Buddha, so the whole Borobudur depict Buddha sitting on lotus petals.

Enjoy the splendor of Borobudur is not just enough to walk down the hall and up to the top level of the temple. One thing that should not be missed is watching Borobudur Borobudur Sunrise and Sunset from the top of the temple. Splash of morning sun throws stupas and statues of Buddha made the majesty and splendor of the temple is more pronounced. While standing on top of the temple at dusk along the row of stupas and watch the sun slowly began to shade will create a feeling of calm and peace.

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