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| Borobudur Temple, Central Java |
The Borobudur Temple, Central Java is considered among the finest temples in Indonesia. This ancient Buddhist stupa and temple complex is located in Central Java. The Borobudur Temple, Central Java is visited by hordes of tourists from the world over throughout the year.
The Borobudur Temple, Central Java is the largest Buddhist monument in the world. This grand temple was built in the 8th and 9th centuries during the rule of the Sailendra kingdom of Borobudur. It took nearly 75 years to complete the construction of the temple. About 1,600,000 blocks of volcanic stone was used to build this nine-terraced temple. The Borobudur Temple houses 1,500 delicately carved reliefs, stretching across a length of five kilometers.
Presently a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Borobudur Temple in Central Java comprises a single colossal structure, which can be divided into the following layers –
- Platform: Positioned at the base of the temple, the platform was probably added to hide reliefs depicting earthly desires.
- Square terraces: Four square terraces form the bulk of the temple. These terraces are connected by steep staircases. Either side of each terrace is adorned with reliefs in two layers, depicting the story of the life of Lord Buddha and his enlightenment. Start viewing the reliefs from the east gate and go around clockwise.
- Circular terraces: The final four circular terraces in the temple have several hundred domes placed upon them. These domes are home to half-hidden Buddha statues.
- Central stupa: Perched at the peak of the structure, the central stupa houses two chambers. These chambers inside the stupa are empty, perhaps as a representation of nirvana.
- Postures of Buddha’s statue: You will come across 6 different postures of Buddha’s statue at the Borobudur Temple, Central Java. The postures include ‘contact with earth’, ‘giving and helping’, ‘meditation’, ‘no fear’, ‘teach and learn", and ‘turn of wills’.
Thus, visit to the Borobudur Temple, Central Java is a must during a trip to Indonesia. The temple remains open to the public from 6 am to 5 pm.
For more information on Borobudur Temple, Central Java, and other temples in Indonesia, visit travel.mapsofworld.
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