The Borobudur temple complex is breathtaking and is constructed in such a accuracy with stones marked so that a Buddhist Pilgrim has to complete this religious walk over each level (Total Nine platform as with uppermost three of them are circular)of the temples and see the beautifully Mythical carved panels to get enlightenment.
The first layer shows the earthy way of life of those times like beasts,folks,bravery .etc.As you climb up we come across the Buddhas enlightenment passage .The view from each level is awesome and breathtaking. One must see this complex both in the day light and at night time also.
The sculptures show of Hindu-Java art which has been spread by Indian pilgrims teaching Buddhist and Hindu literature's in early part of 760 AD.The Saliendra dynasty has built many temples between 750-850 AD which were reported as "The golden Age".Between 790-860 AD Borobudur temple was constructed in the Kedu Basin ,in a straight line with Pawon and Mendut temples.
In 920 AD power shifts from Central Java to East Java,these religious structure left untended exposed to volcanic eruptions,earthquakes and ravages of local vegetation.In 1814 Sir Thomas Ramford Raffles rediscovers this site and ordered for complete clean up.
In 1968 UNESCO steps in and vows to raise funds to restore this Borobudur temple complex and undertakes to safeguard the temple.In 2006 a large earthquake damages many temples in this region.Borobudur is the largest of all Buddhist temples in the world and is flocked with pilgrims and visitors throughout the year.
The Buddha statue is everywhere with some being ruined or vandalised over a period of time.With the lights in the backdrop the complex looks like fortress lost in a battle and will not leave your memory for ever.This complex reminded me of Angkor Wat temples which I am planning to visit soon.
The carvings on the wall tell stories and one can imagine things to suit your likings and the screen unfolds before your eyes.You can sit and see Mount Merapi which threatened the temples during the last eruption in 2010 with its hissing murmurs far behind.
The highly priced entrance fee of USD 20 do not deter tourists from entering and enjoying the sculptures in this mammoth complex.There is a total of 2,672 relief sculptures and 504 Buddha statues.Of the 504 statues 76 are located on top and are enclosed with perforated stupas.Now Yogyakarta which has a population of 4 Million predominately follows Islam
There is a hotel within the temple complex which offers early morning sunrise tours of the Borobudur temple and one can get fascinating sunrise views otherwise the complex opens at 6 AM for general visitors.
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