Interesting Facts About the Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Largest Buddhist Temple

      Borobudur Temple is a popular tourist attraction in Indonesia. Not only popular domestically, Borobudur Temple is also known to foreign countries. This historical heritage object was even included in the list of 7 Wonders of the World in 1991.

Borobudur Temple is located in the village of Borobudur, Magelang Regency, Central Java. Borobudur temple is also included in the list of seven wonders of the world. This Buddhist temple is surrounded by extensive gardens and is set in the middle of towering mountains. (Wikipedia.org)

Borobudur Definition

The Borobudur temple symbolizes the universe. In Buddhism, the universe is divided into three levels, namely kamadhatu (the world of desire), rupadhatu (the world of form) and arupadhatu (the world of the unformed).

These three levels are distinguished by temple reliefs. This relief is stretched along 3 meters. There are 1,460 frames interspersed with dividing planes totaling around 1,212 pieces. Above the row of frames there is a kind of longitudinal seam, extending for a kilometer and a half. This seam is decorated and forms a lotus flower arrangement. 

On the bag, there are 1,476 triangular simbar decorations. There are 1,472 stupas and 432 Buddha statues on the kamadhatu andrupadhatu levels that surround all the directions. At the last level, there are 72 stupas that encircle the main stupa at the top. It took approximately two million pieces of stone to build this monument.

As the largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur Temple is often used as the center of a place of worship for Buddhists to carry out religious commemorations and rituals. More than that, Borobudur Temple has a magnificent historic temple building which is a special attraction for every tourist to visit

If you are planning a vacation with family or friends, Borobudur Temple tourism can be one of the choices of destinations you can visit. Besides seeing the beauty of the temple buildings, you can also enjoy the garden complex around the temple. You can try various interesting spots to add to your collection of photos on social media.

For those who want to spend the night in the vicinity of the temple, there are hotel and resort facilities that can be tried. By staying, you can continue your journey to explore the Borobudur Temple complex with more satisfaction.

The History of Borobudur Temple

Borobudur temple is a legacy of the Syailendra dynasty. This temple was founded by followers of the Mahayana Buddhist religion. This building was built around the 8th century during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty. Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and was founded with the aim of glorifying the kings of Syailendra (775-850 AD) who had been reunited with the deity from which they came.

The first stage (780 AD) Initial construction carried out on a hill. Parts of the hill were leveled and the courtyard expanded. Not all materials for making temples are andesite. The process of building a hill uses compacted soil and covered with rock structures. This stone structure resembles a shell and encloses a hill of dirt. Meanwhile, the rest of the hill is covered by a layer of stone structure. At the beginning of the construction of the temple, it was arranged in stages like a stepped pyramid.

The second and third stages (792 AD) In the second stage, there are the addition of two square steps. Part of the balustrade and a single circular step above it. The terrace section has a single large stupa. The third part changes the building design. The upper part of the circle with the main single stupa is dismantled. The stupa was replaced with three circular steps, while smaller stupas were built in a circle on the courtyard of the steps. A large stupa is in the center.

Fourth Stage (824 AD) and fifth 833 AD The temple building underwent minor changes, such as the addition of the outermost balustrade, improvement of the reliefs, changes to the stairs, widening of the toes, and the arch of the gate.

Tourist Attractions Around Borobudur Temple

Not far from Borobudur Temple, there are many tourist attractions that are cheap but offer amazing natural views. The following are holiday references around the Borobudur Temple, which are quoted from various sources:

Punthuk Setumbu

Located in Dusun Kurahan, Karangrejo Village, Borobudur District, this place is visited by many tourists. The cool cool air with views of the Menoreh Mountains, makes you feel at home for a long time here. In the morning you will be presented with a beautiful sunrise view. The entrance fee to this tourist destination is relatively affordable, at IDR 20,000 per person.

Svarga Bumi

This tourist destination is a place with many unique selfie spots located in the middle of rice fields, with 22 points for you to choose from. With an aesthetic and attractive decoration of the place, this place is even said to have a view like being in Ubud, Bali.

Svarga Bumi is located in Ngaran and Gopalan Hamlets, Borobudur District. The entry ticket itself is only IDR 30,000  - for adults and IDR 15,000 - for children.

Mangli Sky View

For those of you who like heights and see beautiful views from there, this Mangli Sky View is a must visit for you. Located at an altitude of 1,570 meters above sea level, this tourist destination offers stunning views of the mountains. We were able to enjoy the view while sitting relaxed at the viewing post that has been provided.

Mangli Sky View is located in Mangli Village, Kaliangkrik Sub-district, Magelang Regency. The entrance ticket to this place is quite cheap, which is only 5000 IDR

Nepal Van Java

Having beautiful mountainous scenery like the Himalayas in Nepal, this tourist spot is known as Nepal Van Java. If you look at it from a height or using a drone, you can see people's houses piled up like people's houses in Nepal. Even if you come in the morning, the bright and beautiful sunlight looks beautiful on this area.

Located at the foot of Mount Sumbing as high as 1,620 meters above sea level, make sure the vehicle you are riding is strong uphill and in good condition because of the fairly steep road conditions. This place is located in the Hamlet of Need, Kaliangkrik Subdistrict, Magelang Regency.