BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

Borobudur is the name of a Buddhist temple located at Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. Location of the temple is approximately 100 miles southwest of Semarang and 40 miles northwest of Yogyakarta. Temple shaped Stupa was founded by the Mahayana Buddhists around the year 800 AD during the reign of the dynasty dynasty. The monument comprises six square terraces on which there are three circular courtyard, the walls decorated with original 2672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues there. The main stupa in the middle of the largest teletak once crowned this building, surrounded by three rows of circular holes 72 stupas in which there are statues of Buddha sitting cross-legged in the lotus position perfectly with the mudra (hand position) Dharmachakra mudra (turning the wheel of dharma). 

This monument is a model of the universe and built as a shrine to honor the Buddha also functions as a place of pilgrimage to guide mankind to switch from natural lust to enlightenment and wisdom according to the teachings of Buddha. The pilgrims enter through the east side starting at the base of the temple ritual of walking round the sacred building in a clockwise direction, while continuing to go up to the next steps in the sphere through three levels of Buddhist cosmology. The third level is Kamadhatu (sphere lust), Rupadhatu (sphere shape), and Arupadhatu (intangible realm). In this journey of pilgrims walking through the hallway and staircase with a series of witnessed no less than 1460 beautifully carved relief panels on the wall and balustrade. 

According to historical evidence, Borobudur abandoned in the 14th century as the weakening influence of Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms in Java as well as starting the influence of Islam. The world began to realize the existence of these buildings have since been found in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, who was then serving as Governor General of British control over Java. Since then Borobudur has undergone a series of rescue and restoration efforts. Largest restoration project was held in the period 1975 to 1982 for the efforts the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and UNESCO, and historic sites are included in the list of World Heritage Sites.

 Borobudur is still used as a place of religious pilgrimage; each year Buddhists who came from all over Indonesia and abroad gather at Borobudur to commemorate Vesak Trisuci. In the world of tourism, Borobudur is Indonesia's single attractions most visited by tourists.