BOROBUDUR is ranked as the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Established during the eighth-ninth century under Sailendra dynasty, this temple has 504 Buddha statues and decorated with 2,672 relief panels.
Gupta is an architect who designed the temple where the style reflects Indian influence in the region in combination with special local elements making it more Indonesian. Construction of this temple is an inspiring miracle. It tells stories about the journey of human life in terms of Mahayana school of Buddhism. Now, it becomes one of the icons of cultural heritages of Indonesia.
The temple is built in mandala style depicting the universe in the Buddhism. Coming with four entrances, it is divided into three zones, namely kamadhatu (mundane world) rupadhatu (transitional realm where human has been freed from worldly matters) and arupadhatu (highest realm, the abode of God).
Perched at Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, the temple sits gracefully on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. It covers a very large area, measuring 123 x 123 meters. The architecture and stone of this temple has no equal. And this temple was built without using cement or mortar! Like a set of large Lego interlocking blocks held together without any glue.
This temple, in fact, has two other smaller series of temple, namely the Mendut and Pawon located within the radius of 3 km. When celebrating Vesak Day falling on full moon in April or May, the three temples form a route of the ritual celebration. It is to celebrate the birth, death of Buddha Gautama and the enlightenment he endowed.
Today, this temple draws both domestic and foreign visitors wishing to have a look at the Indonesian heritage. Other than serving as historical tourism, courtyard area of the temple is often taken advantage as a venue to organize cultural show as well as cultural events related to preservation of the site and increase of visitors.
