Borobudur .

 CANDI BOROBUDUR , CENTRAL JAVA , INDONESIA .


Borobudur is Buddhist temple that was built on a hill . The whole structure is in the form of a lotus, the sacred flower of Buddha. It is the biggest temple in the world :O . Borobudur was built between the 760 to 825 AD . But was abandon during the conversion of religion for most Indonesian which is to Islam .


  Borobudur is made up of 9 platforms is consits 6square platform below , and 3 circular platforms on the upper side . These platforms are divided into 3 sections :

• The base are called Kamadhatu ( the world of Desires )
• The five platforms square are called Rupadhatu ( the world of Forms )
• The 3 circular platforms are called Arupadhatu ( the world of Formless )

 Khamadhatu represents the base , also represents the normal life of humans which full of desires in their life . Where as , Rupadhatu represents the body of the Candi . And Arupadhatu represents the holiest section of the candi . These sections or level are purposely made to show the different steps in the process of finding the truth .

  The form or layout of Candi Borobudur are from the Buddhist mandala *refer to  the previous post . 

     

Borobudur consists of 72 numbers of Stupa and one large Stupa . The Stupa(s) are bell in shape which represents the body of the Buddha . These 72 stupas are located on the 3 circular platforms which encircled the one large stupa .

• There are 32 stupas on the first circular platform .
• 24 stupas on the second circular platform 
• 16 Stupas on the third circular platform .

Inside of each 72 stupas consist of a Buddha statue . The stupas are made from perforated stones ( pierced by numerous openings ) . The Stupas that are on the first and second circular platform have diamond openings shape . But , for third platform the stupas have square opening shape . * Still wondering what is the symbol and purposes . 

The top most stupa , which the great stupa ; it is crowned by an octagonal pinnacle . It has no opening . The simplicity of its form contrats with the richness of the relief that are located in the platforms below .

The Buddha statues seems to be the seem if you look at first glance . The statues are different in their hand position which represents various states of meditation .

Borobudur contains individual bas reliefs which cover the facades and balustrades . The Narrative panels , are grouped into 11 series encircled the monument .

The base or Kamadhatu contains the first series with 160 narrative panels and the remaining 10 series are distributed throughout walls and balustrades in four galleries starting from the eastern entrance stairway to the left .

The bas reliefs on the wall are read from right to left . while on the balustrade it is read from left to right . This conforms with pradaksina ( ritual of circumambulation ) performed by the pilgrims who move in a clockwise direction .

                                                                               buddhist monks performing the ritual .

 I think thats it . Who wants to go to Borobudur ?! Lets plan a trip to Indon ! :D