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Borobudur Temple Interesting And Amazing Facts

Borobudur

The charm of the Borobudur Temple tourist attraction makes anyone amazed by it.

Borobudur Temple is a Buddhist temple located in Magelang, Central Java, not far from Yogyakarta City. Its existence is not only famous in the national arena, but also at the international level.

This amazing historical relic is so special. How the stones are arranged and shaped in such a way as to form a building of high artistic value.

Yogyakarta

No wonder if other than Prambanan temple, Borobudur has always been a tourist target for both domestic and foreign tourists. Until now, Borobudur Temple still stands majestically and charmingly without showing its old age.

Borobudur temple

Talking about the founder, there is no clear record of who founded this temple. However, this temple is known to have been built during the heyday of the Syailendra dynasty.

Borobudur temple

In addition, there is no indication that this temple was built for Hindus or Buddhists. At that time, the Syailendra dynasty was a follower of Mahayana Buddhism.

However, there are also findings of the Sojomerto Inscription which states that initially they adhered to Hindu teachings. At that time, many temples were built in the Java area and used as places of worship.

One example is the Shiwalingga Temple. But looking at the shape and type of the stupa, it was agreed that this temple is a relic of the Buddhist kingdom.

Based on the findings written on the closed foot of Karmawibhangga, this temple is estimated to have been built around the period 760 to 830 AD.

It takes at least 100 years to complete the construction of this temple and is estimated to be completed during the reign of King Samaratungga. It can be said that this temple was actually completed around 825 AD.

Interesting Facts About Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple Magelang

For those of you who are curious about Borobudur Temple, here are some important and interesting facts to know, including:

1. 12 Century Old

Borobudur Temple is estimated to be around 12 centuries or 1200 years old. This is supported by discoveries which state that the construction of this temple began in the 8th or 9th century AD.

2. Ever Neglected

Some historical evidence states that the existence of this largest temple was neglected. This happened around the 14th or 15th century AD, when Hindu-Buddhist civilization began to decline in Indonesia. This year also marks the entry of Islam into the archipelago.

3. The Chinese Descendants of the Pathfinders

Tan Jin Sing

His name is Tan Jin Sing, a Javanese Chinese descendant who is also the first Regent of Yogyakarta with the title Kanjeng Raden Tumenggung Secadiningrat, which was awarded by Sultan Hamengkubuwono III, who opened the first road to Borobudur Temple.

After about 400 years of neglect, Borobudur temple is covered by soil, shrubs and trees. A governor of the Dutch East Indies who had a great interest in Javanese culture and history tried to explore it.

The governor of the Dutch East Indies was named Thomas Stamford Raffles. The rediscovery of the Borobudur Temple occurred in 1814.

4. Theft of Cultural Property

Before it was completely restored and preserved, Borobudur temple became the target of irresponsible people. They take Buddha statues to sell to antique collectors or to museums.

Many parts of the temple were lost and reduced due to the actions of these looters. That is why many Buddha statues are headless.

5. On display at the Thai Museum

In addition to theft, the disappearance of statues and artifacts at Borobudur Temple could not be separated from the intervention of the Dutch East Indies government.

In 1896, the King of Thailand visited Indonesia and expressed his intention to have some parts of the statues of this temple.

Ganesha Borobudur statue

The request was approved by the Dutch East Indies government. Finally, 5 Buddha statues, 30 stones with reliefs, two lion statues, kala-shaped stones, stairs and gates, dwarapala guardian statues were brought to Thailand.

6. Twice Refurbishment

Borobudur Temple had undergone two renovations in order to maintain its integrity. The first restoration was carried out in 1907 and 1911. However, due to limited funds, the restoration could not be carried out optimally.

This first restoration found several missing Buddha head statues, dismantled and rebuilt the three terraces and the peak stupa. The second restoration was carried out in 1960 – 1973 more intensively to protect this historical monument.

The Government of Indonesia and UNICEF jointly carried out a major repair project to strengthen and repair the entire temple. That said, this project cost nearly 7 million dollars.

7. Enrolled in the List of World Heritage Sites

In 1991, Borobudur temple was designated as one of the cultural objects of the past or a world heritage site. This temple is a cultural object that represents a genius and creative human masterpiece.

8. Been Targeted by Bombs

On January 21, 1985, Borobudur Temple was once targeted by a bomb that damaged 9 stupas and two Buddha statues. The perpetrator of this bombing was an extreme Muslim preacher named Husein Ali Al Habsyie.

The background of this bombing was not reported in a clear and focused manner. Some sources state that the problems range from religious conflicts, conflicts of interest and so on.

9. Shaken by the Earthquake but Still Intact

Borobudur Temple has also been shaken by an earthquake measuring 6,2 on the Richter scale on May 27, 2006 yogyakarta earthquake almost destroying the surrounding area, this Buddhist temple still stands firmly without moving an inch.

10. Two Million Visitors Every Year

The popularity of Borobudur Temple does not need to be doubted. His name is increasingly widespread throughout the world.

This can be seen from the increase in the number of visitors every year. If on average, visitors to Borobudur even reach 2,5 million people every year.

Important Information

Borobudur Temple can be said as a mandatory tourist spot that must be visited when you are on vacation to Yogyakarta. Almost everyone has visited this place once.

Borobudur Temple Tour

But for those of you who have never come here, here is some information that you can use, namely:

  • Location Address Borobudur Temple is Jl. Badrawati, Borobudur, Kec. Borobudur, Magelang, Central of Java.
  • Access To get to this place, you can use the Transjogja bus line A to Jombor. After that, the journey can be continued by bus heading to Jombor – Borobudur.
  • Ticket price (a. For Indonesian citizens, IDR 50.000 for adults and IDR 25.000 for children)
    (b. For foreigners, USD 15 adults and USD 8 children,-)
  • Tourist Facilities There are many tourist facilities around the Borobudur temple. You don't have to worry about having trouble finding a place to stay or a nearby restaurant. In addition, there are also many activities held by the temple management committee such as cultural festivals, music events, Buddhist celebrations and so on.

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Conclusion of Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is not just vacation spot for fun or for a walk. There are many positive sides that we can take from visiting this historical monument. In addition to getting a new atmosphere, we also get a lot of lessons from the journey of this temple itself.

How was the past, what can you learn from the reliefs and much more. Don't hesitate to come to this place. Guaranteed, you will get unexpected excitement.

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