5 Largest Temple in Yogyakarta

Borobudur Temple 

Borobudur, the Biggest Buddhist Temple in the 9th century

Who does not know Borobudur? This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in the complex. Millions of people longing to visit buildings that are included in this World Wonder Heritages. Not surprisingly, since architecturally and functionally, as a place of prayer, Borobudur is attractive.

Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, the descendant of Wangsa Syailendra. Based Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur is a place of worship which was completed May 26 824, nearly a hundred years since the early days was built. The name of Borobudur itself according to some people means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while the other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high places.

Berundak punden Borobudur-shaped building consists of 10 levels. Height of 42 meters before being renovated and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level was used as a brace. Six lowest level and square in the upper three floors and a circular highest level of Buddhist stupa facing to the west. Each terrace symbolizes the stages of human life. In accordance madhhabs Mahayana Buddhism, anyone who wants to reach a level as Buddha through every level must be that life.

The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizing human beings that are still bound by lust. Four levels mentioned above represents Rupadhatu humans who have set themselves free from lust but still tied to appearance and shape. At these levels, a statue of Buddha placed in the open. Meanwhile, three levels above where the Buddhist stupa placed in the hole-hole called Arupadhatu, symbolizing human beings that have been freed from lust, appearance, and shape. The top part is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.

Each terrace has beautiful reliefs that show how skillful. Relief will be read by coherently when you walk clockwise (toward the left of the entrance of the temple). The relief panels tell the legendary story of Ramayana. In addition, there are relief panels describing the condition of society at that time. For example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of the time the cruise was centered in Bergotta (Semarang).

All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect the teachings of the Buddha. Hence, this temple as educating the media for people who want to learn Buddhism. YogYES invites you to surround each of the narrow alleys of the Borobudur in order to understand the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the 10th century, had visited the temple which was built three centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia and 4 centuries before the Grand Cathedrals in Europe.

Thanks to visiting Borobudur and having Buddhist manuscripts from Serlingpa (King of Sriwijaya), Atisha was able to develop Buddhism. He became head Vikramasila monastery and taught Tibetans of practicing Dharma. Six scripts from Serlingpa also be reduced to a core course called "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" or better known by the name Bodhipathapradipa.

One of the questions still unanswered about Borobudur is how the condition around the temple was built and why the temple was found in a buried state. Some say Borobudur initially stood surrounded by swamp and buried because of the eruption of Merapi. Essentially Calcutta inscription reads 'Amawa' means sea of milk. That word is then interpreted as lava of Merapi. Some others say that Borobudur buried by cold lava of Merapi.

With all the grandeur and mystery that is, only natural that many people of all enter the world penjru Borobudur as a place to visit in his life. Besides enjoying the temple, you can walk around to the villages around Borobudur, like Karanganyar and Wanurejo to see people making craft activity. You can also go to the top looking watu Kendil to panorama from the top of Borobudur. Wait what? No need to worry earthquake May 27, 2006, because of Borobudur is not affected at all.

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan, the Most Beautiful Hindu Temple in the World

           Prambanan is a stunningly beautiful building built in the 10th century during the reign of two kings, and Rakai Rakai Pikatan balitung. Rose as high as 47 feet (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire, to show Hindu triumph in Java. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, in the middle area that is now a beautiful park.

           There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. Once, a man named Bandung Bondowoso loved Roro Jonggrang. Because of his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso make 1000 temples with statues in one night. The request was nearly fulfilled when Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and to make a big fire that created an atmosphere like the morning. New Bondowoso can make the 999 statues cursed Jonggrang into the statue-1000 because he felt cheated.

            Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. The third temple is the symbol of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All three temples were facing east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Swan to Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. In addition, there are two temples wedge, four of the temple curtain, and 4 corner temples. Meanwhile, the second page had 224 temples.

             Entering the Shiva temple located in the middle and the highest building, you'll find four pieces of the room. One main room contains a statue of Shiva, while the other three rooms each containing a statue of Durga (Shiva's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga is touted as the statue of Roro Jonggrang in the legend above.

             In the Vishnu temple located on the north side Shiva temple, you will only see one room that contains a statue of Vishnu. Similarly, Brahma temple is located south of Shiva Temple, you will also find only one room contains a statue of Brahma.

                     Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located near the Vishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology, the golden body, white face, red wings, beak and wings like an eagle. It is estimated that the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means 'rises' or 'shine' that is associated with the god Re) in ancient Egyptian mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda succeeded in saving his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda is born handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amrita (holy water of the gods).

                    The ability to save was admired by many people until now and used for various purposes. Indonesia uses the symbol of the state. That said, creator of the emblem for inspiration in this temple. Other countries that also use it to sign the country is Thailand, with the same reason but the adaptation of different shape and appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known or Krut Pha Krut.

                     Prambanan also has panels of relief describing the story of Ramayana. According to experts, the relief is similar to the Ramayana story is revealed through oral traditions. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that the Hindu religion is considered as a tree of life, sustainability and environmental compatibility. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described lions flanking the center. The existence of this tree makes experts consider that the ninth century had wisdom to manage their environment.

                  Just as the figure of Garuda, Kalpataru is now also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, became a symbol of Forum for Environment (WALHI). In fact, some scientists in Bali to develop the concept of Tri Hita Karana for environment conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. Tree of life, can also be found on the mountains that used to open the puppet arts. A proof that the relief panels in Prambanan has worldwide.

                   If careful, you can also see various birds relief, this time a real bird. Bird reliefs at Prambanan are so natural that biologists can identify their genus. One was relief crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) that invite questions. Why, the bird was actually found only in Masakambing Island, an island in the Java Sea. Then, whether the species was once numerous in Yogyakarta? Please find out for yourself. Because, until now no one who can solve the mystery.

                  Well, there are many more which can be extracted at Prambanan. You certainly should not be bored. If it was finally exhausted, you can rest in the garden around the temple. Interested? Come soon. Since September 18, 2006, you can enter the zone first Prambanan not even get into the temple. The damage caused by earthquake on 27 May 2006 is being repaired.

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo

Ijo Temple

Ijo Temple, the temple is located in Yogyakarta Supreme

           Down the road to the southern part of Queen Boko Palace complex is an exciting journey, especially for cultural tourism lovers. How not building the temple there were scattered like a fungus in the rainy season. One of them is not much to talk Ijo Temple, a temple that is located highest among the other temples in Yogyakarta Special Region.

            Ijo Temple was built around the 9th century, on a hill known as Green Hill Gumuk Ijo that height is 410 m above sea level. Because of this height, not only the temple that you can enjoy the scenery but also below such as terraces in the agricultural area with a steep slope. Although not a fertile area, the landscape around the temple is very beautiful to be enjoyed.

           The temple complex consists of 17 building structures that are divided into 11 terraces. The first terrace leading to the entrance page is a terrace stretching from west to east. Building on the terrace of the 11th fence, commemorative peg eight, four of the main temple building, and three chapels. Situating buildings on each core based on sacredness. Building on the highest terrace is the most sacred.

           The variety of art forms found since the entrance of the building belonging to this Hindu temple. Right above the entrance there is a motive when the makara with multiple heads and multiple attributes. Motif and attributes found in Buddhist temples show that it is a form of acculturation temple of Hindu and Buddhist culture. Some temples have a similar motive when makara among others Ngawen, Plaosan and Sari.

            There are also statues depicting the figure of women and men who flew and led to a particular side. These figures can have several meanings. First, as incantation to cast out evil spirits and the second as a symbol of the unity of Siva and Goddess Uma. Unity is defined as the initial creation of the universe. Unlike the statue at Prambanan, natural style of the statues in the temple Ijo not lead to eroticism.

            Towards the building of chapel on the porch to-11, there is a place like tub where a fire-sacrifice (Homa). Right at the top of the wall behind the tub there are air holes or vents shaped parallelograms and triangles. The pit of fire sacrifice reflects the Hindu community which worships Brahma. Three chapels show respect for the Hindu Trimurti society, namely Brahma, Shiva, and Whisnu.

            One of the saving mystery are two inscriptions in the temple is situated on the terrace to-9. One of the inscriptions is written Guywan F code or Bluyutan means hermitage. Another inscription is made of stone as high as 14 cm and 9 cm thick containing magic spells are predicted to be a curse. Mantra is written 16 times and include a legible is "Om Sarwwawinasa, Sarwwawinasa." The two inscriptions relate closely to the occurrence of certain events in Java at that time. Is the occurrences? Until now has not revealed yet.

            Visiting this temple, you can see beautiful scenery that can not be found in other temples. When facing to the west and look down, you can see planes take off and landing at the airport Adisutjipto. The scene could be found for A Thousand Mountains where this temple stands to the east of the airport boundary. Because of the existence of the temple in the mountains, too, Adisutjipto Airport runway could be extended eastwards.

            Every detail of the temple presents something meaningful and invites audience to reflect on that trip was not just a fun event. The existence of many great works of art without the author's name indicates that time Java community views more emphasis on the moral message is carried by a work of art, not the manufacturer or the splendor of his art.

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo

Photo & Artistic: Singgih Dwi Cahyanto

Copyright © 2006 YogYES.COM

Queen Boko Palace

Ratu Boko Palace, splendor in the Hill Full of Peace

             Ratu Boko Palace is a majestic building built in the reign of Rakai Panangkaran, one of the descendants of Wangsa Syailendra. The palace that was originally named Abhayagiri Vihara (meaning monastery on a peaceful hill) was built for seclusion and to focus on spiritual life. Being in this palace, you can feel at peace at the same time view of the city of Yogyakarta and Prambanan temple with the background of Mount Merapi.

               This palace is located 196 meters above sea level. An area of 250 000 m2 area of the palace is divided into four, namely center, west, southeast, and east. The middle part consists of the main gateway, the field, Combustion Temple, pond, and Paseban. Meanwhile, the southeast part includes Hall, Hall-Hall, three temples, ponds, and the princess complex. Complex of caves, Buddhist Stupa, and ponds located on the east. While the western part consists only of the hills.

                When you enter from the palace gate, you will go directly to the center. Two high arch will welcome you. The first gate has three entrances while the second has five doors. If you are careful, the first gate will be found in the writings of 'Panabwara'. Said that, based on III Middle Wanua inscription, written by the Rakai Panabwara, (Rakai Panangkaran descent) who took over the palace. The purpose of writing his name is to legitimize power, give 'power' so that more glorious and signaled that the building was the main building.

                 Approximately 45 meters from the second gate, you will see the building of the temple of white stone-based so-called Temple of White Stone. Not far from there, you will also find Combustion Temple. The temple is a square (26 meters x 26 meters) and has two terraces. As the name suggests, the temple was used for burning corpses. Apart from the two temples, a stone berumpak and pool will be found later if you walk about 10 meters from the Temple Combustion.

                 A mysterious well be seen if you walk to the southeast of the Combustion Temple. That said, the well was named Amrita Mantana which means holy water given mantra. Now, the water is still often used. Local people say, well water that may bring luck to the wearer. While Hindus use it for Tawur Agung ceremony the day before Nyepi. Water use in the ceremony is believed to support the goal, namely to purify themselves and to return the earth and its contents at the beginning of harmony. YogYES suggest you visit the Prambanan Temple, one day before Nyepi if you want to see the ceremony.

                  Stepping into the eastern part of the palace, you will find two caves, a large pool sized 20 meters x 50 meters and a Buddhist stupa looks calm. Two caves were formed from sedimentary rock stones. More above the cave that was called Cave Lanang while under Wadon called Cave. Just in front of the Cave Lanang there is a pond and three stupas. Based on the research, note that the stupa represents Aksobya, one of the Buddhist Pantheon.

                  Although founded by a Buddhist, this palace has Hindu elements. It can be seen in the Linga and Yoni, statues of Ganesh, as well as a gold plate that reads "Om namah swaha Rudra yes" as a form of worship of the god Rudra is another name of Lord Shiva. The existence of Hindu elements that prove the existence of religious tolerance that is reflected in architectural works. Indeed, when it Rakai Panangkaran which is a Buddhist followers live side by side with the followers of Hinduism.

                  Few people know that this palace is the witness of the initial triumph in the land of Sumatra. Balaputradewa had fled to the palace before the Sumatra when it was attacked by the Rakai Pikatan. Balaputradewa rebelled because they felt as a second person in the government due to the marriage of Old Mataram Kingdom Rakai Pikatan Pramudhawardani (Balaputradewa brother. After he was defeated and fled to Sumatra, before he became king in the kingdom of Srivijaya.

              As a heritage building, the Palace of Queen Boko is unique compared to other relics. Other buildings are generally in the form of temple or shrine, hence the name implies this shows characteristics as a residence. It is shown from the poles and roofs of buildings made of wood, even though we are left only shelf-shelf from the stone building. Trace of this palace, then you will get many more, one of the most beautiful sunset scenery. An American tourist said, "This is the most beautiful sunset on earth."

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo

Sambisari Temple

21 Year stringing "Puzzle" Temple Sambisari

             Nothing strange feeling Karyowinangun alight on a morning in the year 1966. But a rare occurrence at that time experienced in the field, while it is swinging spade into the ground. Hoe who swung to the ground hit a boulder after the visits had carved on its surface. Karyowinangun and local people felt surprised by the existence of the stone slabs.

             Office of the discovery of archeological findings and it soon came to the next set of wetland area as a refuge for ancient Karyowinangun. The carved stone was supposed to be part of a temple that may be buried in the area. Excavation was carried out to find hundreds of slabs of stone and ancient statues. And indeed, the stones were indeed a component of a temple.

              After 21 years, we can enjoy the beauty of the temple. The temple building stands grandly named Sambisari in Sambisari, Purwomartani Kalasan district, Sleman, 10 kilometers from the city center. You can reach by driving through the Yogya-Solo road until you see a signboard to this temple. Next, you just turn left follow the road.

               YogYES got surprised when I arrived at the temple area. Looking at the middle area of the temple, just looks as though the composition of the stone roof bertinggi only a few feet above the ground. YogYES wondered what it Sambisari temple that small? Approaching nearer, we find the answer. Apparently, Sambisari temple is 6.5 meters lower than the surrounding area.

               Sambisari temple believed to be built between the years 812-838 AD, probably during the reign of Rakai Garung. The temple complex consists of a main temple and 3 supporting temples. There are two fences surrounding the temple complex, the fence was totally reconstructed, while the other one only showed a small fence on the east side of the temple. Still as a barrier, there are eight pieces scattered commemorative peg in each cardinal direction.

               The main temple building is quite unique because it does not have a base like other temples in Java. Foot of the temple also functions as a base so that parallel to the ground. The foot part of the temple left plain, without reliefs or decorations. Various decorative simbar generally in the form found on the body to the top of the temple exterior. The ornaments look like batik motif.

          Entrance stairs of the main temple, you can find ornaments in the form of a lion that is in the mouth of makara (the magical animals Hindu mythology) are dropped. The figure of makara in Sambisari is an evolution of the makara form in India that can be a blend of elephant with a fish or a crocodile with a curved tail.

          1-meter-wide corridor will be found after passing through the last steps of the main temple entrance. Around it, you'll find three niches, each of which contains a statue. On the north side, there is a statue of Goddess Durga (the wife of Lord Shiva) with eight hands each holding a weapon. While on the eastern side there are statues of Ganesha (son of Durga). On the south side, there is a statue of Agastya with aksamala (prayer beads), which is worn around the neck.

Entering the main chamber of the temple, can be seen phallus and yoni are rather large, about 1.5 meters. Its existence shows that this temple was built as a place to worship Lord Shiva. Linga and yoni in the main temple chamber was also used to make holy water. Typically, water and allowed to diguyurkan on commemorative flows through a small ditch on the yoni, and then stored in a container.

Exit from the main temple and headed west, you can see the third chapel (companion), which is facing the opposite direction. There is a presumption that the chapel was intentionally built without a roof because when excavation was found in the rocks of the roof. Part in the middle of chapel has a square pedestal decorated with dragons and padmasana (lotus) spherical convex on top. Possibility, padmasana and used as a place mat statues or offerings.

             When you are satisfied with enjoying the beauty of the temple, you can go to the information room. Some photographs depict wetland environment Karyowinangun before the excavation and initial conditions of the temple when the discovery. There are also photographs of the excavation and reconstruction of the temple that lasted for tens of years, including pictures of other objects found during excavation, such as bronze statues that are kept at the Archaeological Heritage Preservation Hall.

          Beauty Sambisari temple that we can enjoy is the result of the hard work of the archeologists for 21 years. The temple was originally like a giant puzzle, piece by piece rearranged for the sake of sustainability one more glorious cultural heritage of the past.

Script: Yunanto Wiji Utomo

Photo & Artistic: Agung Sulistiono Mabruron

Copyright © 2007 YogYES.COM

Source : http://www.yogyes.com/id/yogyakarta-tourism-object/