Gampingan Temple

Reading the Book of Nirvana in the temple
Not all temples have a distinctive beautiful relief because generally only decorated by statues and reliefs that are common in almost all temples. One of the beautiful relief is typical  Gampingan temple , a temple was accidentally discovered by a brick craftsman in Gampingan Village, Piyungan, Bantul in 1995. Despite its small size and was no longer intact, the temple was still rich in charming relief.

One of the reliefs that can be found in this temple are animal relief at the foot of the temple. Relief animal looks so natural that can be known animal species depicted. Quite rare temples have such relief, at least just Mendut and Prambanan are known to have a similar relief. All relief is decorated with tendrils background, ie padmamula (lotus plant roots) are believed to be the source of life.


Looks kind of animal is a bird that dominates. There is relief that crows seem to have a large beak, sturdy body, the wing inflates upward and fan-shaped tail. There are also reliefs depicted woodpecker has a crest on its head, beak rather long, pointed wings and do not inflate. In addition, there is also a rooster that had a chest swelled and fluffy wings down.

Making reliefs of birds in large quantities in this temple relates to community belief in the power of birds. It is believed, the bird is a manifestation of the gods as well as the messenger of the gods or nature nirvana. Birds are also associated with absolute freedom achieved after successful man left the world, a symbol of the human soul separated from his body.

Relief animal that is often described is a frog. The community believed that the frogs have supernatural powers that can bring rain, so the frog is also believed to increase productivity, the rain brought frogs could improve crop yields. Frogs often emerge from the water also symbolizes the renewal of life and resurrection to a better direction.

Until now, the relief still leaves the question of whether a fable (animal story fairy tale to children) as Mendut animal or picture that deliberately to show purposeful. The question arises because the description of the animal in the temple was not found in books containing fables, such as the Jataka, Sukasaptati, Pancatantra and derivative versions.

The temple was probably built between the years 730-850 AD is believed to be the temple of the god Jambhala (God of fortune, the son of Lord Shiva). It was based on the discovery of Arca Jambhala when extracting. Jambhala described as being in a state of trance, her eyes closed while sitting cross-legged. The body was decorated by iconographical elements (asanas) which has the form of a lotus leaf symbol are 8 pieces as chakras in the human body.

Figure Jambhala in this temple is different from those in other temples. Generally, Jambhala other temples depicted with wide eyes staring devotees accompanied with a variety of ornaments that symbolize wealth and luxury. It is believed, based on the depiction of these different motivations worship, not to invoke prosperity but guidance in order to achieve true happiness.

Visiting the temple was going to lead us to rethink about the path we have taken to achieve happiness and prosperity. Relief dominated by animals that live in the surrounding environment could be the realization of local wisdom that era in representing a message of nirvana: to prosper and avoid disaster, people should maintain harmony with nature. So what? You are interested in visiting one of the best travel destinations ?

Pawon temple

Pawon temple located 1.5 km to the west of Mendut temple and to the east of the Borobudur temple, is also a Buddhist temple. When examined in detail in relief, it is the beginning of the reliefs of Borobudur.

Many people think Pawon is a tomb, but after investigation it turns out the place to store weapons Indera king named Vajranala. This temple is made ​​of volcanic rock. Judging of the art building is a combination of art and buildings of ancient Javanese Hindu India. Pawon located right on the axis of the line connecting the Borobudur and Mendut.

The possibility of this temple was built to Kubera. The temple is located on the upper terrace and the stairs are a bit wide. All the parts are decorated with stupa (dagoba) and outer walls with symbolic images. It's interesting isn't it when the place to be the best travel destination  for you?

Sambisari Temple

 

For 21 Years Stringing "Puzzle" Sambisari

 

On the morning in 1966, there was a rare occurrence experienced by a farmer named Karyo Winangun in their fields. When you're swinging a hoe into the ground. Spade hit a big rock. Having seen the stone apparently has carved on its surface. Karyowinangun and residents are surprised by the presence of stone blocks.

Department aware of any archaeological findings come soon and the next set of rice acreage Karyowinangun as ancient sanctuary. Carved stone found was supposed to be part of the temple were probably buried under rice acreage. Excavations carried out ended up finding hundreds of other boulders with ancient statues. And true enough, the stones were indeed a component of a temple.
 

Hose 21 years later, finally able to enjoy the beauty of the temple. The temple building that stands majestically named Sambisari  Hamlet, Village Purwomartani, Kalasan District, Sleman, 10 kilometers from the city center of Yogyakarta. You can reach by driving through the Yogya-Solo cross to find signposts to this temple. Next, you just turn left follow the flow path.

 

When your view towards the center of the temple area, it just looks as if the roof stone structure plays only a few meters above the ground. You might be wondering, is it true that small just Sambisari? After the close, then we got the answer. Apparently, Sambisari is 6.5 meters lower than the surrounding area.

Samisarbi probably built between the years 812-838 AD, probably during the reign of Rakai Garung. The temple complex consists of 1 parent and 3 temples temples companion. There are two fences surrounding the temple complex, the fence has been restored completely, while the other one is only displayed little fence to the east of the temple. Still as a barrier, there are 8 pole phallus scattered in every direction of the wind.

The main temple building is unique because it has no base like other temples in Java. Foot of the temple also functions as a base so it is parallel with the ground. The foot of the temple left plain, without any reliefs or decorations. Various decorations are generally in the form of new simbar found on the body to the outside of the temple top. The decoration was fleeting as batik motifs.

Climb the stairs of the main temple entrance, you can find an ornament of a lion is in the mouth of makara (animal magic in Hindu mythology) that open. Figure makara in Sambisari and an evolution of the form of makara in India which could be a combination of elephants with fish or crocodile with a bent tail.

1 meter wide corridor will be met after passing through the last step of the main temple entrance. Walking around it, you will find three niches each containing a statue. On the north side, there is a statue of Goddess Durga (Shiva's wife) with 8 arms, each holding a weapon. While on the east side there is a statue of Ganesha (son of Goddess Durga). On the south side, there is a statue of Agastya with aksamala (beads) were worn around the neck.

Entering the main chamber of the main temple, we can see the phallus and yoni is large enough, roughly 1.5 meters. Its presence indicates that the temple was built as a place of worship of Lord Shiva. Phallus and yoni in the main temple chamber is also used to make holy water. Typically, water is poured on the linga and allowed to flow through a small ditch on the yoni, and then collected in a container.

Exit the temple and head west, you can see the three ancillary temples (companion) facing the opposite direction. There are allegations that these ancillary temples intentionally built without a roof for when the excavation was discovered the roof rocks. The temples have ancillary central square pedestal decorated with dragons and Padmasana (lotus flower) spherical convex on it. Chances are, Padmasana and pedestal used as a statue or offerings.

When you have been content to enjoy the beauty of the temple, you can go to the information. Some photos depicting the Karyowinangun field before the temple excavated and initial conditions when found can be found. There are also photographs of the excavation and reconstruction of the temple that lasted for tens of years, including photographs of other objects found during the excavation, in the form of bronze statues that are kept in the Archaeological Heritage Preservation Hall.

Sambisari beauty that now we can enjoy is the result of hard work of the archaeologist for 21 years and will be the best travel destination. The temple was originally like a giant puzzle, piece by piece sustainability reassembled after another glorious cultural heritage of the past.

Tara Temple

Tara Temple, the oldest Buddhist Heritage in Yogyakarta

Borobudur is always called a lot of people when talking about the building of Buddhist temples. In fact, there are many types of Buddhist temple located in Yogyakarta, one of which is closely related to the Borobudur Temple Tara. The temple is located in Kalibening, Kalasan was built by the same drafter Borobudur, the Rakai Panangkaran. Because of its location in the Kalasan, the temple is better known as Kalasan.

Approximately completed in 778 AD, the temple Tara became the oldest Buddhist temple in Yogyakarta. The temple was built as a tribute to the marriage of the Sanjaya Dynasty Pancapana by Dyah Pramudya Ward of Sailendra dynasty. Besides as a wedding gift, the temple is also a response to the proposal between the king to build another shrine to the goddess Tara and convents for priests.
 

Tara Temple building shaped square base with each side measuring 45 meters high and 34 meters. Tara Temple building is vertically composed of three parts, namely temple foot, temple body and temple roof. The foot of the temple is a building that stands on a square stone base and a wide stone. In that section there is a staircase with makara ornament at the end. Meanwhile, around the foot of the temple there are ornate tendrils coming out of a pot.

At the center of the temple juts out. Parts of the outer surface of the temple there is a room that is decorated figure of the god who holds a lotus flower in a standing position. The southeast has a space in which there is a throne decorated with motifs backed lion standing on the backs of elephants. The room can be entered from the viewer who is on the east side.

Octagonal temple roof and consists of two levels. There is a Buddhist statues depicting humans are on the first level while the second level there are statues depicting Buddha Yani. The highlight of the temple  square symbolizing Semeru summit with ornate stupas. At the border of the body with the roof of the temple there is a temple flower Khayangan bodied creatures dwarf called Gana.

If you look at the detail of the temple, you will also find beautiful reliefs on the surface. For example, relief gods trees and clouds and their occupants Khayangan being played sounds. The residents Khayangan it brings fiddle, clams and camara. There is also a picture of the flower buds, leaves and tendrils. Relief at Tara Temple is distinctive because it is lined with ancient cement called Brajalepha, made from the sap of certain trees.

Around the temple there are stupas with about 4.6 m totaling 52 pieces. Although stupas were no longer intact because it was impossible assembled parts intact, you can still enjoy it. Visiting temples history of the temple is known by the lettered inscription Panagari, you will increasingly recognize the greatness of Rakai Panangkaran had even built a shrine in Thailand.

The temple is also a proof that in the past there have been attempts to reconcile religion with one another. Evidently, Panangkaran Hindu temple built on a proposal Tara Buddhist monks and dedicated to the well Pancapana Buddhist. The temple is also the one that became a shrine that inspired Atisha, a Buddhist from India who had visited Borobudur and spread Buddhism to Tibet. From the brief urain Tara Temple is one of the best travel destinations deserve your visit.

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan, the World's Most Beautiful Hindu Temple

Prambanan is incredibly beautiful building built in the 10th century during the reign of two kings, and Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung. Towering 47 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire to show Hindu triumph in Java Island. The temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center of Yogyakarta, among an area that now functions as beautiful park. This place is the best travel destinations.



There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. Once, a man named Bondowoso who loving Jonggrang. Because of his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso make 1000 temples with statues in one night. The request was nearly fulfilled Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and make a big fire that created an atmosphere like the morning. Bondowoso who only completed 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 three temples are a symbol of Trimurti in Hindu belief. The 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, 4 color temples and 4 corner temples. In the second there are 224 temples.

Entering the Shiwa temple located in the middle and the highest building, you will find a room 4. One main room contains Shiva statue, while the other 3 rooms each containing a statue of Durga (Shiwa's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga is touted as the statue of Roro Jonggrang described in the legend above.

In the Wisnu temple is located in the north of Shiwa temple, you will only see one room containing a statue of wishnu. Brahma temple is located south of Shiwa temple, you will only find one room with a statue of Brahma.

Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located near the Wishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology, who was gold, white face, red wings, beak and wings like eagles. It is estimated, the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu (means 'rises' or 'shining', usually 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's handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amrita (holy water of the gods).

The ability to save that which was admired by many people until now and used for various purposes. Indonesia used it to sign the country. It is said that Garuda Pancasila symbol creator for inspiration in this temple. Other countries also use it to sign the country is Thailand, with the same reason but adaptation forms and different appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known as Krut or 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 Kalpataru tree depicted lions flanking. The existence of this tree makes experts consider that the people of the 9th century had wisdom to manage its environment.

Just as the figure of Garuda, Kalpataru is now also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru 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. The tree of life was also found in 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 of the Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) that invite questions. Why, the bird was actually found only Island, an island in the Java Sea. Then, what kind it was once abundant in Yogyakarta? The answer please find out for yourself. Because, until now no single person who can solve the mystery.

Well, there are many more that can be extracted at Prambanan. You can not get tired of course. If it was finally exhausted, you can relax in the garden around the temple. Interested? Come soon. Since September 18, 2006, you are able to enter the zone 1 Prambanan although not yet entered into the temple. The damage caused by the earthquake on 27 May 2006 is being repaired.

Borobudur

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 its complex. This temple is best travel destinations in yogyakarta. Millions of people hoping to visit the buildings included in this World Wonder Heritages. Not surprisingly, since architecturally and functionally, as the place of worship, Borobudur is attractive.
 

Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the king of the ancient Mataram kingdom, descendant of Sailendra dynasty. Based on the inscriptions Kayumwungan, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur is a place of worship that was completed on 26 May 824, almost one hundred years since the beginning of construction. The name of Borobudur, as some people means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while the other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high place.

Punden terraces Borobudur-shaped building comprises 10 levels. Height 42 meters before being renovated and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level is used as a barrier. Six lowest level of a square and three levels above and a circular highest level of Buddhist stupa facing to the west. Each level represents the stages of human life. In accordance schools of Mahayana Buddhism, every person who wants to reach the level of Buddha must through every level of life is.
 

The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizing human beings that are still bound by lust. Four levels above referred Rupadhatu symbolizing human beings that have set themselves free from lust but still bound manner and form. At these levels, a statue of Buddha placed open. Meanwhile, three levels above where the Buddhist stupas are laid in holes called Arupadhatu, symbolizing human beings that have been free from lust, appearance, and shape. The top part is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.
 

Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful. Relief that will be read coherently when you walk in a clockwise direction (towards the left of the entrance of the temple). In the reliefs of Borobudur tells of a legendary story, the 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 cruise, who was based in Bergotta (Semarang).
 

All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect Buddha's teachings. Hence, this temple functions as educating the media for people who want to learn Buddhism. We invites you to surround each of the narrow alleys of Borobudur in order to understand the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the 10th century once visited this temple that was built 3 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 abbot Vikramasila and taught Tibetans of practicing Dharma. Six manuscripts of Serlingpa was condensed into a core doctrine called "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" or better known as Bodhipathapradipa.
 

One question that is still unanswered about Borobudur is how the condition around the temple was built and why the temple was found in the buried. Some say Borobudur initially stood surrounded by a swamp and then buried by the eruption of Merapi. Calcutta is essentially the inscription reads 'Amawa' means sea of ​​milk. The word which is then interpreted as Merapi lava. Some other says that Borobudur Merapi cold lava buried.
 

With all the grandeur and mystery that is, only natural that many people from all arround the world  include Borobudur as a place worth visiting in his life. Besides enjoying the temple, you can walk around to the villages around Borobudur, like Karanganyar and Wanurejo to see the activities of people make crafts. You can also go to the top watu Kendil to Borobudur panoramic view from the top. Wait what? No need to worry about an earthquake May 27, 2006, because of Borobudur is not affected at all.