Plaosan Temple - Twin Temple in Yogyakarta

Plaosan built by Rakai Pikatan has some uniqueness compared to other temples, namely the two main temples are "twin" and a terrace with a smooth surface. In this temple there are also figures Vajrapani, Amitbha, and Prajnaparamitha.
You do not need to rush back to the inn after a visit to Prambanan Temple, because not far from the beautiful Hindu temple in the world that you will also find other temples are just as entertaining. Headed north as far as 1 km, you will see Plaosan, a temple constructed by Rakai Pikatan for the empress, Pramudyawardani. Located in District Bugisan Prambanan temple architecture is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist.

Plaosan complex is divided into 2 groups, namely Plaosan Lor and Plaosan Kidul. Both the temples have a rectangular-shaped terrace surrounded by a wall, where meditation shaped substation in western and stupas on the other. Because of the similarities, the appearance Plaosan Lor and South nearly identical when viewed from a distance so that until now Plaosan also often called the twin temples.

Building Plaosan Lor has a central courtyard surrounded by a wall with the entrance on the west. At the center of the courtyard there is the marquee size 21.62 mx 19 m. In the eastern part of the pavilion there are 3 pieces of the altar, the altar of the north, east and south. Preview Amitbha, Ratnasambhava, Vairochana, and there at the altar Aksobya east. Stupa Samantabadhara and Ksitigarbha figure is on the north aisle, while Manjusri picture there at the altar west.

South Plaosan temple also has a pavilion in the center surrounded by 8 small temples are divided into 2 levels and each level consists of 4 temples. There is also a picture of the Tathagata Amitbha, Vajrapani with vajra attribute on utpala and Prajnaparamita is considered the "mother of all Buddha. " Some other pictures can still be found but not at the place of the original. Manujri figure which, according to a Dutch scientist named Krom is significant also found.

Part Bas reliefs of this temple has a unique picture of men and women. There is a man who depicted sitting cross-legged with their hands and worship the male figure with hands vara mudra and the vase at the foot of a man surrounded by six smaller ones. A woman is depicted standing with his hands vara mudra, while all around there are books, pallets and vase. Krom argued that the male figure is a picture of the woman patron supporter of the two monasteries.

The entire complex has 116 Plaosan ancillary stupas and 50 ancillary temples. Ancillary stupas can be seen on all sides of the main temple, chapel likewise smaller. When walking to the north, you can see the open structure called Mandapa. Two inscriptions can also be found, the inscription on the gold chip on the north side of the main temple and the inscriptions written on stone in the first line of ancillary temples.

One peculiarity is Plaosan terrace surface is smooth. Krom temple terrace opinion is different to other temples built terrace in the same period. According to him, it is related to function of the temple was then suspected to save the canonical texts of Buddhist monks. Another suggestion that comes from Dutch scientists, if the number of priests in the area a bit then maybe the porch was used as a temple (Buddhist temple).

If you look around the temple, you will know that Plaosan is a vast temple complex. It can be seen from the fence along the 460 m from north to south and 290 m from west to east, also interior fence consisting of a trench along the 440 m from north to south and 270 m from west to east. Trenches that make up the interior of the fence can be seen by walking eastwards through the middle of this historic building.

Kraton Ratu Boko-The beauty Temple in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a tourist area of the temple is full of charm. Not only have the Borobudur Temple or Prambanan Temple, the city also has several attractions of the temple or ancient heritage sites that are not less beautiful, one of which is Queen Boko.Kolam Sites located in the South Hall of round-shaped hall. Communities around the Keraton Ratu Boko use the water in the swimming-pool to meet their needs for clean water, such as washing, bathing, cooking, and other site-lain.Cerita about the beauty of Ratu Boko is located about 3 miles south of Prambanan Temple that make the step foot to get there. On site parking area exists Ratu Boko Boko Pereng tavern, where the tourists can enjoy a romantic evening at Ratu Boko. Natural scenic beauty is breathtaking like the fabulous silk and Mount Merapi stands firmly, into the background of the store.

To reach the entrance of the tavern site Ratu Boko intercept dozens of steps, enough to make the heavy breathing and perspiration flowed freely. Especially if at the time blazing sun.

Having set foot on the last stair was yet to be followed by a trip through the trail is quite wide and uphill. But when he arrived at the front gate I, which became the main entrance of Queen Boko Site, fatigue was immediately relieved. Although after that there are still about four more steps that block in front of the main gate I Site Ratu Boko.

After spending more than 10 minutes from the parking area towards the main gate first on foot, finally I had missed the main gate. From the main gate first visitors still must pass through the main gate II with fifteen children tangga.Dari main gate II, visitors can see a few temples and ancient buildings built since thousands of years ago from a distance distance. Main Gate I and II to further pages of the first terrace with a courtyard terrace second.

I have three main gate entrance, while the second has five main gate entrance. Everything paduraksa shaped (arch-shaped building that has a roof, Red).

On the page the second terrace, approximately 45 meters to the north there is a shelf (base, Red) called the Temple of White Stone. Approximately 37 meters in the northeast there is a shelf which is a temple of cremation.

In the southeast corner of the temple there is one burning old well where the water contains a mystery. It is said that these wells named Amrita Mantana which means holy water that has been given a mantra.

According to myth, the water may be useful according to what is desired and is often used for events such as making the ritual procession of holy water to a procession of the Great Tawur Hindus.

Next 10 meters to the east of Combustion Temple that is a stone pedestals (the foundation stone pillar, Red) amounted to 18 pieces lengthwise direction of the East-West and a large pond. Approximately 40 meters south of the composition of stone pedestals have one shelf, called Pa-seban.

On the east and south Paseban there a gate that connects the caves, and veranda. Batur berdenah marquee rectangle measuring 20 x 21 meters and 1.46 meters high achieving composed of andesitic rocks on the north side of east and west are composed of the stairs rise andesite stone. Above the shelf of the hall there were a total of 24 schools umpak.

In the southeastern part of the stone buildings there Paseban called stations and on the south side stations there are three small temples of stone which consists of andesite stone floor.

On the east halls at a lower location there are several ponds. In the south of these pools are round, whereas in the north of the long rectangular pool. To go into each pool must pass through the hallway and some gate found in each pond.

Based on the inscriptions issued by the Rakai Panangkaran in 746 -784 AD, the region called Abhayagiri Site Ratu Boko temple. Abhaya means no harm and giri means hill or mountain. Vihara means a dormitory or place. Thus Abhayagiri Vihara means a dormitory or a Buddhist monk who is situated on a hill full of peace.

At the next time Abhayagiri Wihara renamed the Palace Walaing proclaimed by the vassal king named Rakai Walaing Kumbayoni Pu. Year 1790 a researcher from Holland named Van Boeckholtz find the archeological ruins on the hill Boko.

One hundred years later, FDK Bosch conduct research and translate research results into a book called Van Ratoe Boko Palace. Then there are archaeological Ratu Boko on the hill known as the Kraton Ratu Boko.
Kraton is derived from the Ka-da-tu-an, which means place of the king's palace. Queen means queen or king and Boko means Stork. But until now the name is still a mystery, especially about who was called as King Stork.

Based on the book record of the Ratu Boko, area of this site reached 250,000 square meters, with a height of 195.97 meters above sea level. From here the tourists can enjoy the beauty of Prambanan temple is located only a few hundred yards from the highway Yogyakarta - Solo.

Environment around the site Ratu Boko is a region that is composed of limestone hills in nature. In the north is limited a steep cliff, and the east bounded by steep cliffs and canyon area. While the western part bounded by hills and the River Opak puppies.

In addition to exploring the old buildings while imagining pomp buildings Keraton Ratu Boko of his day, visitors can also camp on site campground in the form of terraces (bertrap) with lots of plot-konblok to a place set up a tent.

At that location available field ceremony, toilet sons and daughters, electricity, clean water, musala, pavilion, as well as other facilities such as camping tents, internal security, insurance, and exclusive camping tent camping with a capacity of about 600 people.

To fill the camping activities, site manager Ratu Boko Boko Trekking also provides activities that began at 03.00 am in the morning - 09.00 am. Facilities provided equipment baton, flashlight, guide, snacks and drinks, and souvenirs.

Ratu Boko Site Manager also provides a package of activities that contain elements of education about archaeological excavation (digging), restoration (repair), and conservation (maintenance)

Borobudur Temple - The biggest Buddhist temple in the 9th Century

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the 9th century measuring 123 x 123 meters. Borobudur was completed centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Who does not know Borobudur? This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in the complex. Millions of people are yearning to visit the buildings included in this World Wonder Heritages. No wonder, for the architectural and function as a place of worship, Borobudur is attractive heart.

Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, Dynasty descendant dynasty. Based Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur is a place of worship was completed on 26 May 824, almost a hundred years from the time the 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 ground.

Borobudur-shaped building with staircase punden consists of 10 levels. Height 42 meters before it was renovated and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level is used as a drag. Six lowest level of a square and three levels on top of a circle and one of the highest levels of Buddhist stupa facing to the west. Each level represents the stages of human life. In accordance madhhabs Mahayana Buddhism, every person who wants to reach the level as the Buddha had to 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 symbolizes man who had to break free from lust but still bound manner and form. On this terrace, Buddha effigies are placed in open space. Meanwhile, three levels above where the Buddhist stupas are laid in holes called Arupadhatu, symbolizing man who has 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). 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 voyage who was based in Bergotta (Semarang).

All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect the Buddha's teachings. Hence, this temple functions as educating the media for people who want to learn Buddhism. YogYES invites you to surround each of the narrow alleys of Borobudur for to understand the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the 10th century, had visited the 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 armed with a script from Serlingpa Buddhism (one of the king of the Kingdom of Sriwijaya), Atisha was able to develop Buddhism. He became head Vikramasila monastery and taught Tibetans of practicing Dharma. Six manuscripts of Serlingpa was condensed into 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 the buried state. 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 is then interpreted as lava of Merapi. Some other says that Borobudur buried by cold lava of Merapi.

With all the grandeur and mystery that is, only natural that many people from all world penjru 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 view the activities of local crafts. You also can go to the top watu Kendil to be able to view a panorama from the top of Borobudur. Why wait? No need to worry about an earthquake May 27, 2006, because of Borobudur is not affected at all.

PRAMBANAN - World's Most Beautiful Hindu Temple

Prambanan is the masterpiece of Hindu culture from the 10th century. The building is slender and towering as high as 47 meters making unsurpassed architectural beauty.
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 meters (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire to show Hindu triumph in the land of Java. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, in the middle of an area that now functions as 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 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 be a statue of the 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. All of them face 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 2 temples wedge, 4 color temples and 4 corner temples. In the second there are 224 temples.

Entering the Shiva temple located in the middle and the highest building, you will find a room 4. One main room contains a statue of Shiva, while the other 3 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 described in the legend above.

In the Vishnu temple is located in the north of Shiva temple, you will only see one room containing a statue of Vishnu. Brahma temple is located south of Shiva temple, you will only find one room with 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, 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 is born 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. That said, the creator of the emblem of Garuda Pancasila find inspiration in this temple. Other countries 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 middle flanking a lion. 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 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 of the Yellow-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 type that were once numerous in Yogyakarta? The answer 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 is finally exhausted, you can relax in the beautiful garden. Interested? Come soon. Since September 18, 2006, you can enter zone 1 Prambanan though does not get into the temple. The damage caused by the earthquake on 27 May 2006 is being repaired.