Borobudur Candi Borobudur

Borobudur Candi Borobudur is a dream destination and one of the world's most significant religious sites. It boasts a long history and features Buddhist stories intricately carved into stone panels, serving as a valuable legacy for future generations. This massive stupa has nine levels and has been meticulously restored. The carvings remain in excellent condition. Known as "Candi Borobudur" in Indonesia, the term "Candi" refers to large temples, stupas, or shrines. When visiting Indonesia, it is recommended to use "Candi" instead of "Temple" for better understanding among locals. Meanwhile, the term "stupa" in Indonesia typically refers to smaller religious sites used by families, clans, or small villages. This Buddhist site does not house relics of the Buddha but was constructed to symbolize faith in Mahayana Buddhism. It also serves as a burial site for kings at its lower levels, blending Buddhist traditions with ancestral worship, a common practice in Eastern cultures. The first level consists of three tiers built on an existing stepped mound, which is believed to have been used for ancestral worship ceremonies in ancient times. The decision to construct Borobudur on this site may have been influenced by its sacred significance. The second phase involved modifying the stairways, expanding the base, and adding higher levels, including two square tiers and one circular tier above them. During the third phase, the circular tier was replaced with three circular tiers of varying heights, and the main stupa at the top was constructed. The fourth and fifth phases saw minor changes, including the addition of relief carvings, stairways, and arched entrances. Despite these modifications, the central stupa at the top remains the focal point, while the lower levels serve to convey the meaning of Borobudur. Borobudur was built using approximately 2 million volcanic stones sourced from large rocks near the Progo River. These stones were transported to the construction site using horses and elephants. The grand stupa features layered terraces adorned with carvings on the second and third levels, including 1,460 low-relief carvings and 1,212 decorative panels. The lower base contains an additional 160 carvings, along with 504 Buddha statues. Each statue is seated within a diamond-shaped perforated stupa, surrounding the central stupa at the top.