!!!Borobudur

by Sergey Shandin,
member of the [AirPano Team|Geography/About/Consortium/AirPano,_Team] that is a member of the [global-geography Consortium|Geography/About/Consortium]. \\

6 December 2016

with kind permission of [AirPano|http://www.AirPano.com]

A unique monument of history, architecture and religion is situated on
the island of Java and its name is Borobudur. The destiny of this temple
partly resembles the fate of the other famous temple complex —
Angkor-Wat in Cambodia: both of them had been left and forgotten under
thick vegetation of jungles for centuries and later were rediscovered by
Europeans.

[{Image src='01_Borobudur, Indonesia.jpg' caption='Borobudur, Indonesia' alt='' width='900' popup='false' height='601'}]

But Borobudur seems to be less fortunate. It was abandoned approximately
soon after the eruption of the Merapi volcano in 1006. In addition to
the trees that penetrate the cracks and gaps in the walls, further
damage was done by a thick layer of volcanic ashes. During the whole
19th century, while some people were engaged in reconstruction and
reclaiming of the temple, others were stealing and vandalizing precious
and unique artifacts. Even the King of Siam, having visited Borobudur,
could not resist the desire to take home eight cartloads of sculptures
and a number of decorative elements.

[{Image src='02_Borobudur, Indonesia.jpg' caption='Borobudur, Indonesia' alt='' width='900' popup='false' height='601'}]

However, history devotees did not give up either. A major restoration
began in 1907 and lasted till the end of the 20th century under UNESCO
auspices, and now Borobudur is among other World Heritage Sites.

[{Image src='03_Borobudur, Indonesia.jpg' caption='Borobudur, Indonesia' alt='' width='900' popup='false' height='555'}]

In spite of a loss of many significant details, scientists still can
tell a lot about this monument. Borobudur is a Buddhist stupa and a
related Mahayana temple. The construction was carried out in between 750
and 850 years by the rulers of the Mataram Kingdom — the Shailendra
dynasty, and the name itself can be translated as "the Buddhist temple
on a hill". The explorers developed a theory that initially Borobudur
featured the form of a Buddha sitting in a lotus, and for this reason it
had to be built on a lake shore or even surrounded by a lake. Geologists
found certain sediments, proving this theory and the existence of an
ancient lake near this place.

[{Image src='04_Borobudur, Indonesia.jpg' caption='Borobudur, Indonesia' alt='' width='900' popup='false' height='601'}]

A huge stupa consisting of 2,000,000 stone blocks is established on a
square basement (each side is 118 meters long!). First five levels of
the stupa are square as well, the three upper levels are circular. The
construction is topped by 72 smaller bell-shaped stupas with 504 Buddha
statues inside and 1460 bas-reliefs featuring religious scenes.

[{Image src='05_Borobudur, Indonesia.jpg' caption='Borobudur, Indonesia' alt='' width='900' popup='false' height='601'}]

You can "read" the temple as a book: the pilgrim path that goes around
each level of the temple reveals to the observers the steps of Buddha's
life and his major teachings. And even people not following Buddhism can
be inspired by the mightiness of culture and history of this remote
corner of the earth.

You are welcomed to have a virtual journey!

\\ \\
[8 Panoramas of Borobudur|Geography/Asia/Indonesia/Pictures/Panoramas_of_Borobudur]










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