Borobudur 婆羅浮屠

It was built in the 9th century in Javanese Buddhist architecture comprised of three levels. Each level corresponds to a stage of enlightenment in Buddhism. They are Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness).

From the sky, Borobudur can be seen with a central stupa on top of a pyramid surrounded by three circular platforms and five squared platforms below. Satellite photo courtesy of Google Maps.

At the top of Borobudur is the main stupa. It is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated stupa on three descending circular platforms.

The ring closest to the main stupa with the squared holed stupas represents Arupadhatu - the world of formlessness.

The next two lower platforms with the rhombus holed stupas also represent the world of formlessness.

Below the Circular platforms are five Square platforms representing Rupadhatu - the world of forms.

A lion guarding the world of forms.

Buddha statues on the same platform.

There are many headless Buddha statues in Borobudur. Since its discovery, a large number of Buddha's head has been stolen and ended up in museums abroad.

Stairs of Borobudur ascending through arches of Kala (time).

At the base of Borobudur is the encasement.

It corresponds to one of the enlightenment in Buddhism, Kāmadhātu - the world of desire.

Around the 14th-century, Borobudur was abandoned following the decline of Hindu kingdoms in Java and the Javanese conversion to Islam.

It was rediscovered in 1814 and has since been preserved and restored. Today, it is listed as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

Borobudur is about one-hour drive from Yogyakarta. But it is also close to the erupting volcano Mt. Merapi only 17 miles away.

Borobudur was built around 760 and 830 AD. It was estimated that it took 75 years to complete. There are two nearby Buddhist temples built before Borobudur.

Pawon is a Buddhist temple built during the 8th-9th centuries. It is located east of Borobudur and is slightly older.

Mendut is a 9th century Buddhist temple 2 miles east of Borobudur. It was found that the three Buddhist temples - Pawon, Mendut, and Borobudur are located in one straight line, indicating a mutual religious relationship.

Borobudur awaits you, it's been 1,200 years.