Candi Borobudur

Situated some 40km northwest of Yogjakarta is the Borobudur complex, a 9th century Buddhist monument that is also Indonesia's most popular tourist destination.  Consisting of a main temple - Cantd Borobudur - ringed by hundreds of smaller temples (though not all manged to withstand the test of time) in a picturesque landscape dotted by padi fields and volcanic peaks, the Borobudur complex was once a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists coming from as far as China and India.

Built from over 1 million stone blocks without the use of modern construction technology - no cement was used for example, Candi Borobudur is the final leg of the pilgrimage.  The pilgrims would have crossed numerous hills and a river bare-footed, made their way through the various surrounding temples and more importantly, seen and internalised the relief panels where numerous Buddhist parables are inscribed. A pilgrimage would range anywhere from three weeks to three years.

Awaiting them, and the modern visitor today, at Cand i Borobudur are over 2,000 more intricately-crafted relief panels which recount the life story of the Buddha.  Built on a hilltop and crowned by a main dome on the top platform that is surrounded by 72 stupas containing Buddhas inside, Canti Borobudur is a majestic site beyond description.  Jeremiah would let his photos do the talking.

 A post modernist artistic Buddha statue on display at the crafts museum at Borobudur