Borobudur ... in a glimpse

Borobudur

 Undoubtedly, Borobudur Temple has long been known for being the largest Buddhist temple.

Fo us, Indonesians, Borobudur will always be one of our world's wonder :).

The first time we set our eyes on this agelessly charming complex of ancient Buddhist temple was from a far. 

the sun was coming...

From the top of Punthuk Setumbu, overlooking Mount Merapi and the majestic temple from above was truly an experience. Our journey started at 3 am in the morning, involving persuading my Bo et Obi to get ready and continue their sleep in the car and climbing up - or rather tracking, the hill in the dark hours of the morning. But again, it all worth the efforts.

Who won't be awed by this amazing scenery...

Amidst the constant clicks and the overflowing hum of shutter release, probably from hundreds of us, - the photographers and the sunrise lovers, like me, - I was hopelessly trying to capture the beauty of it. 

my hubby and I...

I miserably failed, as what we saw that morning was indeed amazing and beyond words...

So, now ...back to Borobudur..

Borobudur from a far..

I remember reading Lalita, one of Ayu Utami's masterpieces, displaying more interesting facts - if not intriguing, about Borobudur. 

How we tend to forget how majestic this temple is...

The philosophy behind those meticulously carved reliefs filled with thousands of messages are overwhelming...

How to get closer to our Creator...

How to achieve Aruphadathu, the world of formlessness, leaving behind kamadhatu, our desires, and rupadhatu, our urge for the world of forms...

How to peacefully become one of the dwellers of Nirvana...

With more than 2000 relief panels and hundreds of Buddha statues, Borobudur Temple will certainly invite everyone's amazement, just like us...

Borobudur during Vesak Day..

We went there during the Vesak Day. 
The celebration of the teaching and inspiring life of Buddha.

I know, not really the best option time unless you are okay with thousand of people flocking around to celebrate or watch the celebration itself. 

But we were more than happy to join this festivity and continue to be wawed by the greatness of this temple.

Too bad I didn't manage to get more details of Borobudur...as I have Bo et Obi come with me and climb those many stairs to get closer to the top. Not an easy job to make sure the kids were on the safe sides while you were taking pictures here and there...
So, although I only got Borobudur in a glimpse, but I let my mind and soul grasp those ancient wonders and immortalize them in my head.

No, we didn't make it to the top but we do have breathtaking view :)

As this complex was built in the 9th century, I can't stop thinking how they could actually create this incredible architecture.

the magnificent statues..

As for the kids, they surely enjoy it...

peek a boo..

So I guess, we definitely have to go back to Borobudur again. 

As Borobudur in a glimpse is definitely not enough