Monday, February 22, 2010

Borobudur as the Biggest Buddhist Temple

Who does not know Candi Borobudur? This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in the complex. Millions of people longing to visit the buildings included in this World Wonder Heritages. Not surprisingly, since architecturally and functionally, as a place of worship, Borobudur is attractive.

Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, Sailendra descendants. Based on Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur is a place of worship which was completed May 26 824, nearly a hundred years since the early days was built. The name of Borobudur itself according to some people means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while the other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high places.

Borobudur-shaped building berundak punden consists of 10 levels. Height 42 meters before being renovated and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level was used as a drag. Six lowest level and square in the upper three floors and a circular highest level of Buddhist stupa facing to the west. Each level represents the stage of human life. In accordance with of Buddha Mahayana, anyone who wants to reach the level of Buddha must go through each of those life stages.

The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizing human beings that are still bound by lust. Four levels mentioned above represents Rupadhatu humans who have set themselves free from lust but still tied to appearance and shape. At these levels, a statue of Buddha placed in open space. Meanwhile, three levels above where the Buddhist stupa placed in the holes is called Arupadhatu, symbolizing human beings that have been freed from lust, appearance, and shape. The top part is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.

Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful. Relief that will be read by coherently when you walk in a clockwise direction (toward the left of the entrance of the temple). The relief panels tell the legendary story of Ramayana. In addition, there are relief panels describing the condition of society at that time. For example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of the time the cruise was centered in Bergotta (Semarang).

All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect the teachings of the Buddha. Hence, this temple functions as educating the media for people who want to learn Buddhism. YogYES invites you to walk through each narrow passage in Borobudur in order to understand the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the 10th century, had visited the temple that was built 3 centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia and 4 centuries before the Grand Cathedrals in Europe.

Thanks to visiting Borobudur and having Buddhist manuscripts from Serlingpa (King of Sriwijaya), Atisha was able to develop Buddhism. He became head of Vikramasila monastery and taught Tibetans of practicing Dharma. Six scripts from any Serlingpa reduced to a core doctrine called "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" or better known by the name Bodhipathapradipa.

One of the questions are as yet unresolved about Borobudur is how the condition around the temple was built and why the temple was found in a buried state. Some say Borobudur initially stood surrounded by a swamp and buried because of the eruption of Merapi. Essentially Calcutta inscription reads 'Amawa' means sea of milk. The word is then interpreted as Merapi lava. Some other says that Borobudur buried in the cold lava of Merapi.

With all the grandeur and mystery that is, only natural that many people from all enter the world penjru Borobudur as a place to visit in his life. Besides enjoying the temple, you can walk around to the villages around Borobudur, such as Karanganyar and Wanurejo to see people making craft activity. You also can go to the top watu Kendil to view the panorama from the top of Borobudur. Wait what? No need to worry earthquake May 27, 2006, because of Borobudur is not affected at all.


Tangkuban Perahu Mountain

Tangkuban Perahu, is one of an active volcano in West Java, precisely in Lembang, about 30 km north of Bandung with a height of 2084 meter above sea level. For how to get there takes approximately 30 minutes by motor vehicle. Boat Tangkuban name was attached to a legendary land of the most famous Sundanese, which is Sangkuriang.

Tangkuban boat from a distance looked like a boat upside down, allegedly caused by the power of Sangkuriang that failed to complete its task in making an overnight boat to marry Dayang Sumbi that none other than his own mother. Because so upset it could not complete the boat, the boat finally Sangkuriang kicked it unfinished. Diataslah legend who became closely related in naming Tangkuban Perahu mountain.

Mountain last erupted in 1910, has 9 craters are still active until now. A large eruption that occurred in the latter 1.5-century cause many craters - the crater at Mount Tangkuban Perahu. These craters are craters Queen, Upas, Domas, New, Jurig, Rhino, Jurian, the Demon and Pangguyungan Rhino. Among these craters, Crater Queen is the largest crater, followed by Upas Crater which lies adjacent to the crater Queen. Some craters out sulfurous smoke, there is even a crater which is forbidden to descend, because the smell of toxic smoke.

Tangkuban Perahu mountain charm is so adorable, even when the weather clears, the curve of land on the crater walls can be seen clearly, not only that, but primary craters can we enjoy the amazing beauty. Natural beauty is what makes Tangkuban Perahu become one of the mainstay of natural tourist attractions of West Java Province, particularly Bandung. Every weekend, Tangkuban Perahu area is always packed with visitors who want to see the beautiful panorama of mountain Tangkuban Perahu. In fact, the atmosphere of a long holiday, pangunjung who come to this tourist sites can reach thousands each day.

Taken from here

Tangkuban Perahu Crater


Tangkuban Perahu Crater is one of the attractions located in the southern region Kab. Subang, located at an altitude of 2084 m above sea level. Of natural beauty with a row of craters that stretch and cool mountain air and the expanse of the typical mountain other surrounding high-rise and the number of collections of plants and plants typical of tropical forests that flourished around the crater, making the boat Tangkuban as an attractive tourist destination in Subang regency.
Viewed from the city of Bandung, the mountain Tangkuban Parahu has a unique shape like a boat upside down (Bahasa Sunda: Tangkuban = reverse, Parahu = Boat). Unique form is believed to have a very close relationship with Sangkuriang legend.

Enjoying the view from the crater Tangkuban Queen Boat, like seeing a giant bowl of very large and deep. When the weather clears, the curve of land on the crater wall of the crater base as well as can be seen quite clearly that it can provide a spectacular panoramic view. Glory craters so wide and deep, at least be able to force the viewer to pause and wonder for a moment the greatness of God's work.

Facilities and Tariff Entry

Gift Shop, Cafeteria and information center (TIC), souvenir shops, homestay, camping ground, outbound area, parking area, the area on horseback. The tariffs went into Tangkubanparahu attractions location of Rp 9000.

Accessibility

To go to these attractions, visitors can use either private vehicles or 2 wheels or 4 wheels of public transport. The travel time to Sari Ater attractions, namely the town of Subang with travel time approximately 40 minutes to the south of Bandung, while around 50 minutes and from Jakarta via toll SADANG with travel time approximately 3 hours while the hot water attractions with travel time Ciater 15 minutes.
Condition of the road to this area, both from Subang and Bandung is very good. However, keep in mind about the condition of the vehicle, due to the location from Bandung and Subang will go through a pretty tough climb.


Plaosan, Beautiful Twins Temple


You do not need to rush back to the inn after a visit to the Prambanan temple, because not far from the most beautiful Hindu temple in the world that you will also see other temples are just as entertaining. Headed north as far as 1 km, you will see Plaosan Temple, a temple constructed by Rakai Pikatan for the Empress, Pramudyawardani. Located in the Village District Bugisan Prambanan temple architecture is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist.

Plaosan complex is divided into 2 groups, the Temple and the Temple Lor Plaosan Plaosan South. Second temple has a square-shaped terrace surrounded by a wall, which shaped meditation on the west side ticket booth and the stupa at the other side. Because of that similarity, the appearance Lor Temple and South Plaosan was almost similar when viewed from a distance so that the Temple Plaosan far too often called the twin temples.

Plaosan Candi Lor Building has a central courtyard surrounded by a wall with the entrance on the west. In the middle of the page there are marquee measuring 21.62 mx 19 m. In the eastern part of the pavilion there are 3 pieces of the altar, the altar of the north, east and south. Preview Amitbha, Ratnasambhava, Vairochana, and there at the altar Aksobya east. Samantabadhara stupa and figures on the altar Ksitigarbha north, whereas the picture there at the altar Manjusri west.

South Plaosan temple also has a pavilion in the center surrounded by 8 small temples are divided into 2 levels and each level consists of 4 temples. There is also a picture Amitbha Tathagata, vajra Vajrapani with attributes of Prajnaparamita Utpala and considered as "mother of all Buddhas'. Some other pictures can still be found but not at the original place. Manujri figure which according to a Dutch scientist named Krom is significant also found.

Part Bas reliefs of this temple has a unique picture of men and women. There is a man who depicted sitting cross-legged with their hands and the figure of a man worshiping with vara mudra hand and a vase at the foot of a man surrounded by six smaller ones. A woman is depicted standing with his hands vara mudra, while all around there are books, pallets and vase. Krom argued that the figures he was the picture of the woman patron supporter of the two temples.

The entire temple complex has 116 Plaosan perwara stupas and temples perwara 50. Perwara stupa can be seen on all sides of the main temple, as well as temples perwara smaller. When you walk into the north, you can see the building open Mandapa called. Two prasati also be found, the inscription on the gold coins in the north of the main temple and the inscriptions written on stone in the temple Perwara first row.

One of the particularities of Plaosan Temple Terrace is a smooth surface. Krom argued terrace of this temple is different from other temple terrace built in the same period. According to him, it was related to the function of the temple at the time suspected to save the canonical texts of Buddhist monks. Other allegations came from Dutch scientists, if the number of priests in the area a bit so maybe it was used as the terrace of a temple (Buddhist temple).

If you look around the temple, you will know that the temple is actually Plaosan vast temple complex. It can be seen from the fence along 460 m from north to south and 290 m from west to east, also interior fence consisting of a ditch along 440 m from north to south and 270 m from west to east. Trenches that make up the interior of the fence can be seen by walking toward the east through the middle of this historic building.




Prambanan, The most beautiful Temple

Prambanan temple is incredibly beautiful building built in the 10th century during the reigns of two kings, and Rakai Rakai Pikatan Balitung. Rose as high as 47 feet (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the establishment of this temple has fulfilled the desire maker, shows the triumph of Hinduism in Java. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, in the middle of the area that is now a beautiful park.

There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. Once, a man named Bandung Bondowoso loved Roro Jonggrang. Because no love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso make 1000 temples with statues in one night. The request was nearly fulfilled before Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and make a big fire that created an atmosphere like the morning. New Bondowoso can make 999 statues cursed Jonggrang into the statue in 1000 because he felt cheated.

Prambanan temple has 3 main temples in the main yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. These three temples are symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All of them face east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Swan to Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. In addition, there are still squeeze 2 temple, the temple curtain 4, and 4 corner temples. Meanwhile, the second page had 224 temples.

Entering the Shiva temple located in the middle and the highest building, you will find a room 4. One main room contains a statue of Shiva, while the other 3 rooms each containing a statue of Durga (Shiva's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga is mentioned as the statue of Roro Jonggrang described in the legend above.

In the Vishnu temple is located in the north of Shiva temple, you will only see one room containing a statue of Vishnu. Similarly, the Brahma temple located on the south side of Shiva temple, you will only find one room with a statue of Brahma.

Accompanying temple is Garuda temple lure is located near the Vishnu temple. This temple save the story of a half-bird figure named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology, who was gold, white-faced, red-winged, beaked and winged like an eagle. Estimated, the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu figure (means 'rises' or 'shine', usually associated with the god Re) in ancient Egyptian mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda can save his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's brother who was born handicapped) by stealing Tirta Amrita (holy water of the gods).

The ability to save was admired by many people until now and used for various purposes. Indonesia used it to sign the state. That said, the creator of the emblem of Garuda Pancasila find inspiration in this temple. Other countries also use it to sign the country is Thailand, with the same reason but adaptation forms and different appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known as Pha recruited or recruited.

Prambanan temple also has a load relief Ramayana story. According to experts, the relief was similar to the Ramayana story is revealed through oral traditions. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that the Hindu religion is considered as a tree of life, sustainability and environmental compatibility. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described lions flanking the center. The existence of this tree makes experts consider that the 9th century have wisdom in managing the environment.

Just as the figure of Garuda, Kalpataru is now also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru became a symbol of the Earth (WALHI). In fact, some scientists in Bali to develop the concept of Tri Hita Karana for environmental conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. Tree of life also can be found in the mountains that used to open the puppet arts. A proof that the relief panels in Prambanan has worldwide.

If careful, you can also see various birds relief, this time a real bird. Bird reliefs at Prambanan so natural that biologists can identify them even to genus level. One was relief of the Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) that invite questions. Why, the bird is only found in Masakambing Island, an island in the Java Sea. Then, whether the species was once numerous in Yogyakarta? Please find out the answer myself. Because, until now no one who can solve the mystery.

Well, there are many more to be unearthed at Prambanan. You must not tire of course. If it was finally exhausted, you can rest in the garden around the temple. Interested? Come immediately. Since September 18, 2006, you can enter the zone 1 Prambanan not even get into the temple. Some of the damage caused by the earthquake May 27, 2006 and is now being repaired.


PROFILE


Indonesia Tourism

The tittle word above may can't really describe or exacly represent the meaning for this blog. Why, because the content of this blog is telling more about something or some place showing the uniqueness of Indonesia. Something special also that may different from other blog is that we try to show certain story as the hystorical bacground from some interesting place inside this blog. So, What we get not only the wonderfull view that pamper our eyes but also value of hystory, knowledge, and many other uniquess one that we may not be able to find them in other places. So keep update this blog to see interesting panorama that we provide and make this blog your first reference, you will be the first one knowing an update information from us...

 

Thanks,



 

FRESH PANORAMA..BLOGSPOT.COM

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Tour Guide Survey with Adel in Cairo

Tour Guide Adel Taha, Cairo Sightseeing Tours


1. What is the best thing you like being a tour guide?

the best thing of being a tour guide is the work and people. i go to this work and i love it. i have some days in cairo, some around other parts of Egypt.so i love to be at new area and enjoy it. Also i have no manager telling me what to do ,but i do what's my heart telling me to do for my clients to make them happy and enjoy every mintue. I was born beside the temple of kom ombo in aswan. so it's in my blood to show people our places, temples and that's making me more happy to see them smiling and want to visit and see more of this places.



2. What is your most memorable moment in guiding so far?

when people are ready to leave, specially when they are here for a long tour(many days)but sometimes they don't want to leave me not Egypt as their time here is so special. that happened to me the last group...



3. What is most challenging for you in this career? Have you coped with it?

some local rules that delay us from making the tours in the format we would like to.



4. What is your favorite place/thing that you want to show your travel clients?

the great pyramids of giza......for sure.



5. What if you were not a tour guide? What do you imagine yourself to be?

if i wasn't a tour guide - wow - i can't imagine to be anything else.....so i will be just an Egypt tour guide, nothing else.



Check out sightseeing tours offered by Adel


shore excursion from alexandria port to cairo
12 hours

As a tour guide, do you have stories to share?