Borobudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple complex located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is one of the most important and iconic Buddhist monuments in the world, recognized for its impressive architecture and rich symbolism. Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Key features and information about Borobudur:

1. Location:
   • Borobudur is situated in the Kedu Valley, near the town of Magelang in Central Java, Indonesia. It is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Yogyakarta.
2. Time Period:
   • Borobudur was built during the Sailendra dynasty in the 9th century, around 800 CE. The exact dates of construction are not precisely known, but it is generally believed to have been built during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty.
3. Architecture:
   • Borobudur is constructed in the form of a massive stupa, with a central dome surrounded by a series of terraces and galleries. The temple has a pyramidal structure with nine stacked platforms, three circular platforms at the top, and a central dome.
4. Relief Panels:
   • The walls of Borobudur are adorned with intricate relief panels that depict scenes from the life of Buddha and Buddhist cosmology. There are a total of 2,672 relief panels, illustrating stories from Buddhist scriptures.
5. Buddha Statues:
   • Borobudur is adorned with over 500 Buddha statues, with the majority situated in perforated stupas. Each statue represents different mudras (hand gestures) and poses.
6. Three Levels of Buddhist Cosmology:
   • Borobudur is divided into three levels that represent the Buddhist cosmology. The base level represents the world of desire (kamadhatu), the middle level represents the world of forms (rupadhatu), and the top level represents the formless world (arupadhatu).
7. Pilgrimage Path:
   • The monument is designed as a pilgrimage path, with visitors ascending through the levels in a clockwise direction. The journey represents the spiritual journey from the world of desire to the state of enlightenment.
8. Borobudur’s Rediscovery:
   • Borobudur was rediscovered in the 19th century by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British Governor of Java. The site underwent extensive restoration in the 20th century to preserve its cultural and historical significance.
9. UNESCO World Heritage Site:
   • Borobudur was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, recognizing its outstanding cultural value and significance as a Buddhist monument.
10. Vesak Celebrations:
    • Borobudur is a major pilgrimage site during Vesak, the celebration of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. Buddhists from around the world gather at Borobudur to participate in religious ceremonies and rituals.
11. Sunrise at Borobudur:
    • Borobudur is a popular destination for tourists, especially during sunrise when the temple is bathed in soft morning light, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
12. Borobudur Conservation Project:
    • The Borobudur Conservation Project, initiated in the 1970s, aimed at restoring and preserving the monument. It involved cleaning, restoring damaged structures, and addressing issues related to water drainage.

Borobudur stands as a remarkable testament to the cultural and religious heritage of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Its magnificent design, intricate carvings, and spiritual significance make it a symbol of Buddhism’s historical and artistic achievements in the region.