Borobudur (Javanese: ꦕꦤ꧀ꦣꦶꦧꦫꦧꦸꦣꦸꦂ) is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Central Java, Indonesia. The temple lay hidden for nearly a thousand years under layers of volcanic ash and jungle growth, worldwide knowledge of its existence was sparked in the 19th century, but many mysteries still remained.
The entrance of Borobudur has a comfortable lounge, you can either smoke or have a cup of tea here.
Borobudur consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome.
The facts behind the purpose, construction and abandonment of Borobudur remain mysteries. It is not known when active use of the monument and Buddhist pilgrimage to it ceased.
Approximately 55,000 cubic metres of stones were taken from the neighbouring river to build the monument, dovetails were used to form joints between stones.
It is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated stupa.
The monument is equipped with a good drainage system to cater to the area's high stormwater run-off. How can ancient people build such an huge and exquisite structure? Again, aliens?
