Jogja Again!

Second day in Jogja and it's temple hopping once again!

We first headed to Prambanan Temple constructed in the 10th century. It has 3 main temples dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva and each had a temple facing it dedicated to their "vahan" or chariot. Garuda for Vishnu, Nandini for Shiva and Angsa for Brahma.

Candi Sewu, another temple built in the 8th century is the second larget Buddhist temple in Central Java. After the massive earthquake, restoration work was going on in full scale. The temple guards were real imposing.

Then off we went to Candi Kalasan, a Buddhist temple built in the 8th century. It didn't look like it had many visitors and the temple was in a poor condition.

The last of the temple visited in Jogja was that of Candi Sambisari. This was built about 8th century but through the years it was abandoned and then lay buried for centuries until it was discovered in the late 1960s. The temple was dugged up from the ground! This is a small temple and it's three sides are flanked by the statues of Lord Ganesha, a Rishi (don't know who) and Goddess Parvati? Inside the temple, we find a ShivLinga.

Amazing that Hinduism flourished so far away!

Jogja!

Jakarta was the point of entry but immediately on landing, I was whisked away to Cikarang, capital of Bekasi Regency by my friend. After a good night sleep, we caught a flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta or Jogjakarta or Jogja as the locals say, the very next day. Jogja I am told is well known for its strong Javanese culture and tradition.

After breakfast of "Paratha" (Indian Bread) made by the Indonesian Cook we headed to Borobudur, a world heritage monument. It was huge! No! It was humungous! This is both a shrine to Lord Buddha as well as a place for Buddhist pilgimage. This was built in the 9th century.

Borobudur Stupas!

Next stop was Mendut again a 9th century temple located just close to Borobudur. The temple contains 3 statues of Buddhas - one to liberate devotees from bodily karma, the other to liberate from the karma of speech and the third to liberate from the karma of thought.

Adjoining to the Mendut is a monastery/library. A beautiful place with lots of Buddha statues everywhere.

A lovely day well spent seeing these beautiful monuments from long long ago!

Far East!

A month long travel, the longest that I have ever done! To Indonesia, Singapore & Thailand! Travelled extensively and squeezed in as much as possible to make the most of the time. It was awesome! Met quite a few women solo travellers and bonded. Wonderful experience in all! This was last month, the whole of October and now am back to work....and wondering when I would travel next!

Yogyakarta, Indonesia.