PRADAKSINA AT BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

PRADAKSINA AT BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

Pradaksina at Borobudur: A Sacred Buddhist Ritual

Pradaksina, or circumambulation, is a deeply significant ritual in Buddhist practice, involving walking clockwise around a sacred site while keeping it to one’s right. At Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Indonesia, this ritual carries profound spiritual meaning.

Significance of Pradaksina at Borobudur

Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, is architecturally designed to facilitate the pradaksina ritual. Pilgrims ascend the temple’s terraces in a clockwise direction, symbolizing the path to enlightenment. This journey allows devotees to reflect on the temple’s intricate relief panels, which depict various Buddhist teachings and stories. The act of circumambulation serves as a meditative practice, fostering spiritual growth and introspection.

Ritual Practice

During pradaksina at Borobudur, participants walk clockwise around each level of the temple, ensuring the sanctuary remains on their right. This aligns with the traditional way of engaging with Borobudur’s reliefs, which are meant to be read from right to left in accordance with the pradaksina movement.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Pradaksina plays a vital role in Buddhist ceremonies at Borobudur, particularly during Vesak Day celebrations. Thousands of monks and devotees perform this ritual together, creating a powerful symbol of spiritual unity and devotion.

Visitor Participation

Visitors to Borobudur are welcome to take part in pradaksina, offering them a deeper understanding of Buddhist traditions and the temple’s spiritual essence. Engaging in this ritual provides an immersive cultural experience, connecting participants with centuries-old traditions and the profound symbolism within Borobudur’s architecture.

Time Schedule for Pradaksina

• 03:30 – Drive to Setumbu Hill
• 04:30 – Enjoy sunrise at Setumbu Hill
• 06:00 – Descend and drive to Borobudur VVIP Gate
• 06:30 – Arrive at Borobudur Main Gate & receive a short briefing
• 07:00 – Pilgrimage time (Tuesday to Sunday: 07:00 - 09:00 WIB)
• 09:30 – Drive to Pawon and Mendut Temples
• 09:15 – Visit Pawon Temple en route
• 09:30 – Breakfast at a local restaurant (at own expense)
• 10:30 – Stop at Mendut Temple
• 11:30 – Return to Yogyakarta
• 13:00 – Arrive in Yogyakarta

What is included :

1. Transport with private van air conditioned
2. Entrances fees ( Setumbu Hill, Borobudur Temple Structure Ticket via Regular Entrance and will be accompanied by a local guide who will be combined with other guests., Pawon & Mendut Temple )
3. Accompany our Licensed English Speaking Guide
4. Mineral water
5. Parking Fees

Dharmayatra or Religious tourism of Borobudur temple (Pilgrim / Pilgrimage).

1. Registration of participants at least 8 days in advance, by including the number of participants, origin (Domestic / Foreign) Name, size of sandals.
Facilities:

• Ticket
• Sarong
• Upanat sandals
• Escort
• Porter
• Nayaka (Procession guide)
• Mineral water
• Id card
• Licensing
• VVIP lane

2. The procession from the arrival gate begins with an explanation of the SOP and the distribution / installation of attributes in front of the cultural door gate (On the left front side before the main gate.
3. The procession enters the temple area through the cultural doorway, towards the main clan in front of the temple (east side).
4. Initial respect at the bottom of the first staircase of the Borobudur temple structure, followed by Pradaksina.
5. Pradaksina has several options (according to the time duration). 1).Pradaksina in the courtyard 2) Pradaksina for each floor 1 round until the main stupan 3). Pradaksina from the 7th floor to the main stupa 4). Pradaksina three rounds at the main stupa.
6. Finish Pradaksina followed by Prayer (with each belief), Meditation, Dana Paramitta and Blazing.
7. Finish the procession, photo session and enjoy the top of Borobudur temple
8. Finished.
9. Duration of religious tour is 2 hours, where 70% of the duration is Pilgrim procession, the remaining 30% is for photo session and enjoying Borobudur temple.
10. Pilgrim time, Tuesday to Sunday, 07:00 - 09:00 WIB. Participants arrive at the gate at 06:30 WIB.

Tags : meditation at borobudur temple, pradhaksina at borobudur temple