PRADAKSINA AT BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

Pradaksina at Borobudur Temple

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, 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
Time Activity
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
________________________________________
Pricing
Price per person (IDR)

________________________________________
What is Included?

1. Transport with private air-conditioned van
2. Entrance fees (Setumbu Hill, Borobudur Temple Structure Ticket via Regular Entrance with a local guide combined with other guests, Pawon & Mendut Temple)
3. Licensed English-speaking guide
4. Mineral water
5. Parking fees
6. Dharmayatra (Religious pilgrimage) at Borobudur Temple

________________________________________
Registration Requirements
1. Participants must register and complete payment at least 10 days in advance, providing:

1. Number of participants
2. Nationality (Domestic / Foreigner)
3. Names
4. Sandal size
5. Copy of passport (for foreign participants) or copy of KTP (for Indonesian citizens)

Facilities Provided

1. Ticket
2. Sarong
3. Upanat sandals
4. Escort
5. Porter
6. Nayaka (Procession guide)
7. Mineral water
8. ID card
9. Licensing
10. VVIP lane

________________________________________
Pradaksina Procession

1. Arrival and preparation: Participants gather at the cultural door gate, where they receive a briefing and attributes.
2. Entrance through the cultural doorway: Procession begins toward the main entrance (east side) of Borobudur Temple.
3. Initial respect at the first staircase, followed by pradaksina.
4. Pradaksina options (depending on time duration):
   • Courtyard Pradaksina (around the temple base)
   • One round per floor up to the main stupa
   • Pradaksina from the 7th floor to the main stupa
   • Three rounds at the main stupa
5. Completion of Pradaksina, followed by prayers, meditation, Dana Paramitta, and Blazing ceremony.
6. Photo session and exploration of Borobudur Temple.
7. End of the pilgrimage experience.

________________________________________
Duration of the Religious Tour
Total: 2 hours

• 70% for the Pradaksina procession
• 30% for photo sessions & temple exploration
• Pilgrimage time: Tuesday to Sunday, 07:00 - 09:00 WIB
• Participants must arrive at the gate by 06:30 WIB

________________________________________
Pradaksina at Borobudur Temple is an enriching spiritual experience, allowing participants to connect deeply with Buddhist traditions and the sacred energy of this magnificent temple. 
Interested in joining? Contact us today! 

Tags : meditation at borobudur temple, pradhaksina at borobudur temple