PRADAKSINA AT BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

PRADAKSINA AT BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

Pradaksina, also known as circumambulation, is a significant ritual in Buddhist practice, involving walking clockwise around a sacred object or site while keeping it to one’s right. At Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Indonesia, this ritual holds profound importance.

Significance of Pradaksina at Borobudur

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

Ritual Practice

During pradaksina at Borobudur, participants move in a clockwise direction around each level of the temple, always keeping the sanctuary to their right. This practice aligns with the traditional method of engaging with the temple’s reliefs, which are meant to be read from right to left, conforming with the pradaksina movement.

Pradaksina is integral to various Buddhist ceremonies at Borobudur, including Vesak Day celebrations. During these events, thousands of monks and devotees perform the ritual, creating a powerful visual representation of communal devotion and spiritual unity.

Visitor Participation

Visitors to Borobudur can participate in pradaksina, gaining a deeper understanding of Buddhist practices and the temple’s spiritual significance. Engaging in this ritual offers an immersive experience, connecting participants with centuries-old traditions and the profound symbolism embedded within the temple’s architecture.

TIME SCHEDULE OF PRADHAKSINA

03.30 Drive to Setumbu Hill
04.30 Sunrise at Setumbu Hill
06.00 Get down and drive to Borobudur VVIP Gate
06.30 Arrive at Borobudur Main Gate & Short Briefing
07.00 Pilgrim time, Tuesday to Sunday, 07:00 - 09:00 WIB
09.30 Drive to Pawon and Mendut Temple
09.15 Enroute Visit Pawon Temple
09.30 Breakfast at Local Restaurant ( Own Account )
10.30 Stop visit at Mendut Temple
11.30 Back to Yogyakarta
13.00 Arrive at 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