Documentary - The Lost Temple of Java

This documentary (found at Snag Films) takes an in-depth look at Borobudur, the "Lost Temple of Java" (Indonesia). Here is some background from Wikipedia, much of which is covered in the nearly 2-hour film:

Borobudur, or Barabudur, is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.[1] A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside a perforated stupa. 

 

Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, the temple's design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence on the region. It also depicts the gupta style from India and shows influence of Buddhism as well as Hinduism.[2][3] The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path around the monument and ascends to the top through three levels symbolic of Buddhist cosmology: Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). The monument guides pilgrims through an extensive system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the walls and the balustrades.

Enjoy.

The Lost Temple of Java

Director: Phil Grabsky

 

Borobudur in Central Java is unique. In the shape of a pyramid, with four square terraces leading to three circular ones, this extraordinary building is covered with 3 miles of carvings. Situated on a lush palm-covered volcanic plain, this is a building that deserves the title of 'eighth wonder of the world'. Remarkably, this massive construction lay deserted and obscured by jungle for over 1000 years, only to be to be re-discovered by none other than famous Englishman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Following a recent complete renovation of its 1.6 million blocks of volcanic stone, many questions can only now be answered surrounding this enigmatic temple.

New "wonders of the world" named after online poll

This is cool.

New "wonders of the world" named after online poll

LISBON (Reuters) - The Great Wall of China, Petra in Jordan and Brazil's statue of Christ the Redeemer are among the modern-day seven wonders of the world chosen in a poll of 100 million online voters, organizers said on Saturday.

The other four are Peru's Machu Picchu, the mountain settlement that symbolizes the Incan empire, Mexico's Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, the Colosseum in Rome and the Taj Mahal in India.

The seven winners were announced at a glitzy show at Portugal's Benfica stadium following what is likely to be the biggest ever online poll at www.new7wonders.com.

"Never before in history have so many people participated in a global decision," said actress Hilary Swank at the presentation.

The New 7 Wonders of the World organizers say the contest was a chance to level the global cultural playing field and recognize the achievements of societies outside Europe and the Middle East.

The traditional "seven wonders of the world" all existed more than 2,000 years ago and were all in the Mediterranean region. Only one remains standing today -- the Pyramids of Giza.

If you go to the site, you can view a slide show of the seven new wonders.

Tags: culture, travel, monuments, New 7 Wonders of the World, architecture