This magnificent temple pyramid is located northwest of Yogyakarta in Central Java. The massive stupa was constructed in the 8th century AD but was forgotten for centuries, likely due to Muslim expansion and volcanic activity in the 10th century. Rediscovered in 1814 and later restored, it reveals the story of Buddha’s enlightenment and life through intricately chiseled stone reliefs stretching more than 5 kilometers across its various levels.
The multilayered complex symbolizes three realms: the lowest level represents the world of humans, the second level illustrates the stage where human beings are freed from worldly desires, and the top level embodies the realm of perfection and enlightenment.
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