go-explore
Car Rental

Mendut Temple: Witness the Holiest Day of the Buddhist Year in Indonesia

 

The month of May will be an exciting time for travelling to Yogyakarta. You can witness the eminent celebration of Buddhist holiest day, known as Vesak 2561/2562 that falls on May 11th, 2017. The date is set accordingly to the time of the brightest full moon that appears on the month of May or known as the Purnama Sidhi. Here in Indonesia, the procession annually held around the area of magnificent Buddhist temples of Central Java, one of them is the Mendut temple.

The temple was build around the 9th century and known to be the oldest of two other Buddhist temples, the Pawon and Borobudur. The 26.4 meter tall temple not only has become the centre of Buddhism practices and rituals, but also believed by local Javanese Kejawen as the place to meditate. It is shown by a stone carved image of Hariti as the symbol of fertility and motherhood, that are popular among the locals as the praying site for couples who longs to have children.

Vesak is also known as Buddha’s Day, commemorating the Birth of Prince Siddharta, the Enlightenments when the prince became the Buddha and the Passing of Gautama Buddha. These three important events in the life of Buddha are also known as Tri Suci Waisak.

Thousands of people will congregate to repeat mantras and meditate to celebrate this holy day. The prayers will commence at Mendut temple on 9th of May, and will continue with a chanting parade marching towards Pawon and Borobudur temple.

Each year, there is also a significant rituals of blessing with holy water taken from the springs of Jumprit in Temanggung district that symbolize humility. Vesak torch will also be ignited from flames taken from Mrapen, known as the natural eternal flames in the village of Grobogan, Central Java.

Mendut Temple: Witness the Holiest Day of the Buddhist Year in Indonesia

Both are kept in the Mendut temple before being carried during the march procession to symbolize enlightments. There will also be a magical pinnacle event on May 11th, where thousands of Puja lanterns are released up to the sky in the end of the pilgrim’s march. The lanterns will be released from Mendut, Pawon and Borobudur temple symbolizing the enlightments for all universe.

Get there

Mendut temple is around one hour drive from Yogyakarta. If you took off from Semarang and Solo, the drive will takes about two hours to Mendut. You can easily get a car rental from any of the city. Each path will take you on an awesome journey through lovely views. Public transports are also available from Yogyakarta bus terminal and continue on with the micro bus which serves direct route to Borobudur via Mendut temple.

Get Around

If you get down in Mendut temple, you can go around by foot, take a horse cart or andong and maybe rent a bicycle.

Where to stay

For a luxurious choice to stay during your holiday within the range of Mendut-Pawon-Borobudur area, The Plataran Borobudur Resort and Spa is a great choice. This resort will pamper you with an exclusive facility enriched with Javanese arts and cultural heritage. A premium private cottages with swimming pools, spa and fine cuisine are cradled by a soothing ambiance. A chance to explore nearby villages and trek the lush green surroundings are added value that you may savour.

The Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa

Tanjungan Village, Borobudur, Magelang 56501, Indonesia


SELECT * FROM [cq:Page] AS s WHERE ISDESCENDANTNODE(s,'/content/indtravelrevamp/de/en/trip-ideas') AND (s.[jcr:content/cq:tags] like '%indtravelrevamp:destination/area/Yogyakarta%' ) order by [jcr:content/cq:lastModified] DESC

Suggested for You

Card image cap
9 Jan 2023

6 Must-Have Signature Souvenirs from Yogyakarta

More

Card image cap
2 Aug 2022

3 Destinations for A Wellness Journey in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
26 Apr 2022

3 Destinations in Indonesia for International Jazz Festival Lovers

More

Card image cap
11 Feb 2022

15 Amazing Experiences You Can Get in Yogyakarta!

More

Card image cap
24 Sep 2021

15 Best Hotel for Staycation With Family in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
17 Sep 2021

4 Quirky Hotels In Yogyakarta For An Off-The-Wall Experience

More

Card image cap
27 Aug 2021

15 New Airports Welcoming You to the Spectacular Wonders of Indonesia

More

Card image cap
26 Aug 2021

WAYANG’s Own Four Musketeers: PUNOKAWAN

More

Card image cap
10 Aug 2021

15 Summer Signature Experience in the Cities of Yogya–Solo–Semarang

More

Card image cap
9 Jul 2021

Seven Secrets to Making Your Indonesia Holiday A Stellar One - Indonesia.Travel

More

Card image cap
1 Jul 2021

6 Amazing UNESCO Global Geoparks You Can Explore in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
22 Jun 2021

Unique Easter Traditions in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
10 Jun 2021

22 Great Spots for Your Summer Fun, Food and Friends in Yogyakarta

More

Card image cap
9 Jun 2021

9 Surprisingly Delicious Local Food near Borobudur

More

Card image cap
7 Jun 2021

Try These Fun Ideas to Explore Yogyakarta in a Day

More

Card image cap
7 Jun 2021

Refreshing Retreat to Enjoy Near Prambanan Yogyakarta

More

Card image cap
28 May 2021

5 Backpacking Trip Ideas that You must Experience in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
28 May 2021

Climb Majestic Mt. Merapi Volcano at the Center of Java

More

Card image cap
15 Feb 2021

10 Places near Yogyakarta Airport that Deserve Your Attention

More

Card image cap
2 Feb 2021

8 Romantic Restaurants to Woo Your Loved Ones in Yogyakarta

More

Card image cap
25 Jan 2021

Planning A 4D3N Trip to Borobudur? These Awesome Trip Ideas Will Inspire You!

More

Card image cap
20 Jan 2021

5 Legendary Hawker Stalls to Check Out on Your Street-Food Adventure in Yogyakarta

More

Card image cap
7 Jan 2021

These 9 Fun Activities around Borobudur Will Make Your Trip Unforgettable

More

Card image cap
5 Jan 2021

7 Beautiful Places to Catch Epic Sunrise near Borobudur

More

Card image cap
14 Dec 2020

Get the Exciting Adventure and Cultural Experience in Central Java and Yogyakarta

More

Card image cap
14 Oct 2020

Try These Attractive Ideas to Explore Yogyakarta in Weekend with Your Family

More

Card image cap
13 Oct 2020

5 Awesome Places for Family Recreation in Kaliurang, Mount Merapi

More

Card image cap
22 Sep 2020

6 Unique Photo Spots to Enjoy Yogyakarta Above the Clouds!

More

Card image cap
5 Mrc 2019

Homey Homestays in Yogyakarta and Magelang, Central Java

More

Card image cap
2 Oct 2018

Explore Yogyakarta and Central Java – Obama Style!

More

Card image cap
22 May 2018

10 Most Unique Mosques in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
9 Mrc 2018

Indonesia's Best Mountain Climbing Experiences

More

Card image cap
9 Mrc 2018

5 Remarkable Sites to Visit Around Imogiri

More

What They Say