Exploring Temples in Yogyakarta : Candi Mendut

Mendut Temple

Tourism Ideas - Mendut Temple is a Buddhism Temple and located in Mendut Village, District Mungkid, Magelang regency, Central Java, about 38 km to the northwest of Yogyakarta. The location is only about 3 km from the temple of Borobudhur, which presumably have close links with Pawon and Mendut. Viewed from their positions,  Pawon Temple, Borobudur Temple and Mendut Temple lies on a straight line.

According to Kayumwungu Inscription and Karang Tengah Inscription, Mendut Temple was built by Pramodyawardhani. In addition to the worship of the gods, Mendut temple was built to honor the ancestral dynastyof Syailendra. As a Buddhism Temple, Mendut Temple has reliefs which bore the stories of moral values as reflected by animal stories brought by Pancatantra from India.

In the quite spaciuos rooms, there are three Mendut Buddha statues. Right before the doors there are Buddha Sakyamuni, the Buddha was preaching. Buddha is depicted in a sitting position with hands dharmacakramudra attitude, the attitude is mewejangkan teachings.

Exploring Temples in Yogyakarta : Candi Mendut

On the right side, facing south, there is a statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteswara, the Buddha as a human savior. Buddha is depicted in a sitting position with your left leg bent and the right leg hanging down. Right foot hitching a ride on a small lily pads.

On the left side of the room, facing north, there is a statue of Bodhisattva Maitreya ie liberator of man sitting with hands simhakarnamudra attitude, similar attitudes vitarkamudra but his fingers closed. All three statues in this room is wearing, fitted with, 'prabha "or divine light around his head.

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Ondel Ondel, The Icon of Jakarta

Tourism Ideas - In Jakarta, Ondel Ondel is a popular art performance of original ethnic of Jakarta, Betawi. Ondel Ondel is characterized a display of  paired giant dolls -male and female- made of woven bamboos with a height of 2.5 meters and a diameter of 80 cm and accompanied by musics. The doll is colorfully painted with the male face in red while the female in white or yellow.

Like humans, Ondel Ondel also have sex. Not difficult to distinguish male and female Ondel Ondel. Normally, the face of male Ondel Ondel will be painted in red. Not only that, his eyes are made bulging, coupled with a mustache and arrogant smirk.The face is made with the intention of causing an impression of spirit and courage. There are also regard it as a symbol of the forces of evil and frightening.

While face-Ondel Ondel women will be painted with white color. Ondel-Ondel women also had large eyes, but do not stare. His mouth was smiling sweetly with makeup lipstick. It was considered a symbol of good strength and purity.

Ondel Ondel is originated from Betawi, the orginal people of Jakarta. Ondel Ondel is used to be believed a personification of ancestral Betawi people who always keep their offspring from the interference by evil spirits.

In the process of making Ondel ondel, it is conducted in an orderly manner. there is a special time for making Ondel Ondel, Good time to form her face as well as his body with bamboo weaving.

Aside from the face, Ondel-Ondel can also be distinguished from his clothes. Male Ondel-Ondel will usually use dark colored traditional clothing, while female Ondel-Ondel using plain bright color or with a pattern of flowers.

When performed, Ondel-Ondel must appear in pairs. This is no reason in itself. Betawi people believe it as a form of balance between the forces of good and evil.

Now, the stage for Ondel-Ondel not only can be seen at events Anniversary celebration of the Jakarta  city. However, the artists of  city also often display them on the streets of the capital city as a street art performance.

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