Pawon Temple tells about fire

Pawon is the name of a temple not far from Borobudur temple. Pawon restored in 1903 by J.G. de Casparis. Pawon name can not be known for certain of its origin. J.G. de Casparis interpret that pawon comes from the Javanese Awu which means ashes, gets the prefix ‘pa’and suffix ‘an’ that show a place or somewhere. In the daily Javanese language said, pawon means the kitchen, but De Casparis interpret funeral. Local residents also called Pawon temple with Bajranalan. The word is probably derived from the Sanskrit word vajra which means "lightning" and anala which means "fire".

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Exotic Queen Boko Temple

Queen Boko Temple at Yogyakarta to be one destination that is worth visiting. The temple is located on the hill has a spectacular panoramic view.

Located at the south of Prambanan Temple or 18 km at the east of Yogyakarta, this temple is an ancient site which is a complex of numbers remaining buildings. Different from other ancient relics from the ancient Javanese era that is generally shaped like religious buildings, the site of Queen Boko Temple consists with a gate entrance, marquee, shelter, swimming baths and also the protective fence.

Queen Boko has produced numerous artifacts, including statues, both Hindu statues (Durga, Ganesha, Garuda, phallus and yoni) and statues of Buddha (three unfinished Dhyani Buddhas). In addition, also found pottery and a few inscriptions.

Even in this time have built a court that from this place all visitors could see the beauty of Yogyakarta and Prambanan.

So far this site is rarely visited by tourists. However, when holidays comes, hundreds or even thousands of tourists can pack the arena on this site. To be able to enjoy the beauty it’s has to offer, just pay the entrance fee worth IDR12.000 per person. Currently, there is also a shuttle bus program to linked Prambanan Temple and Queen Boko Temple. Simply by adding a IDR10.000, then it is able to enjoy two adjacents beautiful temple with shutle shuttle bus that connects this two place. (Source : www.KRjogja.com)

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Soko Tunggal Mosque

The majority of Yogyakarta people’s religion is Islam. So, there are a lot of mosque was built in around Yogyakarta. One of the great mosques is Soko Tunggal Mosque. Soko Tunggal Mosque lies in the south of the path, which leads to the Taman Sari Pesanggrahan (a rest-house).

This mosque is called Soko Tunggal because of its single pillar. This mosque built in 28th February 1973 by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX. This mosque built in honor of suhada or heroes that fall in battle opposes Dutch army in battle that known General Attack 1 March. Different from other Javanese traditional buildings, the pillar of the mosque is supported by a bar of stone called “umpak”. It is interesting to know that the umpak used to be the one to support the pillar of the old-Mataram kingdom in the Islamic period. Up to now, the mosque is still in use by many Moslems at Yogyakarta. Has vast 288 meters square this mosque also showed to simplify tourist’s middle paid a visit to Taman Sari. This mosque can adopt until 600 jamaah (the members of a religious community).

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The Church of Ganjuran

Ganjuran Jesus Sacred Heart Church, as its complete name, which is located around 20 kilometers from Yogyakarta can be reached by motorcycle or car. The scenery of the green rice field and pine trees will welcome you upon entering the Ganjuran village where this church is located. Visiting this church, you will know the history of the church, enculturation of Catholic people with local community and finally you will get peacefulness.
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The complex of Ganjuran church was built in 1924 with the initiative of two Dutch relatives, namely Joseph Smutzer and Julius Smutzer. This church is one of the buildings built by the two relatives since they managed Gondang Lipura Sugar Factory in the area in 1912. Other buildings they constructed were 12 schools and one clinic as the embryo of Panti Rapih Hospital.

This church that was designed by a Dutch architect J Yh van Oyen is one form of church social spirit (Rerum Navarum) that the two Dutch relatives had, namely the spirit to love others, especially the surrounding community most of them were workers in Gondang Lipuro Sugar Factory who reached its golden time in 1918 - 1930.

In its development, the church complex was completed with the construction of a temple named Jesus Sacred Heart Temple in 1927. The temple with the terrace decorated with lotus flower and the statue of Jesus in Javanese clothes becomes another choice to celebrate holy mass and pilgrimage, in addition to the church offering closeness with Javanese culture.

Walking around the church, you will realize that this building was designed by integrating European, Hindu, and Javanese styles. European style is seen from the shape of the building forming a cross from above view, while Javanese style is seen from the roof forming tajug that is supported by four teakwood pillars, symbolizing four Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Javanese nuance is seen at the alter, sancristi (where instruments for mass celebration are kept), doopvont (water containter for baptizing) and chatevummenen (the place of the teacher of Catholic religion). The statues of Jesus and Mary who is carrying Her son are depicted in Javanese clothes. The reliefs at every stop of the Sacrification Path Jesus is described as having hairs of Hindu monks.

You can take holy water from the left side of the temple. After taking water, you can sit cross-legged in front of the temple and say the prayer. The procession of the celebration is ended by entering the temple and say your prayer in front of Christ statue. Some pilgrims take the water and put it in a bottle then take it home after they pray for it.

If you want to take part in holy mass celebration done in Javanese language with songs accompanied by gamelan, you can come to this church on Thursdays to Sundays at 05:30 a.m., every night of first Friday, each Christmas and on Saturdays at 05:00 p.m. The holy mass is done at the yard of the temple, except daily mass at 05:30 a.m. that is done in the church.

After completing the celebration or pilgrimage, take your time to talk with local people in order to know the history of Ganjuran village where the church is located. In Javanese old history, Ganjuran was part of Alas Mentaok territory named Lipuro. The place was used by Senopati to meditate and was planned to become the center of Mataram kingdom.

The change of the name to Ganjuran itself was related to love story of Ki Ageng Mangir and Rara Pembayun who was exiled by Mataram. The love story of the two person later inspired the creation of the Javanese song: Kala Ganjur, which means human basic binding line in living life together based on love. It was from the name of the song that the name Lipuro of the village changed to Ganjuran.

If you spend time talking with local people, there are many other stories to explore, such as the cancellation of Lipuro to become the center of Mataram Kingdom, the reason for exiling Ki Ageng Mangir and Roro Pembayun and so on.

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Masjid Soko Tunggal - Kraton Yogyakarta

Masjid Soko Tunggal lies in the south of the path, which leads to the Taman Sari Pesanggrahan (a rest-house). This mosque is called Soko Tunggal because of its single pillar. This mosque build in 28th February 1973 by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX. This mosque is built in honour of suhada or hero that fall in battle opposes dutch army in battle that known general attack 1 March. Different from other Javanese traditional buildings, the pillar of the mosque is supported by a bar of stone called “umpak”. It is interesting to know that the umpak used to be the one to support the pillar of the old-Mataram kingdom in the Islamic period. Up to now, the mosque is still in use by many Moslems. Has vast 288 meters square this mosque also showed to simplify tourists middle pay a visit to Taman Sari. This mosque can adopt until 600 jamaah.

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Jathilan - Folk Art

Art market gabusan that locate at kilometer 9,7 yogyakarta - parangtritis street, really make proud, because of the special buildings and the ability accommodates worker that until 600 person. There is no two at other regencies at the whole country.

But, turned that pride, it is natural if there are any worried about, is gabusan fated same like LIK (Lingkungan Industri Kecil) that built at bew order age which is not use anymore. Solicitude like that apparently anticipated Bantul government from the beginning. The solution, Art Market Gabusan, not solely for fish tourist recreation to coast Parangtritis. The count on paper really tempt, a half from 2 million Parangtritis visitor per year visit Gabusan to crowding that International art market.

Apparently, Bantul Government not only dream about tourist visit. Bantul society, as repeatedly emphasized Regent of Bantul (at that time Drs HM Idham Samawi), must has taste "handarbeni" to this Art Market Gabusan.

Because of that, weekly routine programmes held to enliven Art Market Gabusan. As like a folk art Jathilan or Kuda Lumping. Gagak Rimang Group show at Sunday,12 Decembers, apparently beyond belief many people. For photographer also cameraman, player quantity possesed by a spirit be cover that interesting.

Before programme is begun, mBah Sudiprawiro appear mumble at elbow kuda lumping, while occasionally strew incense at charcoal ember, and show white smoke rather thick.
He ask permission to the ghost lived here so that show can go on fluent. He also ask helped perhaps there ignorant person (can to import ghost-red) and want to disturb this Jathilan show.

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Sekaten Ceremony

Sekaten ceremony is annually held, starting on the fifth day of the Javanese month Mulud. The ceremony takes the form of a sequence of celebrating the birth of Mohammed S.A.Wthe prophet. People from Yogyakarta and villages around the city still believe that by celebrating Sekaten, particularly by listening to the sets of the Gamelan music, they will be rewarded from the God almighty related on their success at work, good health, and prosperous future.

The first day of the ceremony starts at midnight with a procession of the royal servart the “abdi dalem” wtio are marching in two rows bringing two sets of Gamelan named Kyai Nogowilogo and Kyai Gunturmadu with them. The magnificently uniformed palace guards escort this procession, leaving the Ponconiti hall, to the Grand Mosque (Mesjid Agung). At the Grand Mosque (Mesjid Agung), Kyai Nogowilogo is placed in the northern Pagongan. These two sets of Gamelan are played simultaneously until the I ph day of Mulud, when they are brought back to the palace again at midnight. It is worth knowingthat several days before and duringSekaten, an exhibition’s held atthe north square (Alun-alun Utara).

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SEWU of THOUSAND TEMPLE

Sewu Temple is located 2 km north of Prambanan Temple. This is the second largest Buddhist Temple complex in Java; Restoration is professionally underway to reach its original form. It is a MANDALA, manifesting the universe in the center temple of Mahadeva, surrounded by four rings of 250 smaller temples of Gods. Sewu Temple complex is located in Prambanan Temple Park area, about 800 meters to the north of Rara Jongrang Temples. The fact that this temple was built near Prambanan Temple, which is a Hindu temple, indicated that the Hindus and Buddhists lived in harmony.

The main temple has 1 main room and 4 small rooms of which are doorways to the temple. The east door serves as main door to the main room. That way, the main temple faces to the east. The structure has 9 'roofs'; each of them forms a stupa on the top. It is believed to be a royal temple and was one of the religious activity centers in the past. Based on the inscription dated back to 792 AD, which was found in 1960, the name of the temple complex was probably "Manjus'rigrha" (The House of Manjusri). Manjusri is one of Boddhisatva in Buddhist teaching. Sewu Temple was probably built in the 8th century at the end of Rakai Panangkaran administration. Rakai Panangkaran (746 AD - 784 AD) was a popular king from the old Mataram kingdom. HC Cornelius studied the temple firstly in 1807. NJ Krom did the first archeological study in 1923.

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King Boko

King Bokos Palace is located some nineteen kilometres at the eastern side of Yogyakarta, and about two kilometres from Prambanan temple. The scenery of its surroundings is quite beautiful. To the south, imprecisely visible, unfolds the south coast. And at the northern side one, tourists can see the Mount Merapi, Prambanan, and Kalasan temples with naked eye From the newly restored main entrance to the right, you will come into so-called auditorium of the palace that has been restored.

On the left auditorium, there is a pool that was used as a bathing pool for women.

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GUA MARIA TRITIS, LITTLE LOURDES AT JOGJAKARTA

Perjalanan ini sedikit membuat kami merasa pusing, karena kami harus melewati jalan menanjak yang berliku-liku. Namun keindahan alam gunung kidul dengan pemandangan gunung batu membuat kami tetap bersemangat. Menurut cerita penduduk setempat, yang sempat berbincang-bincang dengan kami, pada waktu gempa beberapa bulan yang lalu, kawasan Gunung Kidul ini hujan batu krikil. Dan bebatuan seakan turun dari atas gunung.

Dari parkiran, kami berjalan kaki 2 km dengan medan yang bukan jalan rata, melainkan bebatuan, menanjak dan berliku. Bisa bayangkan, bagaimana sulitnya apalagi kami membawa putri kami yang baru berumur 3 tahun. Apakah kami mampu?

Namun sekali lagi, ini belum apa-apa dibandingkan dengan cobaan lainnya. Rasa tekat dan semangat kami menghantam dan menghapuskan perasaan itu. Membuat kami bersemangat kembali. Dan karna kami sendiri belum perna dan belum tau seperti apa Gua Maria yang ada di Tritis ini? Mengapa harus ada dibalik gunung bebatuan karang ini?
Ternyata benar,…. Memng luar biasa ….

Gua Maria Tritis ini adalah gua yang betul-betul indah dan masih alami. Dengan latarbelakang stalaktit-stalaktit. Perjalanan kami ini ditemani oleh anak-anak desa, yang memberikan petunjuk jalan mana yang lebih cepat dan lebih aman buat kami. Mereka adalah anak-anak dari umat katolik disekitar Gua Tritis, yang memang dianjurkan oleh romo paroki untuk memandu wisatawan dan peziarah yang datang ketempat tersebut. Kalau pengunjung berniat jalan salib, rute yang ditempuh lebih jauh dan memakan waktu 2,5 jam untuk bisa melewati keempat belas stasi yang ada sampai ke bukit golgota. Di Bukit Golgota ini, mirip dengan Bukit Golgota yang asli, yang terdapat juga tiga salib besar tempat Yesus di salibkan bersama dengan Barnabas.
Kata Tritis adalah bahas Jawa yang artinya tetesan air.

Tetesan air ini berasal dari stalaktit yang kemudian ditampung untuk digunakan sebagai obat. Letak Gua Tritis ini jauh dari perkampungan penduduk. Gua Tritis ini diresmikan oleh Romo Lamers SJ pada tahun 1979.

Ini adalah Gua Maria yang amat terkesan buat kami sekeluarga. Saran kami bila anda mengunjungi Gua Maria ini hendaknya anda membawa bekal seperlunya saja, seperti air minum mineral, botol kosong untuk wadah air suci dan lilin. Karna nanti kalau anda kembali ke tempat parkiran, jalan yang dilalui terus menanjak. Dan bagi orang tua yang sepuh, anda cukup menyewa tenaga pembawa tandu dari tempat parkiran sampai kedalam gua, dengan membayar upah seratus ribu rupiah pulang-pergi.

Sebelum perjalanan Anda dari Jogja sampai ke Gua Maria Tritis, Anda bisa mampir sebentar untuk berziaarh di Sendang Ngijorejo. Disinipun Anda bisa menemukan Gua Maria Ngijorejo. Gua Maria Ngajirejo inipun kami peroleh informasinya dari salah seorang ibu, yang sempat berkenalan dengan kami. Ia adalah umat di gereja Ganjuran dan juga salah satu ketua lingkungan yang ada di Gereja Ganjuran. Info-info seperti inilah yang membantu kami. Sekaligus menjadi sebuah petunjuk buat kami untuk dapat mengetahui keberadaan Gua-Gua Maria lainnya yang mungkin kami sendiri tidak tahu keberadaannya.

Gua Maria Ngajirejo, letaknya di belakang landasan AU Gading, Gunung Kidul. Dan kurang lebih 1,5 jam kami tempuh dari arah kota Jogjakarta. Perjalanan dari kota Jogja menuju kawasan inipun kami lalui dengan jalan yang berliku dan menanjak. Butuh konsentrasi yang lumayan baik dari pengemudi kendaraan. Ditambah waktu itu pun hujan rintik. Kami tak banyak memperoleh info tentang Gua Maria ini, hanya saja suasana di Ngajirejo ini cukup hening dan sepi, letaknyapun ditengah pedesaan .

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Sendang Sono, Litle Lourdes in Indonesia

You will reach Sendang Sono after passing through bending street at the foot of Menoreh hill. There are two alternatives in order to reach the place from Yogyakarta, namely via Jalan Godean to arrive at Sentolo before turning right, or via Jalan Magelang to come to T-junction of the market in Muntilan city before turning left. The distance is around 45 kilometers from Yogyarta, or it will take you one hour to get to the place by motorcycle.

An entrance with stone wall on both sides will lead you to the vast pilgrimage complex where you will find small chapels, the path of Jesus Sacrification, the Cave of Maria, shelters, and kiosks selling praying goods. Cool weather will greet you upon entering the complex thanks to many growing trees there.

Sendang Sono was named by its location. Sendang means water spring and Sono means the sono or sonokeling tree, denoting that the spring is located under the sono tree. If you will see the spring and the sono tree, please turn right upon entering the gate. Unfortunately, you will not be able to see the spring clearly because it is closed with glass box.

Before 1904, this spring was wellknown as Sendang Semagung, which functioned as the resting place of the bhikku who left for Boro area, the area to the south of Sendang Sono. Since 20 May 1904, however, by the arrival of Father Van Lith and baptism of 173 people of Kalibawang by using the spring water, this place changed its function to the pilgrimage place for Catholic people.

Entering the main chapel in this pilgrimage complex, you can commemorate the baptism event happening 102 years ago, since there is relief describing the baptism procession. Entering the Mother Mary chapel and the Desciples Chapel, you will remember the struggle of Mother Mary and the twelve disciples with Jesus Christ.

If you are interested in remembering the struggle of one of the Catholic community activists, you can pay a visit to the tomb close to Mother Mary chapel. There, you will find the tomb of Mr. Barnabas Sarikromo, a good friend of Father Van Lith who also one of the people baptized in 1904 and was determined to be the first teacher of Catholic religion in the area.

Sarikromo who was born on 1874 was a person full of blessing because his persistent effort to be close to God. When he was young, he suffered from skin disease that was difficult to cure. In his prayer and promise to serve his life to God if he was cured, he met Father Van Lith who brought him to a brother for medication.

The short-distance path of Jesus Sacrification can be an alternative celebration to commemorate Jesus' misery to shoulder the Cross. At every stop of the sacrification path, you can light a candle and say your prayer while remembering important events of Jesus' to Golgotha hill, such as the events of his three falling while shouldering the wooden cross, when Veronica wiped His face with her handkerchief and the last minutes of the death of Jesus Christ.

Praying in front of the Cave of Mary that is located close to the sono tree is another way of seeking tranquility. Many people say their prayer by kneeling down and lighting candles in front of this cave. You can even write your hopes or wishes on a piece of paper and then put it into a firing pot in order for God to receive it. For your information, the statue in this complex was directly shipped from Spain.

In addition to pacifying yourself and praying, you can also enjoy the enchantment of the complex architecture designed by Father Y.B Mangunwijaya Pr and it won AGA Khan Awards. You can also sit relax in the shelter while enjoying the surrounding buildings dominated by stone as the material, or stand on the small bridge to enjoy the beauty of the flowing river underneath.

When you are going to leave, do not forget to take some spring water flowing from the taps at the side of the river. The water is believed to give blessings to anyone who drink it or use it for many other purposes. It will complete your contemplation and wishes that you say in your prayer. (source YogYES.com)

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