Vihara Buddhagaya Watugong (Buddhagaya Watugong Temple)

Attractions Bodhgaya temple is located on the highway Pudakpayung Watugong, Semarang. If from downtown Semarang this tour takes place during the 45-minute trip by using a motor vehicle or car, to Ungaran. So why is called Watugong? Because in this area found a stone that resembles a gong. So named Watugong.

Attractions Bodhgaya temple has the famous icon, the pagoda Avalokitesvara or pagoda Metakaruna which means love and affection. The purpose of the establishment of this pagoda is in honor of the goddess Kwan Im Sie PO Sat believed by the religious community as a Buddhist goddess of compassion. Pagoda Avalokitesvara altitude of about 45 meters and consists of 7 levels. The 7 levels that narrows upwards interpreted as a sanctity that would be achieved by an ascetic after reaching the 7th floor Pagoda Avalokitesvara synonymous with yellow and red, which is typical of Chinese buildings.

Inside the pagoda there is a statue of the goddess Kwan Im measuring 5.1 meters and a statue of Commander We Do side. Furthermore, at a rate of 2 to 6, a statue of the Goddess Kwan Im facing the four directions of the wind direction. That is, namely that Dewi Kwan Im can radiate compassion towards the anguin eye. At the top of the pagoda, there is a Buddhist stupa for pearls. But unfortunately, to get to the top of this pagoda, can not because no stairs. Other buildings which are in attraction Vihara Vihara Buddhagaya is Dhammasala. Dhammasala monastery building has two floors, the multi-purpose hall and space dhammasala. Dhammasala is a Buddhist worship.

So that you can enter into the temple dhammasala, then you must perform the ritual stomping relief chickens, snakes and pigs were front door of the monastery. Relief chicken keserakaan defined symbols, meaning snake emblem of hatred, whereas pigs means laziness. With you step on the animal relief, you are expected to leave these characters. As for the material used to build a temple Buddhagaya imported directly from China, such as tile, stone reliefs that there ditangga, lights dragon, swimming dragon, dragon fountains, statues kilin and phoenix. Currently the monastery building Buddhagaya be under the guidance of Theravada Buddhism, which is an organization kebhiksuan guided by the scriptures Tripitaka pali.

Kuli Sam Poo Kong ( Sam Poo Kong temple)

Sam Poo Kong temple or pagoda can be called the Gedong Batu. When viewing this pagoda gate, above its gate there were two tailed dragon statue. Perhaps the standard pagoda is like that. This pagoda is dominated by red and yellow gold, the hallmark of a culture of china.

Sam Poo Kong is located in the area Gedong Batu Simongan, namely Jl. Simongan Raya Semarang. Southwest city of Semarang. From the city can ride public transportation, motorcycles, private car or taxi. Sam Poo Kong temple complex has two parts, the outer part (main plaza) and the inside (the area of ​​worship). Most tourists only get on the outside only. On the outside there are many statues and buildings to take pictures.

One of the statues that are on the outside is the statue of Admiral Cheng Ho. Sam Poo Kong temple is a former haven (ruins) Admiral Cheng Ho. This I know when viewed in the temple there is a statue of Admiral Cheng Ho / Admiral Zheng He 10,7m tall. He is a Muslim seaman. In East Java there benama Masjid Muhammad Cheng Hoo Mosque. The mosque has an architecture Tiong Hoa acculturation between culture and nuances of Islam. Perhaps because it, too, so there is a mosque in the temple complex.

In addition to the statue of Admiral Cheng Hoo, on the outside there is also a statue of a lion, statues guard cheng Ho and a souvenir shop. This is called the Lion lion sculpture Kilin. As the pagoda in general, there is always a lion kilin pair. Male and female. In this souvenir shop in addition to selling various souvenirs also sells paper and incense as well as renting out the customary fashion of China. If you want to feel the sensation of china then could rent the customary fashion and photographs in the temple area. Feeling in the bamboo curtain.

The area inside the main building of this temple. This section is entered by the many visitors who want to pray or ciamsi. Ciamsi ritual is a ritual to predict the fate of a person performed by a biokong. Here consists of several buildings, including the Shrine God of Earth, Kyai Juru Mudi Temple and Sam Poo Kong temple is the best course Sam Poo Kong temple building. This pagoda pagoda most larger than the other. The roof is comprised of three layers (sam poo kong pagoda image - below). While others only 2 layers (picture pagoda god of the earth - above). Because sam poo kong pagoda is the center or main place of worship places that are here.

In the inside / worship area, many of which can be explored. Just unfortunately I do not have a picture. So not much that can be written. If you go to this temple, not to not enter into the inside. Due to many historical and cultural values ​​are very interesting.