5 Viharas
Five Viharas You Can Visit When Going to Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple has been designated as a world Buddhist center of worship. Since its designation on February 11, 2022, many activities have been conducted by Buddhists at Borobudur Temple, which were previously limited to Vesak and several other Buddhist religious holidays. Along with the increase in dharma pilgrimage activities to Borobudur Temple, the viharas around Borobudur Temple can complement your visit. Here are the five viharas:
1. Vihara Mendut

Located in Mendut Village, Mungkid District, Magelang Regency, near Mendut Temple. This vihara is home to Bhikkhu Sri Pannyavaro Mahathera, one of the most influential senior monks in Indonesia.
This vihara attracts many tourists, both domestic and international, due to its strategic location and beautiful architecture. The vihara can be visited daily from 08:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Besides being a place of worship, Mendut Vihara is also active in various Buddha Dharma learning and practice activities at certain times, such as pabbaja samanera (novice ordination), meditation training, and Buddha Dharma classes.
During Buddhist holy day celebrations, such as Asadha, organized by Sangha Theravada Indonesia, this vihara serves as the committee secretariat and becomes a gathering place for Buddhists from various regions in Indonesia.
2. Vihara Griya Vipassana Avalokitesvara

Griya Vipassana Avalokitesvara (GVA), located at Jl. Bojong No. 2, Mendut II, Mungkid District, Magelang Regency, is an important religious complex for Buddhists, particularly from the Mahayana tradition. This complex serves not only as a place of worship but also as a center for spiritual and social activities for Buddhists in the area.
GVA's location is highly strategic due to its proximity to two major temples of high spiritual value for Buddhists: Borobudur Temple and Mendut Temple. Additionally, GVA also serves as the representative office of WALUBI (Indonesian Buddhist Representatives), which actively supports various Buddhist religious activities in Indonesia, including the organization of major events like Vesak.
Every year during Vesak celebrations, this complex is filled with Buddhists from various regions who come to participate in religious ceremonies, meditation, and social activities. GVA becomes the center of activities and preparations, creating an atmosphere full of solemnity and togetherness during the celebration.
For visitors who want to experience the spiritual atmosphere at Griya Vipassana Avalokitesvara, the vihara is open for visits daily during operational hours, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
3. Bhante Win Meditation Center

Bhante Win Meditation Center is located in Barepan Hamlet, Wanurejo Village, Borobudur District, Magelang Regency. Its location is very strategic, less than 1 km from Borobudur Temple.
This Meditation Center was built as a tribute to the services of Bhante Win Vijjano Mahathera, the first Thai Dhammaduta Bhikkhu in Indonesia.
The existence of Bhante Win Meditation Center plays an important role in various Buddhist activities at Borobudur Temple.
During Vesak celebrations, this center becomes the residence for hundreds of Bhikkhu Sangha and committee members coordinating activities. Similarly, during other major events, this center is often used by Buddhist committees.
Bhante Win Meditation Center is open to Buddhist devotees and the general public during operational hours, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
4. Catra Jinadhammo Training Center

The Catra Jinadhammo Education and Training Center (Pusdiklat) is a training and practice center for Buddha Dharma, featuring the Catra Monument icon. The development of this center is a form of appreciation for the dedication of Eyang Jinadhammo, who made great contributions to the development of Buddha Dharma in Indonesia.
Its strategic location, 400 meters from gate 8 of Borobudur Temple, makes Pusdiklat Catra Jinadhammo appear connected with the spiritual energy of Borobudur Temple. Therefore, this place often becomes a stopover for many Buddhists who wish to perform dharma pilgrimages to Borobudur Temple.
5. Vihara Graha Padmasambhava

Graha Padmasambhava Vihara is located southeast of Borobudur Temple. Located 450 meters from the Borobudur Temple entrance, this vihara is the only one around Borobudur that follows the Vajrayana Buddhist tradition.
Graha Padmasambhava Vihara also serves as a resting place for monks, particularly from the Vajrayana tradition, when they conduct activities at Borobudur Temple. For devotees and tourists visiting Borobudur Temple, this vihara can be visited during working hours, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Published by: Lindra Hismanto
Publish Date: 12/15/2024




