Author: hinduguru1651

Nippon, the name of Japan in Japanese, is translated as the Land of the Rising Sun.  It is a country in East Asia comprising over 6,800 islands, of which 430 are inhabited. The five main islands are Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and Okinawa. Honshu is the largest and most populous island with the capital Tokyo and other large cities located on it.

As per Worldometer, the current population of Japan is 126.6 million and it ranks 11^th in the world on population, with population density of 347 per km². About 92% of population live in urban areas. It ranks 61^st on total area.

Shinto and Buddhism are the main religions in Japan. Shinto developed as an indigenous religion and in many respects, its practices are similar to those in Hinduism. Natural objects such as the Sun, Moon, Earth, Fire, Air, Mountains, Rivers and Spirit of deceased persons are venerated as deities in Shinto. The Holy Kojiki is the sacred book of Shinto religion. It was written in 712AD and is also known as the Records of Ancient Matters. It contains legends relating to Creation of various deities and Japanese islands, Creation of humans and other living things. The Japanese emperor is believed to be a direct descendent of deities. Shinto’s sacred buildings are termed Shrines. They are identified with a specially designed gate, known as Torii, in front of them.

Buddhism was introduced to Japan from Korea in mid-sixth century. To strengthen its alliance with Japan, a Korean king presented a statue of Buddha, along with a letter highlighting the importance of Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, to the Japanese Emperor. Impressed by the teachings of Buddha, and his international standing, Buddhism was accepted as a state religion in Japan by the Emperor. Its status was further enhanced during the Tang dynasty rule in China, which had imported sacred Buddhist texts from India, and shared them with the Japanese Imperial palace.

Subsequently, Shinto and Buddhism complemented each other in Japan. Many Japanese people worship Shinto deities as well as Buddha. Normally, it is believed that Shinto fulfils the requirements of the current life, where as Buddhism takes care of the afterlife.

Japan was devastated by two atomic bombs during the Second World War. Over a short period of time, it recovered and rebuilt the nation. Now, it is the third largest economy based on gross domestic product. Japan is the only Asian country categorised as a developed nation of the world. Its achievements are a source of inspiration for others.

A number of fascinating sites in Japan, with natural beauty, including mountains, lakes and hot water springs, temples, shrines, parks, museums, monuments and castles attract a large number of tourists from all over the world.

My wife Sudha and I recently visited Japan, which was a memorable experience. Our trip started in Tokyo.

Tokyo, with a population over 13 million, is one of the largest cities in the world. The city was known as Edo in earlier times, and it became the capital of Japan in 1868. Narita and Haneda are its major international airports. Narita is located about 60 km away from Tokyo and takes over an hour by train or fast bus to the city. Public transport, especially metro, is convenient to use, as stations and directions are clearly marked in both Japanese and English.

A number of Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, parks, monuments, high-rise buildings, museums and shopping complexes are located in the city. The Games of the XXXII Olympiad, also known as Tokyo 2020, is an upcoming major international sport event in Tokyo.

Meiji-Jingu is a popular Shinto Shrine located within a large forested ground that contains over 120,000 trees collected from around Japan. The Shrine is dedicated to spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who are venerated as deities. Emperor Meiji’s reign continued from 1867 to 1912 and during that period Japan transformed into a dominant industrialised nation. All visitors to the Shrine perform a special cleaning ritual that involves washing of hands and mouth with fresh water especially arranged at the entrance to the shrine.

Senso-Ji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo, which was first built in around 628 AD. Huge crowds visit the site daily.  A large shopping precinct is located in front of the temple, where various items of interest are sold to tourists and pilgrims. A five-storey pagoda is also located near the temple.

Tokyo Sky Tree is the world’s tallest freestanding tower, 634m high. A huge multistorey shopping centre is located in the Sky Tree complex. The Sky Tree has two observation decks at 350m and 450m, which are open to the public. The Sky Tree is clearly visible from the Senso-Ji temple.

Shibuya Crossing, located near Shibuya Metro Station, demonstrates the hectic movement of people across the city. During a single traffic light change, over 13,000 people have been recorded to cross the road at this crossing.

Imperial Palace and Imperial Palace East Garden are other tourist attractions. The Palace and Garden are surrounded by a wide moat filled with water. Entry to them is through special security checks. Entry to the Palace needs to be arranged in advance, whilst the East Garden can be visited anytime during its opening hours.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is a high-rise building. It has an observation deck on the 45^th floor. From the deck, one has a 360-degree view of Tokyo and on a clear day, Mount Fuji is visible from there. Access to the deck is free. A large park with monuments and waterfalls is located near this building

From Tokyo we travelled to Fujikawaguchiko, which is one of the towns at the foothills of Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji is considered a well-known Symbol of Japan. It is located 160km or around 2 hours by road from Tokyo. It is a sacred site in Shinto religion and many local pilgrims as well as local and international tourists visit the mountain, to worship and admire its elegance and grandeur. During winter, tracks to climb the Mount Fuji summit are closed. A view of Mount Fuji is considered an essential component of a trip to Japan.

Fujikawaguchiko is also a base for visiting Fuji Five Lakes. Tourist buses run various loops to these lakes from Fujikawaguchiko station.  Clear views of Mount Fuji were visible from various locations in the area including from our hotel room. Mount Fuji can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo.

Japan is well known for Shinkansen or Bullet Trains. Bullet trains are fast trains that run over separate tracks that connect major towns and cities. On major routes like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, a number of bullet trains run every hour.

From Fujikawaguchiko, we travelled by bus to Mishima station, which is en route of Shinkansen connecting Tokyo to Kyoto. It takes about an hour from Mishima to Kyoto by Shinkansen.

Kyoto became the capital of Japan in 794AD and remained so until 1869AD when the Emperor’s residence moved to Tokyo. Kyoto is famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. UNESCO has listed many of the ancient temples and shrines as World Heritage Sites.

Kinkaku-Ji temple, also know as golden temple, and Ginkaku-Ji temple or Silver temple are popular Buddhist temples. Kinkaku-Ji temple has its top two stories covered with gold leaf. In addition, there are many other temples spread across Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the most important Shinto Shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Foxes are thought to be messengers of Inari. Their statues can be seen across the shrine ground. In the Inari complex, hundreds of red coloured Toriis are built along a path leading to a mountain peak. Fruits, flowers, grains and wines are offered to Shinto deities.

Nara, a town close to Kyoto, was the capital of Japan before Kyoto. It is famous for Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and Nara Park. It can be visited from Kyoto as a day trip. Regular trains connect Kyoto to Nara. Major tourist sites are within walking distance from the railway station.  

Todai-ji is a renowned Buddhist temple complex located in Nara Park. It was originally founded in 738AD and opened in 752AD. Its Great Buddha Hall, also known as Daibutsuden, houses the world’s largest Bronze statue of the Great Buddha, known in Japanese as Daibutsu.  Fire and rebels had destroyed the original structure a number of times in the past. The current building was completed in 1709AD and is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. The temple’s museum displays historic items and statues of ancient Indian deities such as Suryaprabha, Chandraprabha, Sahastrabhuj, Shakyamuni and Dhritrastra. It also shows films about the history of the temple. A replica of the Emblem of India the Lion Capital and a pillar symbolising the Ashok’s Pillar of Sarnath are installed in the temple complex.  

Kofuki-Ji is another Buddhist temple, and Kasuga Taisha is a Shinto shrine in Nara Park. Nara Park is famous for freely roaming deer. Deers are considered sacred and believed to be messengers of deities according to Shinto tradition. They are found in temple areas and are a huge attraction for visitors.

From Kyoto, we travelled to Hiroshima. It is also called the City of Water. Six rivers flow through the city. The first atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on Monday, 6 August 1945, killing thousands of people instantaneously. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum displays scenes of devastation caused by the atomic attack. In the Peace Memorial Park, Children’s Peace Monument, Flame of Peace, Cenotaph and other monuments remind visitors of the horrors caused by the atomic bomb.

Miyajima is a small island famous for its floating Torii. In a day trip from Hiroshima, we visited the island, which is about 30 minutes by train and then by ferry to the Island. The torii/gate looks like it is floating during the high sea. Itsukushima-jinja is a Shinto Shrine constructed on pillars over the seawater, close to the floating torii. It comprises a number of buildings.

On the way to the hills from the seashore, there is a huge Buddhist temple named Daisho-in. It is accessed by a steep climb over a series of steps. The temple contains numerous large and small statues of Buddha and Bodhisattvas.

From Hiroshima we travelled to Osaka, the third largest city in Japan. It is a port city and commercial centre. In addition to museums and shopping arcades, Osaka Castle is the main historical tourist attraction. Kansai International Airport is the nearest international airport in Osaka. It is located on an island and is connected by road to Osaka via a bridge. Osaka was our last destination in Japan, and from there, we returned home to Brisbane.

There are many things we witnessed or experienced in Japan that seem unique to the Japanese people and their culture. Cleanliness of private and public spaces is notable. People are polite and willing to help when asked. The Japanese tend to converse quietly in public places such as while travelling on trains and buses. The practice of bargaining or haggling is discouraged in shops. There is no need to provide tips for services. The influence of Indian culture in Japanese spiritual practices can be observed through Buddhism and the Sanskrit origin of many Japanese words.

Angkor Wat is the principal temple of Angkorian region, located in Northwest Cambodia. Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country with capital Phnom Penh. Cambodia’s population is estimated at 16.5 million. Around ninety-seven per cent of its population follows Theravad Buddhism, which is the official religion of the country. The remaining population follows Christianity, Islam, tribal traditions and other religions.

Like in several other Southeast Asian countries, the primary religion in ancient Cambodia was Hinduism. Both Shaivism and Vaishnavism, based on Shiva and Vishnu worship traditions respectively, had been practiced in Cambodia. Later, Mahayan and Theravad Buddhism became the dominant state religion. Cambodians adopted the Indian religions on their merits. The acceptance of Indian religions by Cambodians demonstrates the close relationship between India and Cambodia in the past.

Reliable information detailing the ancient relationship between the two countries is limited. According to a popular legend prevalent in Cambodia, it originated as a country from the union of an intelligent Hindu youth from India named Kaundinya and a daughter of the serpent king, who ruled over the water that submerged the land of Cambodia in ancient times.

Kaundinya sailed over the sea close to the region of Cambodia.  Princess Nagi, the daughter of the serpent king of the watery realm, paddled over the water towards him. He saw the princess and shot a magic arrow in her direction, which caused her to fall in love with him. The serpent king arranged the wedding of his daughter with the youth, and removed the water to make the land available for them to live, prosper and procreate. The land area was named Kambuj, which later became Kampuchia and then Cambodia. Their children and descendants populated the land of Cambodia.

Our recent trip to Cambodia started from Siem Reap, which is a provincial capital with an international airport. It is the nearest town to Angkor Wat and is the centre for sightseeing tours to various historical temples and monuments in the region. Angkor National Museum, Cambodian Circus, Wat Bo and other Buddhist Monasteries, and the night market in and around Pub Street are major attractions in Siem Reap. Vendors selling fried scorpions, snakes and worms can be seen in Pub Street. 

The word Angkor is a Khmer pronunciation of the Sanskrit word “Nagar” which means capital city. The term Khmer is used for the Cambodian language as well as for the Cambodian people. Wat also has its root in Sanskrit and Pali languages and is translated as temple or Buddhist monastery.

As there are many ancient monuments in the region, tours in the region are generally spread over many days. Visitors have the choice to buy one day, three day and seven day entry tickets priced at 37/62/72USD respectively. In two days, a tourist can visit most of the major attractions. The US Dollar is almost universally accepted currency for transactions in Cambodia.

Tour operators have arranged their sightseeing itineraries as small tour circuit and grand tour circuits. The small tour circuit includes Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom with Bayon in the middle, Ta Keo, Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei temples and monuments. The grand tour circuits include the above-mentioned sites plus Preah Khan, Neak Poan, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup temples. Tour operators and guides are mostly willing to accommodate requests to visit other sites. Each of the above listed sights is a fascinating monument that displays the creativity of ancient Cambodians.

The main attraction in the Angkorian region is the Angkor Wat temple. The original name of Angkor Wat was “Barom Visnulok” in Khmer, which means the sacred abode of lord Vishnu. The temple structure denotes mount Meru, the mythological mountain where gods reside.

The Hindu king Suryavarman II built the Angkor Wat temple during his reign from 1112 to approximately 1150 AD. Prior to him, other kings had established their capital cities near the same area and had built numerous grand temples and palaces. Ruins of some of them are included in small and grand tour circuits. The majority of the ancient temples were dedicated to lord Shiva. Angkor Wat was dedicated to lord Vishnu.

The Angkor Wat temple complex is one of the largest religious buildings in the world and covers an area of 163 hectares. The whole building complex is surrounded by a moat filled with water. The building is designed in ascending order from west to east with a number of levels, galleries and Gopuram towers.  The central Gopuram tower is 65m high. Walls of the building are filled with stone carvings based on stories from Hindu Scriptures such as the Ramayan, the Mahabharat, and Purans. Themes depicting deities and demons churning the milky ocean, Apsaras, nymphs dancing in various poses, Vishnu’s incarnations, Krishna’s childhood pastimes, bird Garuda, snake Vasuki, elephant Aerawat, Indra and other guardians of directions and regions, and other religious stories are elaborately carved on building walls and towers.

The next famed king of Angkor was Jayavarman VII who ruled from 1181 to 1220AD. He was also a great builder and built palaces, temples and irrigation infrastructure. He was a follower of Mahayan Buddhism. He modified and added structures to Angkor Wat with Buddhist themes.

Jayavarman VIII, a Hindu king who reigned between 1243 to 1295AD, attempted to restore and improve Angkor Wat and other old Hindu temples. With the arrival and broad acceptance of Theravad Buddhism in fourteenth century Cambodia, further alterations and additions were made to Angkor Wat. The additions were mostly made of wooden structure, which did not survive for long. Angkor Wat was a prominent temple complex until the end of sixteenth century. During the years after its glorious heydays, Angkor Wat remained a pilgrimage site for observant Buddhists.

Angkor Thom was the largest capital city of the ancient Khmer kingdom, with palaces, temples and other public buildings. A gated wall surrounded the whole complex. Bayon temple, presumably dedicated to the four-faced lord Brahma, in the middle of Angkor Thom, has a number of Gopuram towers with faces carved in stones. It is an incredible attraction in Angkor Thom.

Ta Keo was built as a Shiva temple. Steps leading to its upper sections are so steep that one has to crawl on them to climb up or down. A similar steep steps construction is found in many other temples. Ta Prohm and Banteay Kdei were also walled cities. The Indian Archaeological Department is assisting Cambodia in restoring Ta Prohm.

Sites and monuments included in the grand tour circuits are similarly impressive. In addition there are many other temples, monuments and sites of tourist interest. Notably among them are floating villages on water that are exciting attractions in the region.

Numerous Shiva Lingas and bases for them alone can be seen in many old temples.  Some temples display Buddha Statues where visitors offer prayers. One can see overgrown trees encompassing ancient statues and building walls in a number of temple complexes.

During the French colonial rule over Cambodia, Henri Mouhout, a French explorer passed through the Angkor Wat area and wrote a travel diary, which was published in 1863. His description of the temples in the region attracted many adventurers from Europe to explore this area further. The author is recognised as the finder of Angkor Wat hidden in the Jungle. This claim of the French discovering Angkor Wat in the nineteenth century is not universally accepted. Other European travellers had also described it earlier in their travel diaries.

The French colonial government undertook and funded restoration works to recondition Angkor Wat and other temples during its rule. The work continued after Cambodia won independence in 1953, and continues to date. Many countries including India are currently participating in restoration works of ancient temples and associated structures.

Angkor Wat has played a significant role in Hinduism and Buddhism. Considering its important role in the history of Cambodia, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) declared it as a World Heritage Site in 1992.

Angkor Wat is the national symbol of Cambodia and its Gopuram towers are depicted on the national flag.

During our journey from Siem Reap to capital Phnom Penh by road, we noticed a flat landscape dotted with villages and towns that reminded us of the landscape of India. It is common to see a Buddhist temple/stupa in front of houses and businesses.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city is large and bustling with a population of over 2 million people. The Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, Cambodia – Vietnam Friendship Park and Monument, Independence Monument, Norodom Sihanouk Statue, Genocide Museum and Killing Fields are major tourist attractions.

The Silver Pagoda is a beautiful Buddhist temple in the Royal Palace complex in Phnom Penh.  Murals based on stories from the Ramayan are drawn on walls enclosing the Silver Pagoda. The Genocide Museum and Killing Fields relate to the tragic events during the reign of Pol Pot regime from 1975 to 1979. The river Tonle Sap meets the mighty river Mekong near Phnom Penh.  Riverside areas are very scenic and well developed to cater for recreational activities.

Cambodians are friendly people and we noted their natural respect towards Indians. Ongoing cooperation in restoring ancient monuments, tourism and cultural exchange should help strengthen our ancient historic bonds.

Bali is an island located in the east of Java and west of Lombok islands of Indonesia. It is a province of Indonesia. Its capital city is Denpasar, where the Island’s airport is located. Bali covers an area of 5,780 km² and its population in 2014 was 4.225 million. Over 83.5% of its population follow Hinduism. Other religions followed in Bali are Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.

The tourism industry contributes significantly to Bali’s economy. Tourism infrastructures such as hotels, restaurants, beaches, historical monuments and temples, cultural events, and transport facilities are well developed and cater for all types of visitors. Citizens of many countries, including Australia, can obtain their visa or an exemption, by presenting their passport at the airport.

Being an island, Bali has many beaches. Some of the popular among them are Kuta, Seminyak, Legian and Batu Balong beaches on the southwest side of the island, and Sanur and Pandawa beaches on the southeast side.

One of the most captivating tourist attractions in Bali is the abundance of Hindu temples. Over ten thousand temples are spread all across Bali. Almost every Hindu family has a temple in their home. Depending upon the wealth and status of the family, it may be a single room in the house or a large separate temple in the house complex.  There are public temples in almost all localities, where the community’s religious celebrations are held. In addition, there are large temple complexes with more than one temple. They are also popular tourist attractions, as well as sacred sites where local worshippers perform rituals. Temples have intricate carvings on their entry gates and are typically multi-level towers, also known as pagodas. A priest known as Pandit with similar Balinese pronunciation leads the rituals. Tourists are not allowed entry into the area where local religious ceremonies are performed, but they can observe the religious proceedings from a distance.

Statues of Ganesh and other Hindu deities can be seen at the entrance of houses and businesses. A number of worshipping items such as flowers, leaves and fruits presented on leaf- plates can be seen in front of a house or business as offering to deities. Streets and roads named after Hindu deities and religious characters can be seen around the Island.

The Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are the main deities in Balinese Hinduism. In addition, Ganesh, Laxmi, Saraswati, Parvati and Durga are equally venerated. Statues of the characters of the Ramayan and the Mahabharat can be seen at roundabouts and road intersections throughout Denpasar and other towns. Cultural programs based on stories from the Ramayan and the Mahabharat are performed at many temples and cultural centres. Puppet shows describing stories from the Ramayan are also popular.

Om Swasti Astu, the Sanskrit blessing phase, is the welcome greeting in Balinese. Indonesian language Bahasa with Latin alphabet is used in Bali; however, the old Balinese script based on the Sanskrit language can be seen inscribed on temple walls and other structures. English is the language of communication with tourists.

It is believed that Hinduism became a practicing religion in Southeast Asia including Bali almost two millennia ago. Later, Buddhism replaced it in some countries. When Islam became dominant in the Indonesian archipelago, then Majapahit, the last Hindu king of Java, took shelter in Bali, which was a strong Hindu state.

Areas around Denpasar, and Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur beaches are centres of tourist activities. Tourists interested in understanding and familiarising themselves with Balinese art, culture and way of life prefer to stay in Ubud and surrounding areas, almost an hour’s drive north from Denpasar airport.

On the way to Ubud from the airport, one can see rows of shops and galleries displaying objects such as deities, demons, animals and articles of art carved out of wood. Similar objects made of stones and paintings showing natural beauties, deities and demons and animals can also be observed along the road. In some galleries, one can see artist carving beautiful figures out of wood.

Ubud is surrounded by fertile paddy fields. They border restaurants and hotels. Some isolated villas standing alone can be seen in the field, which are preferred by tourists interested in living surrounded by nature.

There are many sites of attraction that a tourist can choose to visit in Bali. Some of the sites that we visited during our recent trip include Saraswati temple, Ubud Palace and museum, all of which are major attractions in the Ubud central area. Ubud market is close to the Palace.

Wanar Wana or sacred monkey forest is a monkey sanctuary bordering the central area in Ubud. A large number of monkeys can be seen in the forest. They are fed and taken care of by the forest authority. Three temples, dedicated to Shiva family, Prajapati and Ganga, are located in the monkey forest.

Goa Gajah or Elephant Cave is a cave temple located south of Ubud. Entrance to the cave is through the cavernous mouth of a monster. Inside the cave are symbols of Shiva and Parvati on one end, and a statue of Ganesh on the other. In front of the cave are deep ponds. Outside the cave, a deep valley, a waterfall and a Shiva temple are other attractions.

Batubulan is a town located south of Ubud. The Barong Dance Show displaying the victory of good over evil is a one-hour drama performed in an undercover theatre in Batubulan every day, starting at 9:30 am. The main characters of the drama are Kunti and Sahadeo from the Mahabharata. Lord Shiva, a monkey and demons also play roles.

Tirtha Empul, a holy spring north of Ubud, is believed to have magical power to cure illness. Tourists, local as well as foreigners, line up to take a dip in the holy water. Water from the spring is used in religious ceremonies all over Bali. A large temple is located in the complex where worshippers perform religious rituals.

In the central mountains area of Bali, Gunung Batur is one of the two volcanic craters. Gunung Batur can be seen from a hill top restaurant at Chintamani on the other side of the valley that separates the crater hill and Chintamani. Terraced paddy fields can be seen along the way to Chintamani as well as in areas around Ubud.

Ulun Danu Bratan temple, also in the central mountains area, is located on the banks of the Danau Bratan Lake. The temple complex is spread over a large area. The mountains and lake surrounding it are enchantingly beautiful. The Bali Botanical Garden is on the way to Bratan temple from Ubud.

Taman Ayun and Tanah Lot are large temples in western Bali. Taman Ayun is surrounded by a moat with water flowing from a river.  Tanah Lot, a large temple complex famous for sunset viewing, is on the bank of Bali Sea. A number of temples constitute the Tanah Lot complex. One temple is in the sea, which can be accessed during low tide by crossing the water on foot. Fresh water drips from the hill where the temple is located.  This water is considered sacred. All tourists who venture to cross the water are welcomed by priests on the island temple and blessed with sacred water. Indian tourists chanting Ganapti Bappa Morya and Har Har Mahadev were present in large numbers during our visit to the temple.

Luhur Ulu Watu is a popular temple located on a steep cliff facing the sea in the southwest tip of South Bali. It contains a forested area where a large number of monkeys reside. In the forest, there is a large statue of Ravan, the kidnapper of Devi Sita. According to local legends, monkeys, who are considered soldiers of lord Ram, surround the statue and continue to harass him even in the present day, for his shameful act.

An impressive monument known as Garuda Wisnu Kanchana (GWK), placed in a park, is a major attraction in South Bali. The park is spread over sixty hectares and is located at an altitude of 263 meters above sea level. The monument displaying Vishnu and his mount Garuda is the tallest statue in Indonesia.

Bajrasandhi is a well-known monument in Denpasar. It celebrates the Balinese struggle for independence and eventual victory over colonial powers. Parks surround the monument and a museum displays historical and cultural items. Shree Jagannath temple, near another park in Denpasar, is also a popular attraction.

Besakih temple and traditional Balinese village are located in the northeast region of the Island. Besakih temple is also known as Mother temple. Besakih is the Balinese pronunciation of Vasuki, the mythological serpent in Hinduism. The complex comprises a number of temples, which are located on the hills. From the temple complex, one can see a panoramic view of surrounding areas.

The traditional Balinese village consists of well-organised community dwellings. Houses are built in a row with access from Main Street to each house. Each house has a shop inside near the entrance that sells locally produced goods.

One has to wear Sarong to enter sacred sites. Sarongs are available for use at the entry gates. Entry fees apply to visit most temples and tourist sites.

Balinese Hindus cremate their dead. They lead an elaborate procession through the town or village during the cremation, followed by religious rituals. Prayer and religious rituals are also held to mark the birth of a baby and wedding ceremonies.

Rice, which requires a lot of water to grow, is the main crop, and a variety of them are grown in Bali. Fruits, herbs and spices are also grown in Bali.  Rice is the staple food of the Balinese.

Luwah coffee, which is produced from seeds eaten by Luwah, a mongoose like animal and excreted in whole, is a popular export item in Bali. The Luwah coffee factory that we visited in the central mountains region demonstrate the process of coffee making as well as production of tea and other spices and herbs, from cultivation to the final product.

Massage parlours and Balinese cooking classes are popular among tourists. During the cooking class, students are led to a market to identify items used in the cooking. At the school, instructors help them to cook meals, which they enjoy at the end of the class.

Puppet show art is popular in Bali and one can see how these puppets are made of skin or timber in local workshops.

During our trip to Bali, the Hindu religious traditions followed in Bali, and impressive temple complexes throughout the island, were amongst the most fascinating attractions for us. They reminded us of the important influence of the ancient Indian civilisation in Southeast Asian countries, the effects of which remain strong and visible even today.

In March 2023, my wife and I travelled to Jakarta and Yogyakarta. Both cities are located on Java, the most populated island of Indonesia. Indonesia is a country, which consists of over seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Bali, Kalimanthan and others. The country is located in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. The name Indonesia is derived from the Greek words Indos and nesos, which mean Indian Islands.

India has been closely related to Indonesian islands through trade and cultural exchanges since ancient times. Long ago, Indian traders established their settlements on various islands. Subsequently Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms were founded on Indonesian archipelagos. Many cities, towns and objects still retain their Sanskrit names.

Buddhist kingdoms of Srivijaya in Sumatra and Shailendra in Java, and Hindu kingdoms of Sanjay and Majapahit in Java reigned over a large part of territories of modern Indonesia. Those kingdoms flourished over many centuries and contributed to the development of a unique culture and traditions that were aligned with Indian beliefs and institutions. Temples and monasteries, which they built, still dominate the landscape of Indonesian islands, including Bali and Java.

Bali is predominantly a Hindu majority Island. During our previous trip to Indonesia, we visited Bali and were impressed by the grandeur of Hindu monuments, temples and religious rituals practiced by the local population. This time we decided to visit Yogyakarta, which is located in central Java. The largest Buddhist temple Borobudur and one of the largest Hindu temple complexes, Prambanan, are both located near Yogyakarta. Merapi Mount with active volcanic activities is about an hour’s drive from Borobudur and Prambanan.

Australian tourists generally enter Indonesia at Denpasar in Bali or Jakarta in Java if travelling by air. Yogyakarta is well connected with both locations by regular flights. We chose Jakarta for our entry to Indonesia.

Jakarta is the national capital of Indonesia, and is located in the northwest of the Java Island. It is the largest city in Southeast Asia with population estimated to be over eleven million in 2023. Jakarta is the Javanese pronunciation of Sanskrit word ‘Jay Karta’, which means “the achiever of victory”. Being the capital city, Jakarta is the political, economic and cultural centre of Indonesia. During the Dutch colonial era it was called Batavia.

We stayed in Jakarta for a few days and visited some of the local tourist attractions. Notable among them were the Merdeka Square, Monumen Nasional, Museum Nasional, Presidential Palace, Masjid Istiqlal, Cathedral church and a monument of Arjun on a chariot depicting a scene from the Mahabharat. All these attractions are in close proximity to the Merdeka Square.

Merdeka Square is a large square located in central Jakarta. Merdeka is the Indonesian word for freedom or independence. In September 1945, Sukarno, the Indonesian independence leader, declared independence from colonial rule at a grand meeting held in the square. The square measures around one-square kilometre in area and is one of the largest such areas in the world. It is well maintained, with coverings of flowers and greenery. Trees enclose some outer sections of the square. A number of statues and monuments are installed in its different sections. The square is a popular destination for local residents for sports and recreational activities, especially on weekends.

The National Monument, also called Monas (Monumen Nasional), is located in the centre of the square. It is a 132m-high tower surrounded by spacious paved areas near its ground floor, and also on a higher level. Below the monument is an underground museum that displays exhibits highlighting events of Indonesian history from the ancient period to modern age. Hindu and Buddhist periods are munificently displayed in the museum. The monument is reached through an underground tunnel from the ticketing area. Visitors are allowed access to the top of the tower by a lift. Tourists crowd the area, and even during a lean period, one has to wait for hours to obtain access to the top floor of the monument.

The monument hosts national events such as military parades as well as civil demonstrations. Surrounding the Monument is a park with a musical fountain and a deer enclosure, where they roam freely.

Masjid Istiqlal is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. Its dome is 45m across and the minaret tops 90m high. Directly opposite the mosque is a huge cathedral church.

The Presidential palace, National Museum and many government buildings are located around the Merdeka Square. Not far from the Museum, Arjun’s monument is a reminder of the ancient Indian connection of the region.

The National Museum is full of displays depicting Hindu gods and goddesses, kings and queens, Buddha and many stone pillars with Sanskrit inscriptions. At the entrance of the museum, there is large forecourt, which is full of objects of Hindu and Buddhist origin, found in different regions of the Indonesian archipelagos.

From Jakarta, we travelled to Yogyakarta. It is around an hour’s flight from Jakarta.

Yogyakarta is the capital of Special Region of Yogyakarta in central Java. Yogyakarta is named after the Indian city Ayodhya, the birthplace of Shree Ram, the main protagonist of the Ramayan. Its English translation is a “city fit to prosper”. The major attractions in the city are the Sultan’s Palace, known as Kraton, Taman Sari (also a palace), fort Benteng Vredeburg and a number of museums.

The region was previously known as Bhumi Mataram, the Javanese word derived from Sanskrit for “Mother Earth”. King Sanjay was the founder and the first king of the Mataram kingdom. Contemporary to Sanjay was another king named Shailendra, who ruled the adjoining region. The Sanjay dynasty kings were Shaivite Hindus and Shailendra kings were followers of Mahayan Buddhism. These two dynasties were great builders.

Major tourist attractions outside the city such as Borobudur, Prambanan and other Buddhist and Hindu temples were built during their time. An adventure tourist attraction, the Merapi mount with active volcanic activity, is also located in this region.

Borobudur is translated as ‘Buddha Vihar’ or ‘Buddha on Hills’ or Supreme Buddha. “Boro” means Vihar as well as hills and supreme, and “Budur” means Buddha. It is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. Borobudur is located 42 km from Yogyakarta. Mountains and hills surround it. It was built between the end of the 7^th century and the beginning of the 8^th century. It has the form of a Stupa, which contains sacred objects as a symbol of respect for Buddha. Shailendra dynasty kings who ruled over the area from the end of the 7^th century to the 9^th century built this grand temple.

The base of the temple is 123m x123m square and its original height was 42 meters. The height has reduced due to damage from lightening strikes and earthquakes.  The temple consists of nine stacked platforms, of which six are square and three circular. A central dome tops it. It is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and originally there were 504 Buddha statues. Seventy-two Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated stupa surround the central dome. The relief panels depict the life story of Buddha from birth to his Nirvan. The design of the temple conforms to the style of Mahayan Buddhism.

All visitors must wear specially designed slippers made of leaves to ascend the temple. The access road to the temple passes through a huge park lined with trees and flower gardens. Established Ashok and Peepal trees are grown along the access route. Their original saplings were brought from India.

Borobudur lay hidden under layers of volcanic ash and jungle growth for centuries. It is believed that the temple was deserted when the population converted to Islam in the 15^th century.  It was rediscovered and unearthed in 1835. Subsequently through many restoration works, the temple has attained its current form. It attracts a large number of tourists from all over the world.

A number of other Buddhist temples including the Pawan and Mendut temples are located in the vicinity of Borobudur.

Merapi Mount is an active volcanic site, which last erupted on 11 March 2023. The mount can be seen from the Borobudur temple on a clear day. One can see smoke emitting from the mount cone. The word Merapi is derived from Meru, the legendary mountain, which is believed to be located on the centre of the earth. Tour operators arrange tours up to the base of the mountain. A museum located at the base displays scenes relating to the mount, terrain and volcanic eruptions.

Prambanan is the Javanese pronunciation of Sanskrit Parabrahma, the supreme God. The term Prambanan is used for the Hindu temple complex, which consists of around two hundred forty temples. It is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site. The complex is arranged in three rectangular courtyards. Sixteen temples were originally built in the central courtyard. The remaining temples were housed in the second courtyard, which surrounded the central area. The third courtyard, surrounding the second, was a green space with an external wall.

Sanjay dynasty kings built this temple complex. The first temple was built around 850 AD. According to an inscription found in the region, the Shiva temple was inaugurated on 12 November 856. It was built to honour Lord Shiva, and its original name was Shivalay, the house of Shiva. The whole complex was completed over many years.

The temples were abandoned in the middle of the tenth century. A devastating eruption of the Mount Merapi volcano or a political power struggle is assumed to be the reason for the neglect. The temples collapsed during a major earthquake in the 16th century.

In the eighteen-century, the ruins attracted the attention of western archaeologists who prepared reports on them. The government of the time took a keen interest in the findings. Subsequently, restoration works started which continue to date.

The main temples in the central courtyard were dedicated to Shiva, Brahma, Vishnu, their mounts and some other still unidentified deities. They are the main attractions of the site and are identified as Prambanan temple. It is the largest Hindu temple complex of ancient Java.

The Shiva temple is the largest building located in the centre. It is 47m high and its base measures 34m x 34m. Its Garbh-Grih is located at elevation and is accessible through steep stone stairs. Large standing statues of Shiva Mahadev, Mahaguru Agastya, Mahishasur Mardini and a sitting statue of Ganesh are located in separate rooms in four directions of the temple at the Garbh-Grih level. They are accessible through their own distinct stairways.

The Brahma temple is located to the south of the Shiva temple. Its’ square base measures 20m x 20m and it is 33m high. It has only one room as Garbh-Grih accommodating the statue of Brahma. It can be reached through a stone stairway.

The Vishnu temple is located to the north of the Shiva temple. It is identical in layout and structure to the Brahma temple, with a statue of Vishnu in the Garbh-Grih. Many visitors can be seen in the mode of supplication to the divine statues.

Secondary temples that include the Nandi temple, Hansa temple and Garuda temple are dedicated to their respective mounts and face the primary temples. In addition, there are other temples in the central courtyard. Visitors are allowed a Darshan of statues in the main three temples. The Garbh-Grihs of other temples are not open to visitors. None of the temples is used for active worship.

The temple walls are full of relief panels, depicting stories from ancient India. The reliefs on the Shiva and Brahma temples display stories from the Ramayan. The Vishnu temple wall reliefs depict stories relating to Krishna from the Bhagavat Puran. A regular show of the Ramayan ballet or Ramleela episodes is played in an area adjoining the main temples.

The temples in the central court are maintained in good condition and are the main attraction of the site. To view the temples in the outer areas, one has to ride a car-train, which is driven regularly in the complex.

In addition to the main Prambanan temple, there are many other temples in the Yogyakarta region. Notable among them are the Sajiwan temple, Plaosan temple and Kalasan temple. The whole region reminds visitor of its glorious ancient Indian heritage.

Attraction of local inhabitants to their heritage is noticeable in this region. Many shops have their Sanskrit names. Statues of Ganesh, Buddha, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Garuda and other Indian characters can be seen in hotels and shops.

My wife and I travelled to Thailand and Laos to familiarise with their culture and history. Both countries are located on the Indochina peninsula of Southeast Asia. The majority of the population in both countries follow Theravad Buddhism, which has close cultural and historical links with India.

Thailand is officially known as the Kingdom of Thailand. The kingdom was known as Siam until 1939. The word Siam is the local pronunciation of the Sanskrit word Shyam, which means dark or brown, and is also one of the alternate names of Lord Krishna. Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia share its landline borders. The country has long coastlines in the gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, and shares maritime borders also with India, Indonesia and Vietnam.

The official name of Laos is Lao People’s Democratic Republic. It is a socialist country with a single legal political party. The Party through its Politburo and Central Committee determines government policies for the country. The country is landlocked and shares its borders with Thailand, Myanmar, China, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Thailand – The word Thai means ‘free man’ in the Thai language and Thailand means the land of free people. Thailand has a constitutional monarchy with a democratic form of government. The kings in Thailand are referred to as King Ram with successive numbers. The name Ram was adopted from the name of the Hindu god Ram, an incarnation of Vishnu. The current king is the King Ram X.

The country has a population of around 70 million. More than half of its residents are urban dwellers. Bangkok is the capital and the largest city with a population of over 11 million. It has two airports named Suvarnabhumi airport and Don Mueang airport. We landed at the Suvarnabhumi airport.

The capital city Bangkok is officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, which is composed of Pali and Sanskrit language root words. It is translated in brief as ‘the great city of angels’. The full-length translation of the name is ‘the city of angels, great city of immortals, magnificent city of nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, city of gods incarnate erected by Vishvakarma at Indra’s behest’.

Bangkok finds its origin as a small trading post during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15^th century. Because of its strategic location near the mouth of the river, the town gradually increased in importance. After the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, the newly crowned King Taksin established his capital on the western banks of the River Chao Phraya, which became the base of the Thonburi Kingdom.

In 1782, the King Rama I succeeded Taksin and moved the capital to Rattanakosin on the eastern banks of the River Chao Phraya. His domain became known as the Rattanakosin Kingdom. He started the Chakri dynasty, which is still the ruling royal house of Thailand. The City Pillar, a tourist attraction, was erected on 21 April 1782, which is regarded as the date of foundation of Bangkok as the capital. It eventually grew and became the site of two capital cities, Thonburi and Rattanakosin, which are now central districts of Bangkok.

The city has numerous objects of tourist attractions that include the Grand Palace, Buddhist temples such as Wat Arun, and Wat Phra Kaew among many others, museums, parks, monuments and large shopping centres. The term Wat denotes a Buddhist temple. The River Chao Phraya is the main waterway in the city, on whose banks many tourist attractions are located.

The Grand Palace is a part of large complex that encompasses Wat Phra Kaew, museums, halls and royal buildings. It is a former royal residence, which is now only used on ceremonial occasions. Visitors are allowed to survey only a section of the Grand Palace grounds. Many buildings serving specific royal purposes have intricate designs with Hindu and Buddhist motifs.

Wat Phra Kaew temple complex is the spiritual core of Thai Buddhism. King Ram I commissioned the temple’s construction in 1783. Since then, successive kings have been involved in adding, restoring and embellishing its buildings during their reigns as a means of gaining religious merit and glorifying their dynasty.

Many important state and royal ceremonies are held within the temple each year, presided by the king in person and attended by government officials. This designates the temple the nation’s preeminent place of worship and a national shrine for the monarchy and the state. Throughout the years, kings have donated sacred and valuable objects to the temple, making it a treasury as well.

The Emerald Buddha is enshrined in the Wat Phra Kaew and hence the temple is commonly known as the Temple of Emerald Buddha. It is considered to be an object of national veneration. The statue of Buddha is carved in the mode of meditation from a block of Jasper gemstone. It is located high up on a tiered base in an altar of wood designed to represent the aerial chariot of a heavenly being. Because of its green colour it is called Emerald Buddha.

Ramakian Murals depicting episodes from the Thai version of the Ramayan are displayed along the Wat Phra Kaew temple complex perimeter, starting from the entrance gate. They are under cover and spread over 2 km on the wall. They are well maintained and easy to understand. Descriptions are provided near the scenes.

Wat Arun is located in the Thonburi district on the western banks of the River Chao Phraya. On this site, there had previously been a temple from at least the late 16^th century. After the fall of Ayutthaya, King Taksin came across the shrine at sunrise and interpreted it as an auspicious sign. He took control of the site and established the new capital. He built a royal palace and a temple. The Emerald Buddha, which was brought from Vientiane, the capital of Laos, was housed in the temple.

After the capital and the Emerald Buddha were relocated to the other side of the river in Rattanakosin, King Ram II renamed the temple after the Hindu god Arun also know as Usha or Dawn.

It is believed that King Ram II himself designed the main Buddha image at the temple. He started building the 82 m high central Khmer style tower, which was completed by King Ram III. Slightly lower towers are located on the four sides of the central one. Steep stairs lead to the top of the central tower. Tourists generally climb up to the lower level. The temple looks superb in size, designed with ornate floral mosaics made from broken, multihued porcelain.

Frequent cross-river ferries run over to Wat Arun Pier on the Chao Phraya River. The magnificent towers of the temple present a mesmerising view from the river.

Ayutthaya – From Bangkok we undertook a daytrip to Ayodhya, spelled Ayutthaya in Thai English. The town is located about 90 km north of Bangkok. Most tourists visit the site known as Ayutthaya Historical Park, which is the area of the former capital of Siam, Ayutthaya.

King Uthong founded Ayutthaya in 1350 on an island surrounded by three rivers. He was also known by the name King Ram Thibodhi I. Scholars are divided over his origin. Some consider him of Khmer origin from Cambodia. Others believe him to be from the Chola kingdom in India. Despite his uncertain origin, naming his capital Ayodhya suggests that he must have been a devout follower of the Hindu god Ram.

According to contemporary sources and maps, Ayutthaya was laid out according to systematic and rigid city planning grids, consisting of roads, canals, and moats around all the principal structures. The scheme took maximum advantage of the city’s position in the midst of three rivers. It employed hydraulic systems for water management, which was pioneering technology at the time.

The capital flourished for more than 400 years and was an influential centre of power and commerce in the region. During its heyday, Ayutthaya had magnificent palaces, temples and well maintained public buildings.

The city was attacked and destroyed by the Burmese army in 1767. It was scorched to the ground and its inhabitants were forced to abandon the city. The city was never rebuilt.

The site was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List as Ayutthaya Historical Park in 1991. The park comprises four major temples known as Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and the Royal Palace and Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit. Tour organisers include these famous sights in the itinerary.

Outside the park itself, historical sites are randomly scattered along the west, south and eastern parts of the outer sections. Many of the archaeological finds from the ruins around Ayutthaya are exhibited at Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. By seeing the remains at the site and displays in the museum, one can imagine the status of the kingdom in its glory.

Laos – Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Nearly three-quarters of Laos is covered in mountains and forested hills. The current population of the country is around 7.7 million.

Laos finds its origin in the historical kingdom of Lancang, which held the area of present day Laos from 1353 to 1707. Following the period of internal conflict, Lancang broke up into three separate kingdoms, Luang Phrabang, Vientiane and Chapasak. In 1893, the three kingdoms became a French protectorate and were jointly named Laos. It became an independent country in 1953.

From Bangkok’s Don Mueang airport, we flew to Wattay airport in Vientiane. Vientiane is the capital and largest city of Laos with a population of around one million. The city is located on the banks of Mekong River, the third largest river in Asia. The Mekong River is vital as a transportation route for cargo and passengers, a source of electricity at dams, a water supply system for crops, and a home to fish, an important food in the diet of Laotian people.

Vientiane contains a number of tourist attractions, which we visited during our stay. Important among them are Wat Si Saket, Wat Chanthabuli, Wat Ong Teu Mahavihan, Patuxai, Pha That Luang, and River Side Night Market.

Wats – Wat Si Saket is the city’s oldest surviving temple. In its name, Si is derived from the Sanskrit title of veneration Shree. Saket is an alternate name of Ayodhya.  The temple was built in 1818 in a contemporary style of Buddhist architecture at the time, with surrounding terraces and an ornate five-tiered roof. The temple houses a museum with a large collection of items relating to its history and religion.

Wat Chanthabuli and Wat Ong Teu Mahavihan are other temples located along the River and are good locations for meditation and prayers.

The Patuxai, which is translated as Victory Gate, is a massive concrete arch. It is a reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The monument commemorates Laos’s resilience and eventual independence, as well as recognising those who lost their lives in the wars for independence.

Its exterior features Buddhist symbols and Hindu deities, with 5 ornate towers built in the traditional Laotian style. The 4 corner towers and 5th central tower that crowns the arch symbolise the 5 Buddhist principles of thoughtful amiability, flexibility, honesty, honour and prosperity. Intricate carvings of lotus leaves, statues of Apsaras, the divine dancers and Nagas, serpents are carved on the Patuxai. The structure has beautiful walls and ceilings with paintings of gods, goddesses and elephants.

Pha That Luang or Great Stupa is a large gold covered Buddhist Stupa. Emperor Ashok of the Indian Mauryan Empire is believed to have sent Buddhist missionaries to the ancient kingdom of the region. They brought a sacred relic believed to be the breastbone of Buddha and enshrined it into the stupa in the 3^rd century BC. The structure was rebuilt in the 13^th century as a Khmer temple, which later fell into ruin. It was reconstructed in the early 20^th century. It is regarded as the most important national monument in Laos as well as a national symbol.

The Vientiane Night Market takes place along the Mekong Riverfront, where one can see rows of stalls selling handicrafts, clothes, and electronics. There is also a children’s playground, a temple, a flower garden and an imposing statue of Chao Anouvong, a national leader, pointing across the Mekong River. Numerous restaurants serve local food along the riverside. There is an amusement park for children. In the night, one can see the lights in Thailand on the opposite side of the river. A long walking path is built along the riverbank.

From Vientiane, we returned to Bangkok and then to Brisbane. In the departure section of the Suvarnabhumi airport, there is a huge scene depicting the churning of the cosmic ocean during the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Throughout the trip, we sensed with joy and recognition the influence of ancient India on the religion, language and names of persons and places of the region.