Jakarta (BIMAS HINDU) - Directorate General Hindu Affairs Ministry of Religious affairs of Indonesia always emphasize the importance of deep understanding regarding to Hindu religious holidays. Among various celebration, Purnama (Full Moon) and Tilem (New Moon) are holy crucial celebration which hold twice in a month. They are reflecting​ natural cycle of the universe and the spiritual journey of the Hindus. They are not only moon phase signals but also contains deep meaning; a philosophy​ guide of the Hindus to harmony and enlightenment.

Full moon (Purnama) is a holy day which is commemorated monthly when the moon reach phase full moon; the whole surface month exposed light sun and visible round perfect in the sky night. The meaning and spiritual value of the full moon is covering:

Symbol Perfection and Spiritual Clarity: The luminous glow of full moon symbolizes perfection, cleanliness, and clarity of mind (Jnana). This is the ideal momentum for Hindus for doing self-reflection, purifying the self from the sins (mala), and begging spiritual enlightenment to be free from the darkness of ignorance (awidya).

Time of Worship and Pleading the Grace: At the time of the full moon, it is believed that nature’s positive energy is mighty and abundant. Therefore, Hindus are advised for perform bhakti (offerings), puja (worship), and worship of begging grace as well as blessing from Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa and His manifestation. Worship often intended to the God Candra (The Moon God) and the gods and goddesses who symbolize prosperity, fertility, and knowledge such as Goddess Laksmi and Goddess Saraswati.

Improving Momentum Spirituality: Directorate General Hindu Affairs encourages Hindus for utilize the full moon phase as the momentum for improving spiritual qualities through Yoga Semadhi (meditation), Japa Mantra (repetition of the holy name of God), and the practice of various type of sincere yadnya (the holy offerings).

Full Moon Ceremony in usually performed in Pura, a family’s holy spot (merajan), or at home, with present banten and other offerings as form gratitude and devotion.

Tilem is a holy day which is commemorated monthly when the moon reaches the new phase moon; the whole surface month has no exposed light sun and no visible in the sky night. There are deep meaning and spiritual values of the Tilem for Hindus:

The Symbol of Inner Darkness and Self-Purification from the sins: The darkness moment on Tilem symbolizes awidya (Inner darkness), and all form of sins and negative energy in ourselves and nature. Directorate General Hindu Affairs emphasizes that Tilem is the most appropriate moment for doing self-purification (melukat), deep self-reflection, and pleading forgiveness on all mistakes and sins (papa klesa).

The momentum to ask for Strength and Protection: Tilem time is believed that the negative nature’s powers (Butha Kala) reach the peak. Therefore, Hindus do bhuta yadnya or mecaru with specific offerings for neutralizing negative energy and ask for protection as well as taksu (spiritual power) for facing the challenges in life.

The contemplation and Self-Control: It is recommended for Hindus to utilize Tilem as the momentum to be more focus on contemplation, self-control (indriya nigraha) and strengthen belief (sradha). This is moment to "silence" to create "holy spiritual”.

The harmonization between Macrocosm and Microcosm: Both of Full Moon and Tilem are an integral part of cycle Rta (law of universe) which teaches significance of balance. This phenomenon is reminder for Hindus to​ always balancing between the element of light and dark, goodness and negative potential, and reaching moksa (freedom) through physical and spiritual purification.

The table of Full Moon and New Moon Schedule for 2025, which is generally become references for Hindus in Indonesia.

Directorate General Hindu Affairs through various guidance programs for Hindus, always try to educate to understand core from every celebration on holy days. It is expected that every ritual performed is not only become tradition but also has deep meaning which improves​ spiritual and moral qualities of Hindus.

@M.Mahmud_Alhushori (Penerjemah)