REGIONAL NEWS
The sacred observance of Purnama was utilized as an opportunity to strengthen the Hindu community’s understanding of the values of Yadnya through worship and a dharmawacana held at Pura Dalem Madurejo, located within the Madurejo Crematorium Complex, Prambanan, Sleman, on Monday. The activity formed part of the implementation of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Berdampak service programs, delivering religious guidance that not only supports ritual practices but also deepens understanding of Hindu teachings in daily life.
The worship ceremony, led by Jro Mangku Nengah Astana, was attended by Hindu Religious Counselors, Pura guardians, and members of the Hindu community from Madurejo and Prambanan areas. In a solemn and reverent atmosphere, devotees offered prayers as an expression of gratitude while seeking safety, peace, and prosperity for all living beings.
On this occasion, Hindu Religious Counselor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Gede Suwardana, delivered a dharmawacana focusing on the meaning of Yadnya as the essence of Hindu teachings. He explained that Yadnya should not be understood merely as a series of ceremonies or ritual offerings, but as a sacred sacrifice performed with awareness, sincerity, and selflessness as a manifestation of practicing dharma.
“Yadnya teaches sincerity in giving without expecting anything in return. When a person performs Yadnya with awareness and wholehearted sincerity, they are in fact building harmony in life, preserving the balance of the universe, and strengthening devotion to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa,” he explained.
Suwardana further elaborated that the essence of Yadnya lies in maintaining balance in human relationships with God (Parahyangan), with fellow human beings (Pawongan), with nature (Palemahan), as well as in honoring ancestors. These values serve as the foundation for Hindus to cultivate a harmonious, peaceful life rooted in social care and mutual respect.
Through the delivery of dharmawacana, religious counselors serve as the front line in providing contextual religious education that remains relevant to the challenges of modern life. This guidance reflects the tangible impact of the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ services by offering religious support that not only facilitates worship but also enhances the quality of understanding, appreciation, and practice of religious teachings within society.
Despite the fact that Pura Dalem Madurejo is still undergoing renovation, limited facilities have not dampened the community’s enthusiasm for performing worship together. On the contrary, this Purnama observance became a meaningful space to strengthen solidarity, nurture the spirit of mutual cooperation, and reaffirm that the practice of Yadnya remains a living path of devotion—one that continues to be preserved and passed on to future generations as the foundation of a religious, harmonious, and sustainable life.
Editor : I Made Juni Saputra
Photographer : I Gusti Ngurah Sathya Dharma
Contributed and translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
