REGIONAL NEWS
A solemn and deeply spiritual atmosphere embraced Candi Prambanan during Tilem Sasih Jiyestha prayer ceremony held on Saturday. Around 500 Hindus from various regions in Central Java, covering Sragen, Sukoharjo, Wonogiri, and Solo Raya area, as well as Hindu devotees from Bali who were undertaking Tirta Yatra, gathered to offer their devotion to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.
The prayer ceremony was led by Ida Bhagawan Shri Rastra Jaya Dharma Putra from Griya Agung Panji, Singaraja. His presence added to the sacredness of the Tilem observance, which serves as an important spiritual moment for Hindus to purify themselves and deepen their spiritual awareness.
The number of Hindus visiting Candi Prambanan to perform prayers during sacred religious days and Tirta Yatra have continued to increase significantly. In addition to being recognized as a world cultural heritage site, Candi Prambanan has also become a spiritual center for Hindus from various regions of Indonesia and abroad. Sacred occasions such as Tilem, Purnama, Saraswati, and Siwaratri are utilized by devotees to strengthen their sraddha (faith) and bhakti (devotion) through collective worship.
Jero Gede Purwanto, Chairperson of PHDI Gunungkidul representing the Hindu Community Guidance Office of Yogyakarta, expressed appreciation for the growing enthusiasm among Hindus to conduct prayers within the temple complex.
“We welcome and highly appreciate the increasing number of Hindus visiting Candi Prambanan to perform prayers during sacred religious days and Tirta Yatra. This demonstrates the growing spiritual awareness of the Hindu community while reaffirming the role of Candi Prambanan as a center of worship for Hindus across the archipelago,” he stated.
He also emphasized the importance of preserving the sanctity and sustainability of the temple complex as a noble ancestral heritage.
“Through this momentum, we hope devotees will not only be physically present, but also truly understand each prayer ceremony as an effort to improve themselves, strengthen sraddha and bhakti, and maintain harmony with others and the universe,” he added.
The Chairperson of PHDI Solo Raya, I Wayan Tuddy, also expressed appreciation for the participation of Hindu devotees from various regions who gathered for the Tilem Sasih Jiyestha prayers. He adds that it can be such interregional togetherness reflects the unity of Hindus in preserving traditions and dharma values.
As part of the event series, a Dharma Wacana (religious discourse) was delivered by Hindu Religious Counselor of Sragen Regency, Gayatri, under the theme “Yadnya as the Fundamental Foundation in Hindu Life.” She explained that yadnya represents sincere devotion to God, fellow human beings, and the universe.
“Offerings (banten) are symbols of the divine power of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. By participating in yadnya ceremonies, we are essentially manifesting one form of devotion and service to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa,” she explained.
The event became even more vibrant with the performance of the Rejang Dance by Sanggar Natya Swari Denpasar, which added a sacred ambiance while enriching the cultural values of the prayer ceremony.
Through the observance of Tilem Sasih Jiyestha prayers, Hindu devotees are expected to continuously strengthen their sraddha and bhakti toward Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, reinforce unity across regions, and preserve the role of temples as spiritual centers for Hindus in Indonesia.
Editor : I Made Juni Saputra
Photographer : I Gusti Dipayana
Contributed and Translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
