A spiritual journey serves not only as a means of deepening sradha (faith) and bhakti (devotion), but also as an opportunity to strengthen bonds of brotherhood among Hindu communities across different regions. This spirit was shown during the Tirta Yatra pilgrimage undertaken by the Sub Banjar Narogong (SBN) Hindu community from Bekasi, Banten, to Pura Bakti Widhi in Ngawen, Gunungkidul, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Sunday.
A total of 90 Hindu devotees, led by I Nyoman Abadi, participated in a series of worship ceremonies and simakrama (community fellowship) activities with local Hindu communities. The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Hindu Community Guidance Officer of Yogyakarta, Didik Widya Putra, Chair of the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Council (PHDI) of Gunungkidul Regency, Purwanto, pura congregation, and members of the local Hindu community.
Purwanto emphasized that Tirta Yatra plays an important role in strengthening relationships among Hindu communities across Indonesia while fostering a greater sense of unity within the broader Hindu community of the archipelago.
“We warmly welcome our Hindu brothers and sisters from Sub Banjar Narogong, Bekasi. These visits provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen fellowship, foster solidarity, and build networks of Hindu brotherhood across regions,” said Purwanto.
Purwanto explained that the interactions fostered through Tirta Yatra serve as an important foundation for maintaining harmony and strengthening religious life within Indonesia’s diverse society. Beyond functioning as places of worship, Pura in Gunungkidul also serves as centers for learning and spiritual enrichment for Hindus from various regions.
Meanwhile, Hindu Community Guidance Officer of Yogyakarta, Didik Widya Putra, emphasized that Tirta Yatra carries a broader meaning than merely visiting sacred sites. He noted that the pilgrimage serves as a unifying force for Hindus across the country while strengthening relationships among Hindu communities throughout Indonesia.
“Tirta Yatra is not simply a sacred journey from one temple to another. It is also a means of uniting Hindus across the archipelago. The presence of Hindu devotees from various regions visiting puras and Hindu heritage sites in Yogyakarta demonstrates how the values of dharma can strengthen brotherhood and foster communal solidarity,” he said.
He further highlighted the educational value of Tirta Yatra, particularly for younger generations. Through visits to sacred sites, young people can gain a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and traditions of Hinduism that have developed across different regions as part of Indonesia’s rich civilizational heritage.
One of the participants, I Kadek, described the pilgrimage as a meaningful spiritual experience. He stated that Tirta Yatra not only strengthens religious conviction but also broadens understanding of the diverse expressions of Hindu practice throughout Indonesia.
“We are deeply impressed by the warm welcome we received. This activity has provided not only a profound spiritual experience but also valuable knowledge and inspiration for younger generations to continue strengthening their sradha and bhakti in daily life,” he said.
The Tirta Yatra at Pura Bakti Widhi reflected the enduring spirit of Hindu brotherhood that transcends geographical boundaries. Amid the diversity of the Indonesian archipelago, the spiritual journey provided a meeting point where devotees came together in a shared commitment to dharma, unity, and service.
Beyond offering spiritual enrichment, Tirta Yatra also strengthens networks of friendship and solidarity among Hindu communities from different regions. The warmth and fellowship experienced in Gunungkidul serve as a testament to the enduring values of togetherness, mutual cooperation, and dharma that continue to unite Hindus throughout Indonesia.
Editor : I Made Juni Saputra
Photographer : I Gede Dipayana
Contributed and Translated by Muhammad Mahmud Alhushori
