PT TWC Supports Siwaratri Ceremony at Prambanan Temple

Dozens of Hindus participate in the Siwaratri Holy Day ceremony at Prambanan Temple, Tuesday (9/1/2024). The procession that falls every Purwani Tilem (one day before Tilem) Sasih Kapitu is the most sacred night to worship Shiva.

The implementation of the Holy Day of Siwaratri this time is packed with various activities, including the purification of the sacred linga, sandya kala prayers, midnight prayers, and majagra (staying up late) by echoing 1008 Shiva mantras in the main zone of Prambanan Temple as well as Siva Grha literacy which is held at the Prambanan Museum.

"The agenda of this literary night, in addition to the Siwaratri prayer, also includes a series of events such as Siva Grha Literacy and Siwa Puja, namely the purification of the Siwa Lingga and chanting of 1008 Siwa Mantras," explained the representative of the Prambanan Temple Utilization Working Team, Suresh D. Kumar.

Suresh also explained that Siwaratri is also a night of contemplation and self-reflection. The event was filled with Siva Grha literacy entitled "Is the Legend of Roro Jonggrang Behind Prambanan Temple True?" with speakers from the Director of Hindu Education, Directorate General of Hindu Community Guidance, Trimo, archaeologist Prof. Dr. Timbul Haryono and Sabha Walaka PHDI I Nengah Dana.

"In this Siva Grha literacy, we will explore the story of Prambanan Temple and explore whether the legend of Roro Jonggrang is truly related or not to the Prambanan Temple that we see together today," he said.

Director of Hindu Community Affairs Trimo welcomed the event and explained that the celebration was a moment that proved the richness of Hindu culture and spirituality. It is a valuable legacy for future generations in maintaining noble values ​​in life.

"The celebration of the Holy Day of Siwaratri is an important momentum for Hindus. I hope this activity is not only national in scale, but can be international," he explained.

This procession is part of the utilization of Prambanan Temple as a spiritual destination in Indonesia which is supported by various stakeholders, including the Directorate General of Hindu Community Guidance of the Indonesian Ministry of Religion, the Cultural Preservation Center (BPK) Region X, PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko and Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI).

GM of Prambanan & Ratu Boko I Gusti Putu Ngurah Sedana said that the collaboration of various parties to support the utilization of spiritual elements will help preserve the main values ​​of Prambanan Temple.

"This is what we encourage in the implementation of quality tourism values ​​in Prambanan Temple. We hope that in the future there will be more agendas like this that are national and international in Prambanan Temple," he concluded.