Siwaratri at Prambanan Temple: Realizing Character Tourism at Prambanan Temple

Hundreds of Hindus from Central Java and DI Yogyakarta celebrated the Holy Day of Siwaratri at the Prambanan Temple complex, Monday (27/1/2025). Through the theme "Siwaratri, Spiritual Contemplation, Realizing Character Tourism at Prambanan Temple", this celebration is a momentum in strengthening the role of Prambanan Temple as the center of Hindu worship in Indonesia and the world.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa, Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development of the National Population and Family Planning Board of the Republic of Indonesia Isyana Bagoes Oka, Director General of Hindu Community Guidance of the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia I Nengah Duija participated in a series of ritual ceremonies including prayers, murwadaksina, purification held in front of the Shiva Temple in zone I of Prambanan Temple and the Siwaratri Literature Night discussion at the Mandala Garuda complex of the Prambanan Temple Tourism Park.

In his speech, the Head of the Prambanan Temple Utilization Working Team, Nyoman Ariawan Atmaja said that the implementation of the Siwaratri celebration at Prambanan Temple is in line with historical evidence recorded in the Wantil Inscription of 778 Śaka (856 AD). Nyoman emphasized that the implementation of Siwaratri in this temple complex is not just a tradition, but also a form of awareness of its historical and spiritual value. 

"In fact, in the Wantil Inscription of 778 Śaka (856 AD) it mentions a description of a group of great temples dedicated to the god Shiva or called Shivagrha. So Siwagrha is the original name of Prambanan Temple as the center of glorification of the god Shiva. That is one of the basic reasons why we are performing Shiva puja tonight at Prambanan Temple and it is the right momentum to do contemplation and self-reflection by releasing all worldly ties and focusing on glorifying the name of Shiva," he explained.

This series of activities is carried out 3 times of worship, starting in the afternoon which is combined with purwadaksina, the second at 12 midnight until 3 am is the peak of Shiva worship by reciting 1008 Shiva mantras, and ending with the Tilem Kepitu prayer.

In addition to spiritual activities, this moment was also filled with a literary night as character building for the young generation of Hindus towards Golden Indonesia 2045. The activity was opened directly by Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa and continued with a public discussion with speakers including Deputy Minister of Population and Family Development Isyana Bagoes Oka, Director General of Hindu Community Guidance I Nengah Duija, Hindu figure AAGN Ari Dwipayana, cultural figure Sugi Lanus.

"The vibration during the Siwaratri prayer at Prambanan Temple cannot be described in words. The Trisandhya Puja fills the main mandala right in front of the Siwa Mahadewa Temple or Siwa Grha," Isyana Bagoes Oka explained.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa said that the Holy Day of Siwaratri is the right moment to maintain and develop tourism with character, which is able to provide meaningful experiences for tourists and sustainable benefits for the community and the environment.

"Let us together reflect on the meaning of the celebration of the Holy Day of Siwaratri to deepen wisdom, increase spiritual awareness and improve the quality of ourselves. Hopefully we can get closer to Hyang Widi, strengthen inner peace, and build character, so that we can create tourism that provides a positive contribution to society and the surrounding environment," he explained.

Through the activity theme "Spiritual Contemplation, Realizing Character Tourism at Prambanan Temple" it becomes the foundation for realizing character tourism by presenting deeper values ​​in the tourism experience.

"Spirituality-oriented tourism does not only focus on the physical exploration of a destination, but also includes self-reflection. There is also talk of inner balance, and also a more harmonious relationship with the local environment and culture," continued Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa.

Meanwhile, GM Prambanan & Ratu Boko Timur Ratno said that tourism and spiritual activities can synergize with each other. 

"The key is actually harmony. So together so that Prambanan can live, tourism lives, spirituality through worship also lives, so that all of this runs well and in harmony," he concluded.