Prambanan Temple Holds Abhiseka Samapta Diwyottama Siwalaya Procession to Commemorate 1.169 Years of Age, Evoking World-Class Spiritual Destinations and Strengthening the Noble Values ​​of the Archipelago

A series of sacred Abhiseka Samapta Diwyottama Siwalaya processions were held in the Prambanan Temple area, Wednesday (11/12/2025). This procession was held to commemorate the anniversary of the inauguration of the founding of Prambanan Temple or Siwagrha Temple which fell on November 12, 856 AD, according to the Siwagrha Inscription, so that in 2025, Prambanan Temple will be exactly 1.169 years old. This procession, which has been held seven times, is a sacred agenda that further strengthens the identity of Prambanan Temple, both historically and spiritually. 

This activity was organized by the Abhiseka Samapta Diwyottama association and the Garuda Wisnu Sakti Foundation supported by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, the Director General of Hindu Community Guidance of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, UNESCO, Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI), the Regional X Cultural Preservation Center, InJourney Destination Management (IDM) and the Indonesian Language and Culture Learning Service (INCULS) of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) of Gadjah Mada University (UGM).

Prambanan Abhiseka Committee Chairperson Putu Sari stated that this year's Abhiseka Prambanan will present the Abhiseka International Conference, themed "Prambanan Temple: Heritage, Art, Tourism, and Collaboration." This theme ensures that the Prambanan Temple anniversary celebrations will not only focus on religious rituals but also highlight the sublime dimensions of the Shivagrha temple.

"We hope that Prambanan Temple can continue to be a source of inspiration, strengthening its position as a World Heritage site rich in historical, artistic, and tourism value, and the potential for cross-sector collaboration that can elevate Indonesia in the eyes of the world," Putu Sari explained.

Abhiseka Samapta Diwyottama Siwalaya, which refers to a section of the Siwagrha Inscription, means the purification or ritual bathing of a sacred statue. Overall, the name of this ceremony is interpreted as the purification of the sacred statue of Lord Shiva.

The Prambanan Abhiseka series began with the Nunas Tirtha procession on Tuesday (November 11, 2025), drawing water from Tirta Tukmas and Tirta Umbul in Magelang, Central Java. The procession continued with a journey to purify the waters at Gunung Wukir Temple, Losari Temple, Kedulan Temple, Kalasan Temple, Ratu Boko Palace, and Barong Temple, before concluding at Prambanan Temple.

This procession is carried out to obtain holy water that has been prayed for and purified by a sulinggih (priest), pengungga (ceremonial leader at the temple), or through the implementation of a yadnya (offering) ceremony. 

The ritual continued with the Nunas Lingga Sakti procession at the Wisnu Sakti Temple in Klaten on Wednesday (12/11/2025). The Nunas Lingga Sakti is a procession to purify the linga, a symbol of the physical manifestation of Lord Shiva, sacred to the request for strength, fertility, and blessings from Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God Almighty) in His manifestation as Shiva. Afterward, the linga was taken to the courtyard of the Shiva Temple in the main zone of Prambanan Temple. 

The core ceremony of the Prambanan Abhiseka is a grand purification ritual for the Prambanan Temple complex. A procession of Tirtha (preachers) carrying holy water from various sacred springs (panca amarta) enters the Prambanan Temple area. The ceremony continues with the Matur Piuning ritual, a ceremony to ask permission from Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa to perform the Abhiseka ritual.

Sulinggih led the purification procession of the sacred Lingga with the five amarta (charms) and continued with the purification of the entire Prambanan Temple area to restore spiritual vibrations in the core area of ​​the World Heritage site. The blessed holy water was distributed to all worshippers.shortener) to drink and sprinkle as a symbol of grace and blessing.

Afterward, the congregation performs Pradaksina, a ritual of walking clockwise around the main temple (the Shiva Temple) (to the right of the temple) as a form of respect and purification. Pradaksina is performed while carrying offerings or ceremonial equipment.

"All the offerings we use are adapted from those used during the establishment of sima in the 9th century AD. All offerings consist of organic ingredients, and the colors of the fruit correspond to the nine colors of the Dewata Nawa Sangha," explained Putu Sari.

This year, the committee also held the Abhiseka International Conference, themed "Culture, Heritage, Art, Tourism, and Collaborate," at Garuda Field, Prambanan Temple Tourism Park. This forum discussed the historical study of the Abhiseka Prambanan heritage and the interrelationships between art, culture, and tourism to promote the noble values ​​of Prambanan Temple.

The General Chairperson of the PHDI Central Executive Board, Wisnu Bawa Tenaya, said that the implementation of the Abhiseka ceremony has deep significance because it revives the historical stories of the Siwagrha Temple through elements of religious rituals accompanied by very strong artistic and cultural values.

"This celebration on November 12th is expected to not only commemorate the inauguration by Rakai Kayuwangi Pu Dyah Lokapala, but also serve as a collective spiritual energy. We must use this momentum of revival to re-echo Prambanan Temple as a world-class spiritual destination that can strengthen the bonds of unity among the people.

Prambanan & Ratu Boko GM Ratno Timur stated that as the area manager, IDM affirms its commitment to fully support the event and Prambanan Temple's role as a spiritual site in the archipelago. The 7th Abhiseka Samapta Diwyottama Siwalaya celebration reaffirms Prambanan Temple's role as the center of ancient Hindu civilization in Java, which has now transformed into a 'living monument' sustainable, as well as a symbol of tolerance, as well as a globally recognized spiritual tourism destination.

"We hope that the Prambanan Abhiseka will be a major magnet for strengthening the significance of Prambanan Temple, which offers not only visual and historical beauty but also a profound spiritual experience. This is a golden opportunity to introduce Indonesia's diverse and noble culture more widely to the world," he concluded.