Abhiseka Strengthens Spiritual Elements of Prambanan Temple
Hundreds of Hindus from various regions participated in the Abhiseka Samapta Diwyottama Siwalaya procession in the courtyard of Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta, on Tuesday (11/12/2024). The procession, held annually on November 12, commemorates the inauguration of Prambanan Temple by King Rakai Kayuwangi Pu Dyah Lokapala on November 12, 856 AD.
The commemoration of the Abhiseka Samapta Diwyottama Siwalaya Prambanan involved seven priests from various regions in Indonesia, namely Ida Pandita Mpu Jaya Brahmananda (Bali), Ida Rsi Agung Putra Nata Siliwangi Manuaba (West Java), Father Wiku Satya Dharma Telabah (Central Java), Queen Bhagawan Dalem Acarya Maha Kerti Wira Jagad Manik (Yogyakarta), Ida Pedanda Gede Nyoman Puja Manuaba (NTB), Ida Pandita Mpu Jaya Ashita (Bali), and Father Rsi Hasto Eka Dharma Telabah (East Java).
The series of processions began by bringing ubo rampe offerings to the front of the Shiva Temple which were then blessed by seven sulinggih from various regions in Indonesia. Next, Hindus performed the pradaksina procession or walked around zone I of Prambanan Temple clockwise.
The Abhiseka Samapta Diwyottama Siwalaya Prambanan procession was closed with a ritual of purifying the Lingga-Yoni statue as a representation of the statue of the God Shiva Mahadewa located in Prambanan Temple. The Lingga-Yoni statue was then stored in the Wisnu Sakti Tambakan Temple, Jogonalan, Klaten.
The chairman of the committee of Abhiseka 1168 MI Gusti Ngurah Putra said that the Abhiseka series was held for three days filled with various activities, including social services, atur piuning, discussions, and the core ritual of Abhiseka. In addition, this Abhiseka was attended by hundreds of Hindus from various regions, including Jakarta, West Java, Banten, Central Java and DI Yogyakarta.
"Our ancestors were great people in their time, so they could build a temple as magnificent as Prambanan Temple. The current generation can only enjoy, maintain, preserve and develop it. The spirit of Abhiseka is to purify the temple. Hopefully through this Abhiseka it can provide a positive aura to the environment," he explained.
GM Prambanan & Ratu Boko Ratno Timur said the Abhiseka Ceremony at Prambanan Temple revives historical stories through elements of religious rituals accompanied by strong artistic and cultural values.
"Abhiseka Prambanan can be one of the main magnets in strengthening the meaning of Prambanan Temple which not only offers visual and historical beauty, but also a deep spiritual experience. This provides an opportunity to introduce Indonesia's diverse culture more widely," he concluded.
