Jakarta’s First Temple Dedicated to Lord Murugan Officially Opens
- Istimewa
Jakarta, VIVA – The Jakarta Murugan Temple, also known as Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam, has been inaugurated as the first temple in the city dedicated to Lord Murugan. This monumental establishment symbolizes Indonesia’s cultural diversity and spiritual unity.
The temple’s grand inauguration ceremony, known as the Maha Kumbhabhishekam, is set to take place on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 7:45 AM to 7:00 PM at Jl. Bedugul No.2, Perumahan Daan Mogot Baru, Kalideres, Jakarta.
The construction of the Jakarta Murugan Temple began with a Groundbreaking Ceremony on February 14, 2020, led by prominent priests from India and Malaysia. Distinguished guests at the inauguration will include the Governor of Jakarta, members of the Hindu Religious Council, prominent national leaders, the Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, and cultural and religious organizations.
According to Selwendren, Chairman of the Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam Foundation, “Jakarta Murugan Temple is a testament to Indonesia’s spirit of diversity, reflecting unity in cultural and spiritual multiplicity.”
The temple caters to all Hindu denominations, including Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Among its notable features are the sacred icons of Lord Murugan, Lord Ganesha, Goddess Bhuvaneswari, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and other revered deities.
The towering Rajagopuram, standing at 40 meters tall, symbolizes divine grace, while the 21-meter statue of Lord Murugan serves as a representation of spiritual ascension. The temple also houses a multipurpose hall for community events, a museum highlighting the cultural ties between Indonesia and India, and serene gardens ideal for meditation and reflection.
The temple’s design integrates Indian, Balinese, and Javanese traditions, emphasizing Pancasila values. It is envisioned as not only a place of worship but also a cultural center and tourist destination, promoting Indonesia’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
The Maha Kumbhabhishekam ceremony will be led by the esteemed Maha Pandita Dr. Sivasri K. Pichai Gurukkal, a Vikashratna award recipient, along with 72 priests from India. This sacred ritual is expected to bring together the Hindu community, spiritual leaders, and the public in honoring divine beings and seeking blessings for prosperity.
“This temple is not just a place of worship but also a symbol of unity, togetherness, and cultural heritage that will inspire future generations of Hindus,” Selwendren added.
Warga Hindu India Kirim Petisi ke Pengadilan, Sebut Situs Muslim Sufi Berada di Atas Kuil Dewa Siwa
Kelompok Hindu mengklaim bahwa situs suci seorang Sufi dan filsuf Muslim yang dihormati berada di atas kuil untuk dewa Hindu, Siwa.
