Post by : Badri Ariffin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the historic Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta on Wednesday along with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The temple complex is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Indonesia's most important cultural landmarks.

The visit came a day after India and Indonesia exchanged a Letter of Intent (LoI) to begin a conservation and restoration project for the Prambanan Temple complex with assistance from India.

PM Modi Thanks Indonesia for Preserving the Temple

During his visit, PM Modi praised Indonesia for preserving the centuries-old temple.

He said, "People of Indonesia took care of this sacred temple. I thank the people of Indonesia. President Prabowo has asked me to come back in 2029 to inaugurate this temple."

The Prime Minister also spoke about the spiritual connection he experienced during the visit.

He said, "Whether it is the journey to Kailash Mansarovar in Lhasa or this sacred Prambanan Temple in Indonesia, the same chant echoes everywhere, the chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra. Everyone was chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya.' It was deeply touching."

India and Indonesia Launch Temple Restoration Project

PM Modi arrived in Jakarta on Monday as part of the first leg of his three-nation tour, which also includes Australia and New Zealand.

During the Indonesia visit, PM Modi and President Prabowo jointly visited the heritage site and inaugurated the Prambanan Temple restoration project in Yogyakarta following the signing of the Letter of Intent between the two countries.

About the 1,000-Year-Old Prambanan Temple

The Prambanan Temple Compound, located around 17 kilometres northeast of Yogyakarta city, is Indonesia's largest Hindu temple complex. Built in the 10th century, the monument is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva.

At the centre of the complex stand three towering temples dedicated to the Hindu deities Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Three smaller temples nearby honour their respective divine mounts.

The temple walls feature detailed stone reliefs illustrating scenes from the Ramayana. Visitors walking clockwise around the Shiva and Brahma temples can view a continuous visual narration of the Ramayana, while the Vishnu temple displays reliefs depicting the Krishnayana, which tells the life story and adventures of Lord Krishna.

History and Cultural Importance of Prambanan

Historical records indicate that the Sanjaya Dynasty built the temple complex around 850 CE. The site was later abandoned in the 10th century, most likely following a volcanic eruption of Mount Merapi.

According to local folklore, the temple is linked to the legend of Roro Jonggrang, also known as the "Slender Virgin." Local residents identify her with the statue of the goddess Durga located inside the northern chamber of the Shiva temple.

Today, Prambanan remains an active Hindu place of worship where religious ceremonies continue to be held. The temple complex also serves as the venue for the internationally known Ramayana Ballet, performed outdoors with the illuminated temple towers as the backdrop.

PM Modi Leaves for Australia

Following his visit to Prambanan Temple, PM Modi departed for Australia, the second destination of his three-nation tour.

During his Australia visit, he is scheduled to hold bilateral summit talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.

Ahead of the visit, Australia's High Commissioner to India Phillip Green welcomed the Prime Minister through a post on X, saying Melbourne was ready to receive him and that the city was looking forward to a week focused on conversations, stronger connections and progress in the Australia-India partnership.

India and Australia are also expected to discuss bilateral trade, rare earths, defence cooperation and Indo-Pacific security during the visit.

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