PM Modi Highlights Cultural and Spiritual Bonds at Jakarta’s Murugan Temple Maha Kumbabhishekam
New Delhi, February 2 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually participated in the Maha Kumbabhishekam ceremony of the Murugan Temple in Jakarta, underscoring the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties between India and Indonesia. Addressing the event, he emphasized that despite geographical distances, both nations remain connected through shared heritage, traditions, and faith.
Strengthening Indo-Indonesian Cultural Ties
During his address at the Maha Kumbabhishekam of Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam, PM Modi expressed his delight in being part of the sacred occasion. “It is my pleasure to join the Maha Kumbabhishekam of the Murugan Temple in Jakarta. Though I am physically far, my heart remains close—just as India and Indonesia share a close and special bond,” he remarked.
Highlighting the centuries-old relationship between the two nations, he added, “India and Indonesia are not just geopolitical allies. We are bound by culture, history, faith, spirituality, and even science. Our relationship is a testament to our shared values and traditions.”
The Grandeur of Jakarta’s Murugan Temple
The Jakarta Murugan Temple, also known as Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam, stands as a significant symbol of Indonesia’s Hindu heritage. The temple features an imposing 40-meter-tall Raja Gopuram, known as Visera Gopuram, and a grand 20-meter-tall statue of Lord Murugan at its entrance.
The temple complex is designed to serve as a cultural and spiritual hub, with a multipurpose hall accommodating 1,200 people, the Tiruvalluvar Mandapam, classrooms for language and Bhagavad Gita studies, a Hindu cultural and folk dance center, a Museum of Indian Culture, yoga and meditation rooms, transit facilities, meeting spaces, a free natural healing clinic, a library with over 2,000 books on Hinduism, and a Gurukul House for spiritual learning.
A Shared History Spanning Over Two Millennia
According to the Consulate General of India in Medan, India and Indonesia have maintained close cultural and commercial ties for more than 2,000 years. Hinduism, Buddhism, and later Islam traveled from India to Indonesia, influencing its spiritual and cultural landscape.
Indian epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata are deeply embedded in Indonesian folklore, traditional arts, and theater. Furthermore, both countries share a history of colonial struggle and post-independence aspirations for political sovereignty and economic self-sufficiency, further strengthening their bilateral relations.
A Bond Beyond Borders
PM Modi’s participation in the Maha Kumbabhishekam of Jakarta’s Murugan Temple underscores India’s commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage overseas. The event reaffirms the enduring spiritual and civilizational connections between India and Indonesia, extending beyond diplomacy and trade.
As both nations continue to collaborate culturally and economically, events like these serve as powerful reminders of their shared legacy. The Jakarta Murugan Temple stands not only as a place of worship but also as a bridge between Indian and Indonesian communities, strengthening their bond for generations to come.
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