In a momentous occasion for spiritual and cultural ties between India and Indonesia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his heartfelt joy and deep connection to the Maha Kumbabhishekam of the Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam in Jakarta. Addressing the gathering virtually, he emphasized the profound historical and spiritual bond shared by the two nations, highlighting how their relationship extends far beyond geopolitics into the realms of faith, tradition, and shared heritage.
Despite being physically distant, the Prime Minister conveyed that his heart was closely aligned with the event, strengthened by the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. He noted that just days ago, President Prabowo had visited India, carrying with him the goodwill of 1.4 billion Indians, and through him, the people of Indonesia could feel India’s warmth and blessings. He extended his congratulations to devotees of Lord Murugan across the world and lauded the efforts of Dr. Kobalan and his team for realizing the dream of building the temple, which stands as a testament to their dedication and faith.
The Prime Minister spoke of the deep-rooted connections between India and Indonesia, stretching back thousands of years. He reflected on how faiths and traditions such as Hinduism and Buddhism have intertwined the histories of both nations, making their cultural ties unique and enduring. He drew parallels between sacred sites, noting how an Indian visiting Prambanan Temple in Indonesia experiences the same reverence as they would in Kashi or Kedarnath. Similarly, hearing the chants of Kakawin and Serat Ramayana evokes the same emotions as the Valmiki Ramayana or Ramcharitmanas in India. He highlighted the growing cultural exchanges, such as the performance of Indonesian Ramleela in Ayodhya, which serve as a bridge between the two civilizations.
Reflecting on Indonesia’s rich traditions, he pointed to the ancient Bali Jatra festival celebrated in Odisha, a legacy of historical maritime trade between the two nations. He also mentioned how travelers from India, when boarding flights on Garuda Indonesia, are reminded of their shared mythological and cultural roots. The Prime Minister emphasized that such connections are not merely historical remnants but living traditions that continue to shape contemporary cultural interactions.
As the temple was inaugurated, he saw it as more than just a place of worship; it represented a beacon of cultural unity and spiritual continuity. The inclusion of multiple deities within the temple, he remarked, was a reflection of the shared philosophy of embracing diversity—a principle known as Bhinneka Tunggal Ika in Indonesia and Unity in Diversity in India. This harmony in plurality has allowed both nations to foster peaceful coexistence among diverse communities, making today’s event a powerful reminder of this enduring wisdom.
The Prime Minister also underlined ongoing collaborative efforts between India and Indonesia in preserving cultural and religious heritage. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to restoring and maintaining sacred sites such as the Prambanan Temple and the Borobudur Buddhist Temple. He encouraged further cultural exchanges, expressing confidence that under the leadership of President Prabowo, such initiatives would gain even greater momentum, forging a brighter future built on the strong foundation of shared heritage.
As he concluded his address, Prime Minister Modi expressed his deep gratitude to President Prabowo and all those involved in making the temple a reality. He extended his best wishes to the devotees and the broader Indian diaspora in Indonesia, hoping that the temple would serve as a center of faith, culture, and unity for generations to come.
