Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his joy and honor in participating in the Maha Kumbabhishekam of the Murugan Temple in Jakarta, Indonesia, emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual ties between the two nations.
Virtually addressing the event at Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam, PM Modi highlighted that despite the geographical distance, India and Indonesia remain closely connected through shared heritage, history, and faith.
“It is my pleasure to be part of the Maha Kumbabhishekam of the Murugan Temple in Jakarta. Though I am far from Jakarta, my heart remains close to it, just like India and Indonesia are deeply connected. I extend my best wishes to everyone on this auspicious occasion,” PM Modi said.
He further noted, “Our relationship is not just geopolitical. It is a bond of culture, history, faith, and spirituality that has united our nations for thousands of years.”
About the Jakarta Murugan Temple
The Jakarta Murugan Temple, also known as Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam, is a landmark of Hindu spirituality in Indonesia. Its 40-meter tall Raja Gopuram, named Visera Gopuram, and the 20-meter tall Lord Muruga statue stand as testaments to the rich Hindu heritage in the region.
The temple complex includes:
✔ A multipurpose hall with a 1,200-person capacity
✔ Tiruvalluvar Mandapam and classrooms for Bhagavad Gita studies
✔ Hindu cultural and folk dance centers
✔ A Museum of Indian culture in Indonesia
✔ Yoga and meditation rooms
✔ A free natural healing clinic and Gurukul House
✔ A library with over 2,000 Hinduism books
Centuries of India-Indonesia Cultural Exchange
According to the Consulate General of India in Medan, India and Indonesia share over 2,000 years of close cultural and commercial ties. Hinduism, Buddhism, and later Islam travelled to Indonesia from Indian shores, influencing Indonesian folklore, art, and drama, particularly with adaptations from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
This deep-rooted connection, along with shared colonial histories and post-independence goals of political sovereignty and economic self-sufficiency, has strengthened bilateral ties between the two nations.