Prime Minister Modi Celebrates Maha Kumbabhishegam in Jakarta, Indonesia
New Delhi, February 2, 2025: In a significant cultural and diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the organizers of the Maha Kumbabhishegam of Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam in Jakarta, Indonesia, via video message. His remarks underscored the deep-rooted bonds between India and Indonesia through shared cultural heritage.
Warm Greetings and Emotional Connection
Prime Minister Modi expressed his warmest wishes to President Prabowo Subianto, Chairman of the Murugan Temple Trust Pa Hashim, and Managing Trustee Dr. Kobalan. He also extended his greetings to dignitaries, priests, and devotees of Lord Murugan in Indonesia and around the world. The Prime Minister highlighted that despite the physical distance, he felt emotionally connected to the event due to his love for India-Indonesia relations.
Broader Cultural Connects
Modi emphasized that President Prabowo had recently conveyed the love of 1.4 billion Indians to Indonesia, enabling everyone in the nation to feel their heartfelt best wishes. He congratulated all devotees on the occasion of the Maha Kumbhabhishegam and extended his wishes for the continued praise of Lord Murugan through the hymns of Tiruppugazh and the protection offered by the mantras of Skanda Shasti Kavacham. He commended Dr. Kobalan and his team for their dedication in realizing the dream of the temple.
Deep Roots of Shared Heritage
“India and Indonesia’s relationship is not just geopolitical,” Modi stated, “but rooted in thousands of years of shared culture and history.” He underscored that this bond encompassed heritage, science, faith, shared beliefs, and spirituality. He mentioned that the presence of Lord Murugan, Lord Ram, and Lord Buddha in both nations exemplifies this connection.
The Prime Minister further elaborated on the spiritual resonance between India and Indonesia. He noted that visiting Prambanan Temple in Indonesia brings the same spiritual feelings one experiences in Kashi and Kedarnath in India. Stories like Kakawin and Serat Ramayana in Indonesia evoke the same emotions as Valmiki Ramayana, Kamba Ramayana, and Ramcharitmanas in India. He added that Indonesian Ramleela is also performed in Ayodhya, India, highlighting the cross-cultural exchange.
Modern Cultural Bridges
The Prime Minister remarked that hearing “Om Swasti-Astu” in Bali reminds Indians of the blessings of Vedic scholars in India, while the Borobudur Stupa in Indonesia reflects the same teachings of Lord Buddha as seen in Sarnath and Bodh Gaya in India. He noted that the Bali Jatra festival in Odisha celebrates ancient maritime voyages connecting India and Indonesia culturally and commercially. Even today, Indians see echoes of their shared cultural heritage on flights with Garuda Indonesia Airlines.
Promising Future of Cultural Relation
“The relationship between India and Indonesia is woven with strong threads,” Modi reiterated, emphasizing that during President Prabowo’s recent visit to India, they cherished many aspects of their shared heritage. He praised the new grand Murugan Temple in Jakarta as adding a new golden chapter to their centuries-old heritage. He expressed confidence that this temple will become a new center for both faith and cultural values.
Diversity and Unity
The Murugan Temple in Jakarta houses various deities, reflecting India’s tradition of diversity, known as “Unity in Diversity.” This principle, called “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” in Indonesia, emphasizes the acceptance of diversity as the foundation of harmony among people of different faiths. The Prime Minister highlighted that this auspicious day inspires us to embrace unity in diversity.
Cultural Heritage Preservation
“The cultural values, heritage, and legacy are enhancing people-to-people connections between India and Indonesia,” said Prime Minister Modi. He highlighted the joint decision to preserve the Prambanan Temple and the shared commitment to the Borobudur Buddhist Temple. He mentioned the Indonesian Ramleela in Ayodhya and emphasized the need to promote more such programs.
The Prime Minister expressed confidence that, with President Prabowo, India and Indonesia will advance rapidly in cultural exchange and heritage preservation. He noted that the past will form the foundation of a golden future and concluded by extending his gratitude to President Prabowo and congratulating everyone on the Maha Kumbhabhishegam of the temple.
Final Thoughts
Prime Minister Modi’s video message celebrated not just the Indra Kumbhabhishegam but also the deep cultural bonds between India and Indonesia. It reinforces the strong historical, spiritual, and cultural ties that have long united these two nations, paving the way for a future built on shared values and mutual respect.
We look forward to more such cultural exchanges that bridge gaps, foster understanding, and strengthen the India-Indonesia relationship.
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