Oneness of the Multitude – Indonesian Hinduism & Prambanan Temple
Subject: Art & Culture | International Relations | Society
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Prambanan Temple Complex near Yogyakarta, Indonesia, along with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his 2026 visit. India and Indonesia also announced cooperation for the conservation and restoration of the temple complex.
Prambanan Temple
- Location: Near Yogyakarta, Java Island, Indonesia.
- Built: 9th Century CE by the Sanjaya Dynasty of the Mataram Kingdom.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (1991).
- Largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.
- Dedicated to the Trimurti:
- Shiva (largest central temple)
- Vishnu
- Brahma
- Built in classical Javanese Hindu architecture.
The Idea of “Oneness of the Multitude”
Prambanan represents a unique interpretation of Hindu philosophy in Indonesia.
Core Idea
Although Hinduism worships numerous deities, they are understood as different manifestations of one ultimate divine reality.
This interpretation enabled Indonesian Hinduism to align with the country’s constitutional emphasis on belief in one Supreme God.
Thus,
Many Gods → One Supreme Reality
This reflects the Hindu philosophical idea:
“Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti” (Rig Veda 1.164.46)
“Truth is One; the wise describe it in many ways.”
Why Was Recognition of Hinduism Difficult?
After Indonesia became independent in 1945, the government wanted officially recognised religions to conform to the national ideology.
However, Hinduism was viewed as:
- Polytheistic
- Without a single prophet
- Without a central religious authority
- Diverse in practices
Hence, it initially failed to satisfy government criteria.
Indonesia’s Religious Framework
Religion occupies a central place in Indonesian public life.
Traditionally, the National Identity Card (KTP) contains an individual’s religion.
Religious identity affects:
- Marriage registration
- Birth certificates
- Religious education
- Civil service promotion
- Burial rights
At the same time, Indonesia guarantees freedom of religion, creating a balance between religious liberty and state regulation.
Pancasila: Foundation of the Indonesian State
Indonesia’s national philosophy is called Pancasila.
Five Principles
- Belief in One Supreme God
- Just and Civilised Humanity
- Unity of Indonesia
- Democracy through Deliberation
- Social Justice
UPSC Point
The First Principle requires recognised religions to acknowledge one Supreme God.
This became the biggest challenge for Hinduism.
Why Was Hinduism Initially Rejected?
Ministry of Religion (1952)
A religion had to possess:
- Monotheism
- A recognised holy scripture
- A prophet or founder
Islam, Christianity and later other Abrahamic traditions naturally met these conditions.
Hinduism did not.
Therefore,
Hinduism’s application for official recognition was rejected in 1952.
Hindu Reform Movement in Indonesia
To secure recognition, Balinese Hindu scholars created an organised reform movement.
Parisada Hindu Dharma
- Established in 1959
- Later renamed Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI)
Its objective was to reinterpret Hindu theology in a form compatible with Indonesian constitutional requirements.
Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa
The reformers presented a single Supreme God called
Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa
This became the official monotheistic concept of Indonesian Hinduism.
Meaning
- Sang Hyang → Divine or sacred force
- Widhi → Cosmic law or divine order
- Wasa → Supreme authority
Together:
The Supreme Divine Reality governing the universe
Philosophical Basis
The reformers drew upon classical Hindu philosophy.
Brahman
The Upanishads describe Brahman as:
- Eternal
- Formless
- Infinite
- Ultimate reality
The Indonesian interpretation personified Brahman into the state-recognised Supreme God.
Thus,
Brahman → Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa
Relation with Trimurti
The three principal Hindu deities—
- Brahma
- Vishnu
- Shiva
were interpreted as
Different manifestations of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa
Hence,
Trimurti = One Supreme Divine Reality
This satisfied Indonesia’s constitutional emphasis on monotheism.
Association with Acintya
Another important concept is
Acintya
Meaning:
“The Inconceivable One”
Characteristics:
- Formless
- Infinite
- Beyond human comprehension
Acintya is often identified with Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.
Recognition of Hinduism
Following these theological reforms,
Indonesia officially recognised Hinduism in 1962.
Later, under the 1965 framework, Hinduism became one of Indonesia’s officially recognised religions.
Officially Recognised Religions (Agama)
Indonesia currently recognises six religions:
- Islam
- Protestantism
- Catholicism
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Confucianism
These religions receive formal legal recognition by the state.
Indonesian Hinduism Today
Unlike Hindu traditions in India,
Indonesian Hinduism functions as a federation of indigenous traditions.
Different communities retain:
- Local gods
- Ancestor worship
- Sacred forests
- Nature worship
- Traditional rituals
- Indigenous funeral customs
They are united primarily through:
- Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa
- PHDI
- Shared institutional recognition
Indigenous Communities Under Hinduism
After recognition,
many indigenous communities adopted Hinduism as their official religious identity.
Reasons:
- Legal protection
- State recognition
- Educational rights
- Marriage registration
- Administrative benefits
However,
their local customs often remained unchanged.
Indigenous Cultural Elements That Continue
Many pre-Hindu traditions remain alive, including:
- Ancestor worship
- Nature worship
- Sacred mountains
- Sacred trees
- Animal sacrifice (in some communities)
- Local guardian spirits
Thus,
Indonesian Hinduism represents a synthesis of:
- Classical Hindu philosophy
- Balinese traditions
- Indigenous Austronesian beliefs
- Constitutional adaptation
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