The Largest Hindu Temple in Southeast Asia, Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam, Was Inaugurated

By Shantini Mogan

6 FEBRUARY: The Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam Temple, also known as the Jakarta Murugan Temple, was inaugurated as the city’s first temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, marking a significant milestone for the Hindu community in Indonesia.

This temple stands as a symbol of cultural heritage and spiritual unity, much like Prambanan Temple, Southeast Asia’s largest Hindu temple. The architectural grandeur of Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam reflects Indonesia’s rich cultural legacy and commitment to religious harmony.

The journey of the temple began on February 14, 2020, with a revered Groundbreaking Puja performed by distinguished priests from Malaysia and India. The ceremony was attended by religious and cultural dignitaries, the Indian Ambassador, members of the People’s Consultative Assembly, and the Governor of Jakarta. Their presence underscored the temple’s role in promoting peace within Indonesia’s diverse and multicultural society.

Spanning 4,000 square meters, the temple was made possible through the generous land provision by the DKI Jakarta Government. More than just a place of worship, the temple serves as a spiritual, cultural, and educational hub. Key features include:

• Shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan and other deities.
• A large multi-purpose hall for religious, cultural, and community events.
• A Museum of Indo-Indian Heritage, commemorating the deep-rooted ties between India and Indonesia.
• Gardens that provide a serene space for meditation and self-reflection.

The temple’s design incorporates Indian, Balinese, and Javanese architectural influences, making it a proud symbol of Pancasila’s values of unity in diversity.

More than just a structure built with bricks and mortar, Shri Sanathana Dharma Aalayam is infused with faith, devotion, and unity, standing as a historic landmark for Indonesia’s Hindu population and beyond.