On Monday (May 13), the smoke of ritual incense filled the night air at the Sanatanagama Temple, UGM Spiritual Center.
That evening coincided with Purnama Jyestha, a sacred full moon moment in the eleventh month of the Hindu calendar.
On this special night, the Hindu academic community at UGM marked the temple’s anniversary through the piodalan or puja wali ceremony.
The ceremony was led by two pinandita (Hindu religious leaders): Ida Nabe Shri Bhagawan Istri Lakhsmi Ratu Manik, who came specially from Bali, and Professor Ida Sri Bhagawan Dalem Acarya Mahakerti Wira Jagat Manik, a professor at the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM).
Their presence brought a solemn and sacred atmosphere for the devotees in the temple’s main courtyard.
Also attending was Professor I Nengah Duija, Director General of Hindu Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, who shared his views on Hinduism in the modern era during a Dharma Tula session.
Meanwhile, Professor Ida Bagus Gede Candrawan, Head of the State Hindu College (STAHN) Jawa Dwipa Klaten, delivered a dharma wacana or spiritual discourse prior to the group prayer.
“Piodalan is not only a spiritual celebration, but also a space for reflection, contemplation, and cross-sector collaboration,” said Professor Duija.
A harmonious blend of Balinese and Javanese traditions was reflected throughout the ceremony, from the form of the banten offerings to the sacred dances performed.
The design of the Sanatanagama Temple also reflects this harmony. It adopts the architectural style of Majapahit-era Javanese temples, using andesite stone rather than red brick.
This design choice aligns with the Mataram philosophy and Yogyakarta’s cultural spirit, reminding us that UGM is not only an academic space but also a spiritual and cultural one.
Beyond being a solemn spiritual moment, the piodalan also strengthened social bonds among campus community members.
Hindu lecturers, administrative staff, and students collaborated well before the event and continued working together until the event concluded.
The values of Tri Hita Karana, harmonious relations with God, fellow humans, and nature, formed the foundation of the piodalan.
This was reflected in their efforts to maintain cleanliness, the use of natural materials for decorations, and the post-event clean-up carried out by members of the Hindu Dharma Student Association.
Interestingly, the event also served as a space to strengthen interfaith collaboration. The nearby klenteng was used as a dressing area for the dancers, while the courtyard of the nearby vihara served as a space to welcome guests.
This spirit of cooperation aligns with the message of UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, who stated, “The presence of spiritual facilities must serve as bridges for synergy and friendship between religious communities, not sources of rivalry.”
The event concluded with prasadam, a shared meal served to over one hundred devotees who had participated in the prayers.
Togetherness and warmth left a lasting impression on the meaningful evening.
“Perhaps words cannot fully express the emotions of the night. But hopefully, everything done will guide us toward a better path,” concluded Professor Sang Kompiang, Head of the Sanatanagama Temple Management.
Report by: Secretary of Sanatanagama Temple Management/I Made Andi Arsana
Author: Bolivia Rahmawati
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photograph: UGM Faith & Spirituality Center