The Murugan Temple, North Jakarta

Hello everyone...  >edited by canva It's such a kindly reminder that Indonesia has a diversity of ethnicities, cultures, and religions. While not the majority, NRIs—Non-Resident Indians—are quite numerous in Indonesia. Especially in Jakarta, there are certain areas where many NRIs live. Some are close to the indigenous people, or they are isolated—I mean, they only socialize with other Indians. The former governor of Jakarta even planned to create a "Little India" like the one in Singapore, but until his term ends, I don't know whether the project will materialize. Besides that good idea, which might come to fruition in the next 10 years, this temple has already taken a head start. Let's get it! [//]:# (!worldmappin -6.14658 lat 106.70835 long d3scr) ‐---- ---- ***The Murugan Temple*** --------- ---------  Murugan Temple was originally called the Sri Sanatana Dharma Temple, before it became a tourist attraction as it is now—because it suddenly went viral on social media, this temple is the largest original in Southeast Asia. How could it not be, you see that yellow pyramid-like building? It's like a wonder of the world. This temple is said to resemble Hindu temples in Thailand and Malaysia, so it makes everyone curious. Hmm, even though I've never been to Thailand, I'm certainly curious to visit it. Probably, others think the same thing. ------  This temple is located right next to the Kalideres Regional General Hospital. To reach it, I took public transportation and got off right in front of the Kalideres Regional General Hospital bus stop and walk for a while you'll find this gate. After reporting to the security guard that I wanted to visit, I was guided to change my footwear. To enter the temple area, visitors are not allowed to wear shoes, except socks. Afterward, the guard pointed me to a room where I had to buy a ticket for IDR 20,000. For such a beautiful temple, this entrance fee is quite cheap. However, considering the time spent visiting, it's not that affordable either. Ha ha ha… Okay, let's skip that! |  |  | | ----| ----| *I like this carving, like a story and I recognize Ram and Sita in the right place meanwhile the left place is maybe Drupadi*  After getting my ticket, I was directed to the hall, which is usually used for seminars or religious events. Then I climbed the stairs, as the Murugan Temple is on the rooftop. It was a bit tiring climbing the stairs, but it was okay. Just consider it a little exercise. Upon arriving on the third floor, I found a closed-off area. I assumed it was a sacred place where Hindus worshipped. I'm sure it wasn't open to visitors. Perhaps if my madam boss ordered me to cover a religious event there, I could enter this area. Who knows? ***...and now we were reaching the roof top...*** -----  |  |  | | ----| ----| The fun fact about this temple is… it was built in 2020. Wow, it's like yesterday. I thought this temple had been under construction for a long time, but it turns out it's only been less than 10 years. And for your information, the former governor I mentioned earlier supported the temple's construction. Yes, the former governor really upheld diversity. Since the construction is so recent, it's no surprise that in some areas, the temple still needs work.  Because it's located on a rooftop, visiting this temple in the late afternoon can feel like it's burning my feet. I regret not wearing socks. But, fortunately, there are shaded areas in some corners so I don't have to hurt my feet anymore. …and what do you think of this temple? On this rooftop, there's a very large, yellow, pyramid-like tower and three temples facing each other. These large towers feature carvings created by architects who volunteered for the temple from India. Meanwhile, the three temples in front of them also have carvings of Hindu deities—which, if I look closely, create a story. Thank God, I've loved Indian films since I was little, so I recognize the gods and their stories. ***In this temple, there is a statue of the god Sri Nataraja, another incarnation of the god Shiva—who is also a symbol of the god of dance. He is seen stepping on a person. This is the figure of Apasmara, who symbolizes negative traits.***  ***This is story about Ganesha, son of Shiva God*.**  ***Lord Vhisnu***  ***The Ramayan***  *and more story about India mythology that you can see here...* ------- --------  If you look closely, this Murugan Temple bears a resemblance to temples in Malaysia and India. It reminds me of the temple in Batu Chaves, Malaysia. The temples are similar. By the way, Murugan is the name of a deity who symbolizes the god of war. Lord Murugan is also the son of the gods Shiva and Privati, who have many names. Wow, it turns out this temple does bear a resemblance to the temple at Batu Chaves. Unfortunately, this Murugan temple doesn't have a large golden statue of Lord Murugan. Maybe there will be one later. We'll see...  Anyway, this temple is apparently a symbol of Hinduism, along with the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral Church. I wonder if I missed any Buddhist symbols in Jakarta? I'll find out soon. |  |  |  | | ----| ----| ----| by the way.... Hasta la vista! ------- *Thanks in advance, to read my blog and hope you like my post!* *See you on the next post...* ----- ------- ----