Hinduism in Indonesia

Hinduism first came to the Archipelago during the 4th Century. The first Javanese Kingdom that we know of, Tarumanegara, was a Hindu Kingdom ruled by King Purnavarman. It was the Hinduism of the Lesser Vehicle - Hinayana - that first flourished here. The religion was also widespread on Sumatra. A Hindu sage mentioned by name is Cakyakirti who resided near contemporary Palembang. a kingdom established in what is now known as Jambi was furthermore mentioned by Chinese sources as a place to learn Sanskrit. The popularity of Melayu as a centre of Sanskrit studies could have been enhanced by the fact that it was near the Melaka Straits where sailors between China and India had to wait for the winds to turn. This fact also explains the popularity of - in turn - Aceh, Melaka and Singapore as entrepot ports.

The Hinduism that flourished in Indonesia elevated Lord Siva as the supreme being. In many cases he was identified with Agastya, the Supreme Teacher. Traditional Hindu iconography places a statue of Siva in the centre, flanked on the right by Agastya, and on the left by his consort Parvati. Ganesha, his son, stands behind him. It is likely that some form of supreme teacher or being was already revered in the Archipelago who then was identified with Siva as Hinduism was introduced. The similarity could even have helped the acceptance of Hinduism.

HOME