Śivagrha (Prambanan Temple) as an Archetype of Hindu Theology in Nusantara (An Endeavor to Discover Hindu Theological Knowledge through Ancient Temple Heritage)

Ni Kadek Surpi

doi:10.18784/analisa.v5i1.1024

Abstract

Many scholars believe that the Hindu community in Nusantara worship Trimūrti (Brahmā, Visnu, and Śiva) equally. This opinion is shared among the experts. However, it is not prevalent within Hinduism. Hence, it contradicts the concept of Ista Devata (the glorification of one Devata among the others). This qualitative study examines Prambanan Temple as an Archetype of Hindu Theology in Nusantara. This study focusses on the structure of the Prambanan temple complex, which related to the concept of Hindu Nusantara Theology, the depiction of Hindu Nusantara Theology, and the special meaning of Prambanan Temple. Data analysis was carried out using an Ethnographic Content Analysis (ECA). This study concludes that Prambanan Temple is convincing as an Archetype of Hindu Theology, in two typologies. The typology of Nirguna Brahman lies in the concept where Prambanan is a place to worship Parabrahman, The Absolute, The Supreme God. Meanwhile, the typology of Saguna Brahman lies in the concept where Prambanan is a Śivagrha, The House of Lord Śiva, a place to worship Śiva as the Highest Gods. This typology of Saguna Brahman is the base of Śivaistik Theology. Prambanan temple construction uses the Vāstupurusamandala pattern, which made it as the grandest temple in Nusantara. Even though Śivagrha is popular as a temple complex to worship Tri Murti as equals, the fact which lies in temple structures as well as in the manuscript (prasasti) proves that it has a Śivaistik Concept, where Śiva is worshiped as the highest Devata (Parabrahman).

Highlights

The discourse of Hindu Nusantara Theology in Indonesia should be accepted by constructing as well as identifying its concepts and thoughts so that it grows into an established knowledge
This article strengthens the position of Hindu Nusantara theological discourse by presenting theological concepts and thoughts of around the 8th-14th Century, which depicted in Prambanan Temple structures
The specialty of Hindu theology, which depicted in Prambanan Temple, is a unique theological typology

Summary

Introduction

The discourse of Hindu Nusantara Theology in Indonesia should be accepted by constructing as well as identifying its concepts and thoughts so that it grows into an established knowledge. This article strengthens the position of Hindu Nusantara theological discourse by presenting theological concepts and thoughts of around the 8th-14th Century, which depicted in Prambanan Temple structures. Analisa Journal of Social Science and Religion Volume 05 Number 01 July 2020 Pages 107-122 because it originates from Indian philosophy, which is currently very popular in the West It has appeared in the second millennium B.C., evolved around the seventh century, and crystallized between the seventh century to the seventeenth century B.C., which came to be called The Millennium Century of Hindu Theology. Various Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms in Southeast Asia, including Nusantara, bequeath magnificent buildings in the form of palaces and temples. These heritages showed the greatness of the old civilization. This article contributes to explaining the past theological concepts, which eternalized through the masterpiece of the great shrine

Literature Review

Research Method

And Discussion

Conclusion