PM Modi Offers Prayers at Indonesia’s Prambanan Temple, Celebrates Shared Civilisational Heritage with Indonesia

Jakarta, July 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday offered prayers at the iconic Prambanan Temple in Indonesia, reaffirming the centuries-old spiritual and cultural ties between India and Indonesia. The visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site marked a significant moment during his three-day visit to the Southeast Asian nation, highlighting the shared civilisational legacy that continues to unite the two countries.

As the Prime Minister offered prayers at the ancient Hindu temple, devotees joined him in chanting “Om Namah Shivay,” creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere inside the temple complex. PM Modi later shared a video of the prayer ceremony on social media platform X, captioning it, “Om Namah Shivay at Prambanan Temple in Indonesia!”

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also posted an aerial view of the magnificent temple complex, describing it as “The majestic Prambanan Temple.” The temple, regarded as Indonesia’s largest Hindu shrine, stands as one of Southeast Asia’s finest examples of ancient Hindu architecture.

PM Modi, accompanied by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, jointly inaugurated the India-supported conservation and restoration project at the Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta. The initiative reflects the commitment of both nations to preserving their shared cultural and historical heritage while strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of heritage conservation.

The two leaders received a warm welcome from enthusiastic crowds lining the streets as they made their way to the temple. Hundreds of people waved the national flags of India and Indonesia, underscoring the close friendship and goodwill shared by the two countries.

On Tuesday, India and Indonesia exchanged a Letter of Intent for the restoration and conservation of the Prambanan Temple complex following bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Subianto. The agreement forms part of broader efforts to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations while also promoting cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Constructed in the 10th century, the Prambanan Temple is dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva and remains the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. The sprawling complex features majestic temples dedicated to the Hindu trinity—Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma—along with shrines devoted to their divine vehicles. Its beautifully carved stone walls depict episodes from the Ramayana and other Hindu epics, reflecting the enduring influence of Indian civilisation across Southeast Asia.

The centrepiece of the temple complex is the towering 47-metre-high Shiva Temple, widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of Hindu architecture. Originally comprising around 240 temples, Prambanan remains one of the world’s largest and most significant Hindu temple complexes, attracting visitors from across the globe.

During his address to the Indonesian Parliament on Tuesday, PM Modi emphasised that India and Indonesia share much more than geographical proximity. He said the relationship between the two countries is deeply rooted in the common heritage of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, which continue to shape their cultural identities.

“India and Indonesia do not just share the sea; we also share our history. Our relationship is rooted in the legacy of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata,” PM Modi said. He also referred to the cultural links symbolised by monuments such as Borobudur and Prambanan, Indonesia’s national emblem Garuda, and traditional celebrations such as the Bali Jatra festival.

Prime Minister Modi is currently on a three-day official visit to Indonesia aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. During the visit, he has held wide-ranging talks with President Prabowo Subianto, addressed the Indonesian Parliament, interacted with members of the Indian diaspora, and participated in several cultural engagements designed to reinforce the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

The visit to the Prambanan Temple stands out as one of the defining moments of the tour, symbolising the deep historical, spiritual and cultural connections that have linked India and Indonesia for centuries and continue to shape their partnership in the modern era.