At Prambanan, Narendra Modi Says Indonesia and India are Connected for More than 1,200 Years

At Prambanan, Narendra Modi Says Indonesia and India are Connected for More than 1,200 Years

SLEMAN - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Prambanan Temple a strong proof of the closeness of Indonesian and Indian cultures. He said that this common cultural heritage has connected the two nations for more than 1,200 years.

The statement was made by Modi when accompanied by President Prabowo Subianto visiting Prambanan Temple, Sleman, Yogyakarta, Wednesday, July 8.

"This common cultural heritage has connected us for more than 1,200 years," Modi said.

Modi said that while in Indonesia, he felt a cultural atmosphere that was very close to India. This closeness is seen in the lives of people, conversations, and the atmosphere he felt during the visit.

"Today is the third day of my visit to Indonesia. But in the life of the community, in its conversations, and even in the air I feel, there is a scent of culture that is so familiar," he said.

Modi called Prambanan one of the biggest symbols of shared cultural heritage in Southeast Asia. He said, in various parts of the world, traces of Indian cultural heritage are often found. Prambanan is one of the most prominent examples.

"In various parts of the world, we often find traces of Indian cultural heritage. This complex is one of the largest symbols of shared cultural heritage in Southeast Asia," said Modi.

Modi also touched on his closeness to holy places related to Lord Shiva. He said he was born in Vadnagar, the place where the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple was built. He also mentioned Somnath in Gujarat, Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, and Mahakal in Ujjain.

According to Modi, his arrival at Prambanan gave him a strong spiritual experience. He said the atmosphere at the temple complex reminded him of his trip to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet.

"When I traveled to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet, and today when I came to this holy temple complex in Indonesia, I felt the same atmosphere," he said.

Modi said he heard the echoes of the chanting of "Om Namah Shivaya" that many people said. For him, the experience was very touching.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian people for maintaining Prambanan with dedication. According to Modi, awards also need to be given to Indonesian leaders who have played a role in caring for the heritage for years.

"I express my sincere thanks to the people of Indonesia for having preserved this extraordinary heritage with dedication, respect, and devotion," Modi said.

Modi assessed that Prabowo's presence during the visit made the event even more special. He expressed his gratitude to Prabowo for the welcome and assistance during his visit to Indonesia.

"On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians and also personally, I convey my deepest appreciation and thanks to you," Modi said.