Converting To Hinduism, Sumawati Has Memorized And Studied Itihasa Wiracarita

Illustration of Hindu Worship (Photo: Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Sukmawati Soekarnoputri will undergo the Sudhi Wadani ritual or convert from Islam to Hinduism. The daughter of the proclaimer, Soekarno, has also long shown her interest in studying Hinduism.

The head of the Sukarno Center who was in charge of the event, Arya Wedakarna, said that based on his vision, Sukmawati's interest in Hindu teachings was very evident from Sukmawati's habit of frequently asking for Hindu religious books and books to be provided.

"She (Sukmawati) is passionate about Sanskrit, always asking for books and Hindu scriptures to be provided. She also memorizes and studies Hindu epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana," he told VOI, Saturday, October 23.

For your information, itihasa is a part of Hindu literature that tells the epic/heroic stories of Hindu kings and knights in the past and is spiced up by philosophy, religion, mythology and supernatural beings. Itihasa means a real event.

So far, said Arya, Sukmawati also often has discussions with priests, monks and stakeholders. According to Arya, the topic of discussion is about Hindu culture and rituals.

"On average (discussion to) learn about culture, and rituals (Hinduism)," he said.

In fact, Arya said that Sukmawati also prays daily using Hindu means even though she is a Muslim.

Arya claimed to have witnessed the long process that Sukmawati went through to establish herself as a Hindu. He said that Sukmawati's decision to convert to Hinduism was to return to her ancestral religion.

"It has been a long time (interested in Hinduism) and of course there is guidance from his ancestors, especially his Hindu grandmother, Nyoman Rai Srimben," he explained.

As previously reported, the Sudhi Wadani ritual or conversion from Islam to Hindu Sukmawati will be held at the Sukarno Center Heritage Area in Bale Agung Singaraja, Buleleng Regency, Bali, on Tuesday, October 26.

"Yes, that's right. The event will be in Bali on October 26, 2021, next week," said Arya.