Showcasing the vastness of the Muaro Jambi Temple complex as well as the well preserved culture of its people, the festival will feature art and cultural performances, games and competitions, and more. There will be a colossal traditional dance performance, a Seloko or traditional literary competition of the Malay ethnic group, a fun-walk around the temple complex, the ancient canal festival at the temple complex, bazaar and exhibitions, and a lot more.
Head of the Culture and Tourism Office of Muaro Jambi Regency, Indira Gunawan explained that the festival is aimed to highlight and strengthen the local wisdom of the indigenous people of Jambi and attract the interest of tourists to visit this heritage site. "The festival is, moreover, aimed to make people more aware of the existence of the temple and its important significance in the history of South East Asia and Buddhism. It is not only a spiritual experience for tourist but is at the same time a historic research site for domestic and international tourists."
The festival will take place in the temple complex that covers 7 villages, which are the villages of Dusun Baru, Danau Lamo, Muarojambi, Kemingking Luar, Kemingking Dalam, Teluk Jambu, and Dusun Mudo.
Vesak Celebrations at the ancient Buddhist Muara Jambi temple
Prior to the festival, and in connection with the Buddhist Vesak Festival, which falls on 11 May 2017, no less than 1,000 Buddhist devotees are expected to congregate here to perform Vesak day rituals and celebrations at the temple complex, similar to the one taking place at the Borobudur Temple in Central Java. "The tradition of conducting Vesak rituals at the Muaro Jambi Temple Complex has been held for many years. This is because the temple is viewed as the center of Buddhism in Sumatra during its golden period around the 11th century" added Indira Gunawan.Muara Jambi on Sumatra, - then known as Svarnadwipa - the Golden Island - was the center of Buddhist learning during the kingdom of Srivijaya, and in the ancient Buddhist Malay kingdom where Bhiksus from far away China and India and around the region came to study the religion and seek enlightenment.
The well known Chinese Master Teacher I Ching is known to have studied here from the year 671 on. During his stay he also wrote the first dictionary translating Malay into Mandarin. It is also known that one thousand years ago in the early 11thcentury, The great Master Buddhist Teacher Atisha is said to have spent 11 years studying the Buddha Mahayana Tantrayana teachings at Muaro Jambi in Sumatra, from where he then proceeded on pilgrimage to the Borobudur temple in Central Java. (see also our article : Muara Jambi Retracing the Footsteps of Master Buddhist Teacher Atisha 1000 Years On)
Muaro Jambi Temple is one of the richest archaeological sites on the island of Sumatra. The eight temple-like structures are Buddhist, and were probably built around the 14th century. Archaeologists conclude that the site was the center of Old Jambi, the capital of ancient Malay kingdom which reigned supreme about ten centuries ago.
Muaro Jambi temple complex covers an area of 12 km2, along the side of long Batanghari River. There are eight main temples in the complex. All of them are located in the central area, fortified by walls. Three of them have already been renovated.
 |
| Photo source : www.tribunnews.com |
Muaro Jambi Temple is situated 30 km northeast of the city of Jambi, along the Batanghari River. You can travel to Jambi from Medan in North Sumatra or Padang in West Sumatra. Medan is an international gateway, so there are frequent international flights to Medan's Kuala Namu airport, where you can connect with a domestic flight to Jambi. If your departure point is Jakarta, there are both direct and connecting flights scheduled from Jakarta to Jambi. You can also fly to Padang and travel overland to Jambi. It's a popular destination, so travel agents in Jambi will have packages available to Muaro Jambi.
No comments:
Post a Comment