NEW DELHI /YOGYAKARTA (INDONESIA)08 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday jointly launched the conservation and restoration project for the world-renowned Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prambanan is Indonesia's largest Hindu temple complex. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the 10th-century monument is regarded as one of the most enduring symbols of the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Indonesia.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Modi said it had been his good fortune to repeatedly receive opportunities in life to serve and preserve sacred sites associated with Lord Shiva.

He said he was born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, home to the revered Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple. Gujarat is also home to Somnath, the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas, and he had the privilege of contributing directly to its development. PM Modi added that Kashi Vishwanath had remained the spiritual centre of his public life, and that he had continuously received the blessings of Baba Vishwanath.

The Prime Minister said that after the reconstruction of Kedarnath Dham and the development of the Mahakal corridor in Ujjain, it was a matter of immense privilege for him to inaugurate the restoration of this magnificent cultural heritage site, associated with Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, which is nearly 1,000 to 1,200 years old.

He said he considered himself fortunate to witness such a historic occasion.

PM Modi remarked that even on the third day of his visit to Indonesia, he could feel the same fragrance of Indian culture in the country's atmosphere and among its people as he experiences in India. He expressed gratitude to the people of Indonesia and to all those who had governed the region over different periods for preserving this priceless heritage for nearly 1,200 years.

The Prime Minister said that whether one travels from Lhasa to Mount Kailash or visits the sacred Prambanan Temple in Indonesia, the chants of the *Mahamrityunjaya Mantra* and Om Namah Shivaya resonate everywhere. He described the experience as deeply emotional.

Expressing confidence in the future of the monument, PM Modi said that once the restoration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site is completed, a large number of Indian pilgrims and tourists would visit Prambanan to offer prayers and experience its architectural grandeur.

He said that wherever one travels in the world, traces of India's rich cultural heritage can be found, and described Prambanan as one of the most significant symbols of Indian civilisation in Southeast Asia. The temple complex houses idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha, and has remained a centre of deep faith and worship for centuries.

Prime Minister Modi said he had the privilege of offering prayers at the temple, calling it one of the most spiritually uplifting and unforgettable moments of his life. He prayed for stronger friendship between India and Indonesia, the well-being of the people of both countries, and their continued progress and prosperity.

He also expressed confidence that the restoration project would be completed before 2029 and said he hoped to return to Prambanan Temple once the conservation work is finished.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar