New Delhi/Jakarta, 08 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday took an aerial view of Indonesia's historic Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Yogyakarta on the island of Java. He shared visuals of the iconic Hindu temple complex on X along with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Built in the ninth century, Prambanan is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple complex is dedicated to the Hindu Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva). Its original Sanskrit name is Shivagriha.

The main Shiva temple, standing approximately 47 metres tall, is the tallest structure within the complex. The temple walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting episodes from the Ramayana, reflecting the rich cultural and religious heritage shared by India and Indonesia.

The temple complex suffered significant damage during the devastating earthquake that struck Java in 2006, affecting several of its historic structures.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi announced that India would assist in the conservation and restoration of the nearly 1,000-year-old temple complex. Under the initiative, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will work in collaboration with Indonesian authorities to preserve and restore the heritage site.

Describing the Prambanan Temple complex as a remarkable symbol of the deep cultural and civilisational ties between India and Indonesia, Modi said it stands as enduring evidence of the bonds that have connected the two nations for more than a millennium.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar