Candi Gebang
(English version here )
Candi Gebang adalah sebuah candi Siwa yang juga digunakan untuk ibadah umat Hindu.
Saya sendiri belum lama ngeh kalau Candi Gebang ini benar-benar candi. Tadinya saya kira itu nama perumahan, karena teman SMA saya rumahnya di perumahan Candi Gebang. Sama sekali tidak terpikirkan bahwa memang ada candinya. Betapa naifnya diri saya dulu, hahaha.
Namun, mungkin juga saya tidak ngeh dengan candi-candi karena memang dulu tidak ada ketertarikan ke arah sana. Yang saya tahu hanya Candi Prambanan atau Borobudur. Belakangan, sejak saya mulai mendalami Hindu sebagai bagian dari asal usul saya, baru saya mulai mengeksplorasi tempat-tempat suci, terutama di Jogja ini.
Candi Gebang diduga lebih tua daripada candi Siwa lainnya di Jogja. Hal ini terlihat dari ragam hias yang sedikit dan struktur candi yang sederhana tanpa tangga masuk. Sama seperti di Candi Prambanan dan Candi Kedulan, Siwa di Candi Gebang menghadap timur atau arah matahari terbit, sehingga pemujaan Siwa di sini sebagai Mahadewa.
Setiap Kliwon (5 hari sekali) ada persembahyangan bersama di Candi Gebang. Kenapa Kliwon? Karena pada hari Kliwon, Hyang Siwa beryoga untuk kesejahteraan semua makhluk hidup sehingga energi sakti menjadi aktif di hari tersebut. Karena kepercayaan tersebut, hari Kliwon adalah hari yang istimewa di Jawa dan juga di Bali. Apakah di daerah lain juga begitu? Silakan share pengalaman atau pendapatmu di kolom komentar.
Persembahyangan bersama rutin tiap Kliwon dimulai pukul 19.00 dan dipimpin oleh Pak Putu Sari (WhatsApp: +62 815-7909-107). Feel free to join, tidak perlu mendaftar, bisa langsung datang. Pakaian bebas asal sopan; kalau memakai jarik lebih bagus lagi, tapi tidak harus. Boleh membawa dupa, sajen, atau datang membawa diri saja. Setelah sembahyang bersama, biasanya kita duduk-duduk sambil memakan bersama persembahan yang tadi dipersembahkan, sambil berdiskusi tentang tema-tema spiritual atau sharing pengalaman saat bersembahyang tadi.
Mengunjungi Candi Gebang memberikan saya perspektif baru tentang kekayaan sejarah dan spiritual yang ada di sekitar kita, yang kadang terlewatkan. Jadi, kalau kalian berada di Jogja, jangan lewatkan kesempatan untuk menjelajahi candi-candi yang mungkin belum banyak diketahui orang.
Bagaimana dengan kalian? Apakah ada tempat-tempat bersejarah atau suci yang menurut kalian menarik untuk dikunjungi?
Discovering Candi Gebang: A Hidden Shiva Temple in Yogyakarta
Candi Gebang is a Shiva temple used for Hindu worship, located in Yogyakarta. I must admit, for the longest time, I didn’t realize that Candi Gebang was an actual temple. I thought it was just the name of a housing complex, since one of my high school friends lives in a neighborhood called Candi Gebang. It never occurred to me that there was an actual temple! How naïve I was back then, haha.
But maybe it wasn’t just ignorance; back then, I didn’t have much interest in temples. The only ones I knew were Candi Prambanan or Borobudur. It’s only in recent years, as I’ve delved deeper into Hinduism as part of my roots, that I started exploring sacred places, especially here in Yogyakarta.
History of Candi Gebang
Candi Gebang is believed to be older than other Shiva temples in Yogyakarta. Its simplicity is apparent from the limited decorative carvings and the basic structure, which lacks a staircase. Like in Candi Prambanan and Candi Kedulan, the Shiva statue in Candi Gebang faces east, toward the rising sun, symbolizing worship of Shiva as Mahadewa (the Great God).
Spiritual Significance of Kliwon
Every Kliwon (every five days), a communal prayer service is held at Candi Gebang. Why Kliwon? Because, according to Hindu belief, on Kliwon, Hyang Shiva engages in yoga for the well-being of all living beings, making the sacred energy more active on that day. Due to this belief, Kliwon is considered a special day in both Java and Bali. Is it the same in other regions? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Kliwonan at Candi Gebang: Join the Experience
The communal Kliwon prayer begins at 7:00 PM, led by Pak Putu Sari (WhatsApp: +62 815-7909-107) . Anyone can join—no registration needed, just show up! The dress code is flexible as long as it’s respectful, though wearing jarik (traditional cloth) is encouraged, but not mandatory. You’re welcome to bring incense and offerings, or simply come as you are. After the prayer, we usually sit together and share the offerings while discussing spiritual themes or sharing our experiences during the prayer.
A New Perspective on Yogyakarta’s Spiritual Richness
Visiting Candi Gebang has given me a new perspective on the historical and spiritual wealth around us that often goes unnoticed. So, if you’re in Yogyakarta, don’t miss the chance to explore temples like Candi Gebang, which may not be as well-known but are just as meaningful.
Candi Gebang offers a serene and sacred space for prayer and reflection. Whether you’re spiritually inclined or simply curious about Yogyakarta’s lesser-known temples, this Shiva temple is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the rich spiritual landscape of the city.
How about you? Are there any historical or sacred places that you find fascinating? Share your thoughts in the comments!
