Pura Parahyangan Agung Jagatkartta

Philosophy of Name and Cultural Vision

The name "Parahyangan Agung Jagatkartta" carries a deep meaning: Parahyangan means the dwelling place of gods or ancestors, Agung means noble, and Jagatkartta means a perfect universe. Collectively, this place is designed as a vessel to create world perfection through the maintenance of culture and spirituality. Situated on approximately 10 hectares of land believed to be a sacred site inherited from Prabu Siliwangi of the Pajajaran Kingdom, this pura serves as a cultural bridge uniting Sundanese and Nusantara Hindu identities.

Traditional Performing Arts Preservation Program

As a cultural center, Jagatkartta regularly organizes art training open to the public. The most prominent programs are Balinese Dance and Sundanese Dance training. Uniquely, artistic syncretism occurs here, where classical Balinese dance movements are learned alongside the distinctive Gamelan Degung rhythms of West Java.

Every weekend, the pura's courtyard often becomes a practice space for local art groups. Visitors can witness the practice of Rejang Dewa or Tari Pendet dances performed against the magical backdrop of Mount Salak's mist. Furthermore, traditional vocal arts such as Kidung and Pupuh are taught as part of efforts to preserve oral traditions from being lost to time.

Education on Humanity and Ecological Values

Pura Parahyangan Agung Jagatkartta implements educational programs focused on the concept of Tri Hita Karana—three causes of happiness derived from harmonious relationships between humans and God, humans with fellow humans, and humans with nature.

1. Ecological Education: Given its location on the mountain slope, the pura management actively educates the community about environmental preservation. Programs for planting rare trees and managing organic waste are part of the cultural curriculum here.

2. Historical Literacy: Through discussions and limited seminars, this pura serves as a study center for researchers interested in the history of Pajajaran. Education on the historical connection between the Pasundan land and ancient Hindu traditions is provided to strengthen the roots of local identity for Bogor's younger generation.

Cultural-Based Handicrafts and Creative Economy

In the area surrounding the pura, a creative economy ecosystem based on traditional handicrafts thrives. Local artisans are empowered to produce ritual items and cultural souvenirs, such as:

• Making Canang and Gebogan: Tourists or students can participate in workshops on arranging flowers and palm leaves, which teach meticulousness and the philosophical meaning behind each floral symbol.
• Stone and Wood Carving Crafts: The pura's architecture, which blends Balinese carving styles with Sundanese motifs (such as the Kujang motif and lotus flowers), inspires local artisans to produce high-value fine art.

Festival and Grand Celebration Events

Pura Parahyangan Agung Jagatkartta hosts various national-scale cultural events. One of the most monumental moments is the celebration of Hari Raya Nyepi and Piodalan (pura's anniversary).

During Piodalan, thousands of devotees and cultural figures from various regions gather. This event is usually enlivened by highly visual ritual processions, involving towering gebogan parades and all-night shadow puppet (wayang kulit) or wooden puppet (wayang golek) performances. Additionally, annual cultural festivals often involve interfaith communities in Bogor, making this pura a symbol of tolerance and pluralism in West Java.

Architecture as Cultural Symbolism

The main uniqueness of Jagatkartta lies in its specific architectural design. This pura is built without using cement in certain parts, instead employing precise stone-stacking techniques, reminiscent of ancient temple construction methods.

The towering entrance gate or Candi Bentar gives a majestic impression, while inside, there is a large courtyard that functions as a public space for interaction. The presence of tiger statues (symbols of Prabu Siliwangi) alongside Hindu statues emphasizes that this cultural center deeply respects the local wisdom of the Sunda land.

Role in Local Culture and Community Development

Jagatkartta does not stand as an exclusive entity. Its influence on local cultural development is significant through:

• Empowerment of Ciapus Community: The local community, regardless of their religious background, is largely involved in the management of the cultural area, security, and provision of cultural guide services.
• Intercultural Dialogue Space: This pura often becomes a study tour destination for educational institutions and art communities from outside the city. Discussions on religious moderation and tradition preservation are frequently held in the meeting halls within the pura complex.

Efforts in Cultural Heritage Conservation

Conservation at Jagatkartta is carried out through a "Living Heritage" approach. Cultural heritage is not only viewed as inanimate objects in a museum but is practiced in daily life.

• Water Conservation: The pura has a management system for sacred springs used for rituals and also maintains water availability for the surrounding ecosystem.
• Digitalization of Traditions: The management has begun documenting rituals and performing arts in digital form as an archive for the future, ensuring that knowledge about cultural practices at Jagatkartta can be accessed by global researchers.

Conclusion: The Heart of Culture in Bogor Land

Pura Parahyangan Agung Jagatkartta has proven itself to be a dynamic cultural center. Amidst the rapid modernization in the Bogor region, this place steadfastly preserves the breath of tradition. It is a space where art, history, and spirituality meet within the embrace of Mount Salak's mist.

Through various educational programs, art festivals, and nature conservation practices, Jagatkartta belongs not just to one group, but is a West Javanese cultural asset that enriches the national treasury. Its existence reminds us that a nation's progress must not detach from its cultural roots, and on the slopes of Mount Salak, these roots are nurtured with full honor and affection for all humanity.