Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], August 20: Yogyakarta, a city celebrated for its deep-rooted cultural and spiritual heritage, is hosting an enlightening Ramayana discourse by the esteemed Indian spiritual leader Morari Bapu. The event, taking place from August 17 to August 25 at the Mariott Hotel, promises to be a deep exploration of Goswami Tulsidas’ Ram Charita Manas in a city historically linked to Hinduism and Buddhism.
Despite Indonesia being a predominantly Muslim country, Yogyakarta is home to the magnificent Prambanan Temple complex, one of the most iconic Hindu temples in Indonesia. This historic site has been a custodian of Hindu culture and spirituality for centuries. The intricate reliefs of Prambanan depict scenes from the Ramayana, reflecting Yogyakarta’s deep cultural connection to this revered epic.
Now, speaking in Yogyakarta, Morari Bapu, known for his insightful spiritual teachings and landmark discourses, said that he will focus on two central Chaupais (quatrains) from the epic:
Bal Kaand Chaupai148: Chhabi Samudra Hari Roopa BilokiI Ektak Nayan Pat Roki II
Ayodhya Kaand Chaupai156: Bipra Jeevai Dehi Din Dana I Siv Abhishek KarhiBidhi NanaII
Speaking on the inaugural day, Morari Bapu said that he would like to name this katha ‘Manas Samudra Abhishek’. He explained that the word Abhishek comes 16 times in Goswami Tulsidas’ RamCharita Manas, and the word Samudra comes 7 times in it. Samudra means sea, and it is a coincidence that there are 7 types of seasin this world.
He then narrated a story related to Lord Buddha wherein he did abhishek (anointment) of a person from a “so-called untouchable” caste despite opposition from religious leaders. But Buddha felt that the only criterion for acceptance should be his worth, not caste.
Bapu said that traditionally, abhishek is done with 5 products, including milk, curd, honey, ghee (clarified butter) and sugar. Later he added that Goswami Tulsidas’ 5 sheel (signs of good conduct) are vivek (power of discretion), prakash (not to live in ignorance), vishalta (largesse), vishwas (faith), and shraddha (devotion).
The spiritual leader also wished the country of Indonesia its Independence Day and complimented the people for having a multicultural heritage, which they respected despite the country having a Muslim population of about 80%.
Bapu also expressed concern at the state of Hindus in Bangladesh and said that a recent congregation of Hindu saints in Ahmedabad had appealed to Bapu to send a memo about the need to protect followers of Sanatana Dharma to the United Nations, where he has recently concluded a katha.
Yogyakarta’s Hindu Roots
Yogyakarta, located in central Java, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The region was once part of the Mataram Kingdom, known for its flourishing Hindu-Buddhist culture between the 8th and 15th centuries. The spread of Hinduism to Java is generally associated with the influence of Indian traders and the island’s maritime ties with India.
The Prambanan and Borobudur temples, constructed during this period by the Sanjaya dynasty of Mataram Kingdom, are among Indonesia’s most significant archaeological sites, reflecting the height of Hindu culture and architecture in Java. The Mataram Kingdom eventually split into two—one Hindu-Buddhist and one Islamic.
This special discourse in Yogyakarta, a city where Hindu heritage is celebrated through festivals, arts, and historical sites, promises to be a spiritually enriching experience. Attendees will not only engage with the Ramayana’s wisdom but also connect with Yogyakarta’s vibrant cultural heritage.
The discourses will be held daily at 10 a.m. local time, followed by a vegetarian meal for all attendees.
About Morari Bapu
Morari Bapu has been reciting Ram Kathas for over sixty-five years, beginning his spiritual journey at the age of 14 under a village tree in Gujarat. Drawing from Vedic Sanatana Dharma, popularly known as Hindu Sanatana Dharma, Bapu’s narrations emphasize universal peace, truth, love, and compassion. His unique approach incorporates examples from various religions, inviting people of all faiths to join in the spiritual journey.
Over the decades, Morari Bapu has conducted Ram Kathas in numerous cities and pilgrimage sites across India and around the world, including Sri Lanka, South Africa, Kenya, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, Australia, Israel, and Japan, attracting millions of followers. He recently held Kathas at all 12 Jyotirlingas in India by train and conducted a landmark event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, where he spoke on the theme of “the whole world being one family.”
Beyond traditional venues, Bapu has also conducted Ram Kathas for marginalized communities, including sex workers and transgender individuals, and has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts in disaster-hit areas globally, including war-torn Ukraine and Israel.
