'Majestic': PM Modi Shares Stunning Aerial View of Indonesia's Prambanan Temple | Watch

Last Updated:July 08, 2026, 10:50 IST

PM Modi described the centuries-old Hindu monument as "majestic" as he approached the UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Subianto.

PM Modi In Indonesia: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday shared breathtaking and stunning ariel view of Indonesia’s iconic Prambanan Temple as he flew by helicopter to the UNESCO World Heritage Site with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

While sharing the video on his X handle, PM Modi described the centuries-old Hindu monument as “majestic" as he approached the UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Subianto.

“The majestic Prambanan Temple!", he said as as the duo approached the ancient monument.

The aerial journey precedes the formal launch of an India-backed conservation and restoration initiative at the sprawling site, marking a significant milestone in New Delhi’s cultural diplomacy under its Act East policy.

The Prime Minister’s visit to the temple comes during his bilateral trip to Indonesia and precedes the launch of an India-backed conservation and restoration initiative at the historic complex.

The heritage partnership was formalised a day earlier when India and Indonesia exchanged a Letter of Intent following bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Prabowo, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

All About Prambanan Temple

Located on Indonesia’s Java island, the Prambanan Temple Complex is the country’s largest Hindu temple site and the second-largest across Southeast Asia, behind Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.

Built in the 9th century by the Hindu Mataram Kingdom, the sprawling complex is dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti—Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma—and is renowned for its intricate Ramayana reliefs. Historical records suggest the monumental undertaking was initiated by King Rakai Pikatan and finalised by his successor, Lokapala, to signal the empire’s devotion to Shaivite Hinduism, seemingly in architectural counterpoint to the Buddhist Borobudur Temple built nearby by the rival Sailendra dynasty.

Spanning nearly 40 hectares, the ancient compound originally comprised around 240 temples, remaining today as one of Indonesia’s most prominent cultural landmarks and a testament to deep-rooted subcontinental links.

Constructed from volcanic stone, the central Shiva Temple dominates the landscape at an approximate height of 47 metres, exhibiting classical Hindu architectural design through its soaring spires, symmetrical layouts, and ornate gateways.

The exterior walls showcase exceptionally detailed reliefs depicting narrative sequences from the Ramayana and other major Hindu epics. These carvings mirror the extensive religious and cultural exchange that flowed across Southeast Asia centuries ago via maritime trade channels, scholarly networks, and ancient commercial routes.

Acknowledging its profound historical legacy, UNESCO inscribed Prambanan as a World Heritage Site in 1991. The site now stands as one of Indonesia’s premier cultural destinations, offering an evocative window into the archipelago’s diverse religious history.

About the Author

Shobhit Gupta

Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre...Read More

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