Toa Se Bio - Vihara Dharma Jaya - Klenteng dan Sejarah

Summary

Vihara Dharma Jaya (Toasebio) in Glodok, Jakarta, is a historic Buddhist and Confucian temple with deep cultural and architectural significance. Built in the 17th century and rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1751, the temple features intricate red and gold decorations, dragon motifs, and 18 altars dedicated to various deities. It is a symbol of religious tolerance and peace, and also stands as a reminder of the tragic Angke massacre of 1740. The temple continues to serve as a place of worship and a cultural landmark in Jakarta's Chinatown.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Wihara Dharma Jaya (Toasebio) is located in the historical Pecinan Glodok area of Jakarta.
• 😀 The temple is a blend of Buddhist and Confucian traditions and has a long history, dating back to 1751.
• 😀 The architecture of Toasebio is characterized by vibrant red colors and intricate dragon motifs on the roof.
• 😀 Toasebio played a significant role in the Tionghoa community's history, particularly during the 1740 Angke massacre.
• 😀 The temple is home to 18 distinct altars, each serving a specific religious purpose.
• 😀 A memorial site for Eyang Suryakencana, a respected figure in Cianjur, is located at the temple.
• 😀 The temple grounds include a peaceful garden and a small fountain supplied by a historic well that never runs dry.
• 😀 Toasebio's location is significant, being near other cultural landmarks such as Santa Maria de Fatima Church and Petak 6 culinary market.
• 😀 The temple was rebuilt in 1751 after being destroyed during the Angke massacre, and its original wooden pillars and carvings have been preserved.
• 😀 The name Toasebio derives from two Chinese words meaning 'message' and 'temple', symbolizing peace and respect for the teachings brought from China.
• 😀 The temple serves as a symbol of religious tolerance and cultural integration, with both Buddhist and Confucian practices coexisting.

Q & A

What is the significance of Wihara Dharma Jaya in Jakarta?

Wihara Dharma Jaya is a historic Buddhist and Confucian temple located in the heart of Glodok, Jakarta's Chinatown. It is significant not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of religious tolerance, with a history that dates back over two centuries, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese community in Jakarta.

What architectural features stand out at Wihara Dharma Jaya?

The temple is dominated by vibrant red colors, with two ornate dragons adorning the roof corners. The temple also features a tranquil garden, a small pond with a waterfall, and a pagoda-shaped incense burner in the courtyard. These features highlight the temple's traditional Chinese architectural style.

What historical event is associated with Wihara Dharma Jaya?

Wihara Dharma Jaya is linked to the Angke Massacre of 1740, during which the Dutch colonial forces brutally attacked the Chinese community in Batavia (now Jakarta). The temple was damaged and partially destroyed during this event, but it was rebuilt in 1751, and the incident remains a significant part of its history.

What is the meaning of 'Toasebio' in relation to the temple?

'Toasebio' is a term derived from two Chinese words: 'Toa' meaning 'peace' and 'sebio' meaning 'temple.' It signifies the temple as a place that honors the peaceful message brought by Chinese migrants to the region, embodying harmony and spiritual unity.

Who is Eyang Suryakencana, and why is he important to the temple?

Eyang Suryakencana is a legendary figure believed to have been a charismatic spiritual leader associated with the area. His shrine, or petilasan, is located behind the temple and is a place of reverence for visitors, adding to the temple's spiritual and cultural significance.

How is the temple connected to the concept of religious tolerance?

Wihara Dharma Jaya is a symbol of religious tolerance because it serves as a place of worship for both Buddhist and Confucian practices. It represents the peaceful coexistence of different religious traditions within the Chinese community, reflecting the harmonious relationships that have existed in Jakarta for centuries.

What role do the 18 altars at Wihara Dharma Jaya serve?

The 18 altars within the temple each serve a different religious or ceremonial purpose, and their numbers are clearly marked to guide visitors. These altars are used for various rituals and prayers, reflecting the diversity of beliefs practiced within the temple.

What happened to the temple after the Angke Massacre of 1740?

After the Angke Massacre, in which the Dutch forces destroyed parts of the temple, Wihara Dharma Jaya was rebuilt in 1751. The temple's rebuilding symbolizes resilience and the enduring spirit of the Chinese community in Jakarta.

What is the significance of the original wooden pillars in the temple?

The original wooden pillars in the temple, which have been preserved since its construction, are significant because they survived the fire during the 1740 Dutch attack. These pillars serve as a testament to the temple's resilience and are an important part of its historical integrity.

Why is the temple's location in Glodok significant?

Glodok, known as Jakarta's Chinatown, is historically significant as the area where many Chinese settlers first arrived in Batavia. The temple's location near traditional markets, like Pasar Petak Enam and Pasar Petak Sembilan, underscores its cultural importance as a spiritual and community hub for the Chinese population.