Wacana: Journal of the Humanities of Indonesia
Vol. 26, No. 3

Tracing the transformation of the "ruwatan" rituals in Java from the fifteenth to the twenty–first century

Wijayanto, Muhammad Heno (Unknown)
Suparta, I Made (Unknown)
Setyani, Turita Indah (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Oct 2025

Abstract

This article explores the transformation of ruwatan (purification) rituals in Java from the fifteenth century to the twenty-first century, focusing on the changes that occurred based on archaeological relics and texts related to ruwatan rituals. A thorough study in connecting archaeological relics, such as reliefs in Sukuh Temple, with puja (ritual worship) texts used in ruwatan rituals and the transformation of these texts from their origins within Kawi culture through to the Islamic period and the present day, has not been attempted. This research aims to identify and analyse the transformation of ruwatan rituals from the fifteenth century, as reflected in the reliefs at Sukuh Temple and in texts such as Aji Saraswati and Bhīma Swarga, to texts of the modern era, including the Serat Centhini, Serat Hong Ilaheng, and Lakon Wayang Ruwatan Murwakala. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining archaeological and manuscript-based research, this study shows how ruwatan rituals remain relevant and adapt to the changing socio-cultural context of Java, maintaining cosmological balance and strengthening the order of Javanese society over time.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

publication:wacana

Publisher

Subject

Arts Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Library & Information Science Social Sciences

Description

Wacana, Journal of the Humanities of Indonesia is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published by the Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia. It invites original articles on various issues within humanities, which include but are not limited to philosophy, literature, archaeology, ...