Sendang Sriningsih

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3 ( 2 Voter(s) )

A. Overview

So far, most of us only know that Prambanan area has temples from ancient time—Prambanan, Ijo, Sewu, Sambisari, just to name a few. It actually has more. Not far from the temple complexes, there is a place of pilgrim for Catholics. The site is upon a hill and surrounded by shady trees. People call it Sendang Sriningsih (“Sriningsih Spring”).

At the beginning, Sendang Sriningsih complex was formerly a place sanctified by the local people. The place sits in Montorogo Hills and Mount Ijo and has a spring called Sendang Duren. People used to come there for meditation. The change took place in 1935, when Assistant Pastor of Klaten Parish D. Hardjosuwondo S.J. opened a new station called Stasi Jali in the village. He then intended to build a place of pilgrim and chose that Sendang Duren would make a good place.

The building was commenced soon. A grotto and a hall for religious activities were constructed. When it was done, the place was blessed and officially dedicated for Holy Mary. They also changed the name into Sendang Sriningsih, which means the medium of God’s blessings.

Today, the original spring cannot really be seen, but pilgrims can still take the water from the pond and fountains. The water symbolizes God’s blessings for all human. It is somehow interesting to know that the spring never dries out even in a long dry season.

B. Features

Situated at the height and surrounded by leafy vegetation, Sendang Sriningsih is a very comfortable place for worship. You can pray in front of the Maria Grotto or in the open hall near the spring. Your walk to the spring may likely be exhausting as you need to ascend hundreds of stairs through the woods. But it will also be an enjoyable walk as you can see the lovely scenery of Mount Merapi and the villages on the slope of the hill.

Sendang Sriningsih is not just a site of pilgrim. Every Kliwon Friday starting from 21.00 WIST, the place will hold Novena Mass, of which attendants can amount to 3000 people. The religious ritual shows an acculturation of Javanese culture and Catholicism. Praying in open air with night skies, stars, and trees will give a special spiritual experience to anyone.

One of the regular traditions in Sendang Sriningsih is called oncor (torch) procession. The procession is performed every 30 April and 30 September at 19.00 to mark the beginning of the month of Maria and the month of Rosario respectively. Pilgrims carry out the Stations of the Cross from Marganingsih Church to Sendang Sriningsih holding torches. The mass usually starts at 21.00 before the Maria Grotto.

C. Location

Sendang Sriningsih is situated upon a hill in Jali Hamlet, Gayamharjo Village, Prambanan Sub-district, Klaten Regency, Central Java Province.

D. Access

You can get to Sendang Sriningsih easily from Yogyakarta or Klaten, through Yogyakarta-Solo Highway where you will find Pandan Simping Gas Station. Beside the gas station, you take a left turn if you are from Yogyakarta, or right turn if you are from Klaten. Go ahead until you find Njali Traditional Market. Not far from there, there are a wide courtyard and Marganingsih Church. Sendang Sriningsih is upon the hill near the church. You have to walk from the parking lot to get to the spring and Maria Grotto.

E. Ticket

The caretakers of Sendang Sriningsih do not charge any money for pilgrims. However, they do welcome donation for upkeep.

F. Accommodations and Other Facilities

Sendang Sriningsih has a route of Stations of the Cross which starts from below and ends at the Maria Grotto upon the hill. Besides, it also has a chapel, a hall, food and souvenir stalls, public conveniences, and a spacious parking lot. For pilgrims from outside town, Merganingsih Church provides accommodation. The church has 3 guestrooms, 1 room for pastor, a kitchen, a dining room, and toilets. To use the room, you will have to tell the custodian first.

Text : Elisabeth Murni
Photo(s) : Collection of Jogjatrip.com
Translation : Reza Daffi
(Primary data and various sources)

Read : 2175 time(s).

If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:

Maharatu Tour and Travel

Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 27 Yogyakarta.
Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
Email : maharatu@maharatu.com -maharatu257@yahoo.com
Website : www.maharatu.com

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