PARAHYANGAN Meaning and
Definition
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Parahyangan is a term used in Indonesian culture and Hindu-Buddhist traditions to refer to a concept that holds great significance in both religious and geographical contexts. It is derived from the Sanskrit words "para" meaning high or sacred, and "hyang" meaning divine or spiritual beings. Collectively, Parahyangan represents the divine realm or the abode of deities.
In the religious context, Parahyangan is often associated with the highest level of spiritual consciousness and enlightenment. It is believed to be a realm beyond the physical world, transcending ordinary human existence. In this sense, it represents a state of ultimate bliss, purity, and union with the divine. Parahyangan embodies the celestial and ethereal dimensions, which are often depicted with majestic mountains, heavenly gardens, and divine palaces in mythical tales and religious art.
From a geographical perspective, Parahyangan refers to the highlands or elevated areas in West Java, Indonesia. It encompasses the mountainous region around Bandung, Garut, and Cianjur. These areas are considered sacred and closely associated with mystical powers, ancient temples, and spiritual practices.
Overall, Parahyangan represents the convergence of the physical and metaphysical realms, bridging the gap between the mortal and the divine. It embodies the divine presence in the higher realms, the spiritual destination sought by individuals on their journey towards enlightenment, and the earthly landscapes that reflect the sacredness and beauty of the divine realm.
Etymology of PARAHYANGAN
The word "parahyangan" comes from the Sundanese language, which is spoken by the Sundanese people of West Java, Indonesia.
The etymology of "parahyangan" can be broken down into two parts. The first part, "para", means "the place of" or "the land of" in Sundanese. The second part, "hyang" or "hȳang", represents a spiritual and divine essence in the traditional Sundanese belief system. It refers to the unseen sacred beings, deities, or ancestors.
Therefore, "parahyangan" can be translated as "the land of the divine" or "the place of the sacred" in Sundanese. It is often used to describe the spiritual and holy mountains of West Java, which are believed to be the dwelling place of these divine beings and have important religious significance in Sundanese culture.
