Temple lashed by waves

Temple lashed by waves

PEKALONGAN, Central Java: A Hindu temple near Pasirsari beach east of Semarang is facing destruction from continuous exposure to waves.

Several parts of the Kesira Asnawa temple are flooded when the tide rises, said I Ketut Soklik, the head of the Pekalongan branch of the Parisadha Hindu Dharma Indonesia religious group.

Antara reported that several parts of the temple were already in very bad condition. Halls where ceremonial equipment is kept, and a procession hall capable of holding 200 people, can no longer be used.

The temple, erected in 1981, is the main place of worship for Hindus in Pekalongan and the neighboring areas of Pemalang and Batang.

Although the temple is often flooded, I Ketut said many Hindus still for ceremonial celebrations. The latest was the Galungan festival on Wednesday. (anr)