The Story of Giriloyo Grand Mosque and the Tomb of Sultan Agung's Uncle in Imogiri, Bantul
Mataram Sultanate ruler Sultan Agung left behind numerous mosque legacies, including Giriloyo Grand Mosque located in Cengkehan, Wukirsari, Imogiri, Bantul. The mosque was constructed before the royal cemetery complex of Mataram rulers in Imogiri.
Giriloyo Grand Mosque is situated on hillsides, requiring visitors to climb dozens of steps to reach it. Upon arrival, there is a pond serving as the ritual ablution location for worshippers before entering the mosque.
Inside Giriloyo Grand Mosque, the roof is constructed from wood, and the interior features a pulpit in the corner and an ancient drum positioned at the rear of the main prayer hall.
Deni Rahman, caretaker of Giriloyo Grand Mosque and cemetery, explained that Sultan Agung originally intended to establish a cemetery complex for his family on Giriloyo hill. After completion of the cemetery, construction of Giriloyo Grand Mosque was to follow. The architectural design of both the cemetery and mosque was undertaken by Ki Juru Wiro Probo. However, upon completion of construction, one of Sultan Agung’s relatives died.
“In those days, Sultan Agung was building the cemetery here. It happened that his uncle, Panembahan Juminah, died first and was buried here,” Deni told detikJogja in Cengkehan, Wukirsari, Imogiri, Bantul on Tuesday 24 February 2026.
Subsequently, Sultan Agung decided to establish the main cemetery elsewhere, at Pajimatan, now known as the cemetery of Mataram rulers. The distance between Giriloyo cemetery and Pajimatan cemetery is approximately one kilometre.
“In honour of him, Sultan Agung built at Pajimatan, Imogiri. So which came first between Pajimatan and Giriloyo cemeteries? The oldest is this one here,” he explained.
Deni clarified that the mosque at Giriloyo cemetery was built specifically for conducting funeral prayers before burial. “This mosque is a palace-owned mosque. The original building structure remains preserved to this day, as does the drum, although its skin has been replaced,” he said.
Furthermore, Deni highlighted that Giriloyo Grand Mosque is distinguished by the presence of a pond in front of the building, which worshippers regularly use for ritual ablution. According to him, the pond has recently undergone repairs to its fence.
“In ancient times, mosques were characteristically accompanied by ponds in front. The philosophy is that one must achieve spiritual purity before entering the mosque. The fence is merely an addition,” he explained.
Additionally, Deni disclosed that Giriloyo Grand Mosque continues to serve active worship purposes, including five daily congregational prayers. “During Ramadan, we hold breaking-of-fast gatherings, evening prayers, and regular religious lectures. For special occasions, we hold religious lectures every Sunday of the Wage week,” said Rahman.