Sunda Wiwitan

Sunda Wiwitan
Sunda Wiwitan
The Cakra Flower is a symbol of Sunda Wiwitan
AbbreviationWiwitan
TypeFolk religion
ScriptureSanghyang Siksa Kandang Karesian
GovernanceNational Sunda Wiwitan Religious Council of the Republic Indonesia
Region
Language
HeadquartersWest Java
RecognitionOfficially recognized by Indonesian government
Members
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Sunda Wiwitan is a folk religion and ancient beliefs adhered to by the Sundanese peoples (including Baduy & Bantenese) in Indonesia.[1]

The followers of this belief system can be found in some villages in western Java, such as Kanekes, Lebak, Banten; Ciptagelar of Kasepuhan Banten Kidul, Cisolok, Sukabumi; Kampung Naga; and Cigugur, Kuningan Regency. In Carita Parahyangan this faith is called Jatisunda. Its practitioners assert that Sunda Wiwitan has been part of their way of life since ancient times, before the arrival of Hinduism and Islam.

The sacred book of Sunda Wiwitan is called Sanghyang Siksa Kandang Karesian. It is a didactic text of religious and moral guidance, rules, and lessons. The text is identified as Kropak 630 by the National Library of Indonesia. According to the kokolot (elder) of Cikeusik village, the people of Kanekes are not adherents to Hindu or Buddhist faiths; they follow an animistic system of belief that venerates and worships the spirits of ancestors. However, over the course of time, Sunda Wiwitan has been influenced by and incorporated Hindu and, to some extent, Islamic elements.[2]

  1. ^ Ekadjati, Edi S (1995). Kebudayaan Sunda, Suatu Pendekatan Sejarah. Jakarta: Pustaka Jaya. pp. 72–73.
  2. ^ Djajadiningrat, P.A.Achmad (1936). Kenang-Kenangan P.A.A. Djajadiningrat. Djokja: Kolffbuning. pp. 11–12.