THE ROYAL CEMETERY OF MATARAM KINGDOMS IN IMOGIRI

Location

If you are interested in historical trip, this place will be a good alternative to

consider: the royal cemetery of Imogiri on the top of the named Imogiri the name of which derives from the old Javanese words of “Imo” which means ‘mist’ and “Giri” which means “hill”. It is said such a name was given to refer a ‘permanently misty hill’. It is only about 17 kilometers away from Yogyakarta town and is accessible by bus or taxi.

The burial ground complex was built in 1631 by the third king of the former Mataram Kingdom, Sultan Agung, who was the first of his line to be buried there. Since the partition of Mataram Kingdom into “Kasultanan Ngayogyakarta” and “Kasunanan Surakarta” in 1755, the kings of both kingdoms have their own grave compounds on either side.

The cemetery complex is consists of three major royal houses: Mataram in the center, Surakarta on the left, and Yogyakarta on the right, containing eight graves with their respective Hindu-style gateways.



Mystique

Those who visit the cemetery will have to step on hundreds of stairs. The exact number is said to be 409, but visitors hardly get the exact count. Due to its steep and long way, visitors are suggested to zigzag their way up in order to lessen exhaustion.

Grave visit has been a long-standing ritual for the Javanese (at least once a year, in the month Ruwah in Javanese calendar). Javanese people treat their ancestors or those they respect much, in great veneration. A visit to the royal graves for the Javanese takes sense of pilgrimage, a traditional practice rooting in the belief of animism. The general purpose of visit is either a contemplation to take good examples the persons buried underground have set, or else, wish blessing for good luck.

Imogiri symbolizes Javanese attachment to their ancestors and their rulers. Because it is the place where many of Yogyakarta and Surakarta Kings are buried, it becomes a very important place for ancestor worship.

Mythical atmosphere is easily felt in Imogiri. As it is believed that the late Sultans were supernaturally powerful, a lot of people make some request for their blessings. Students wishing to pass exams, childless married couples, businessmen lacking profit, employees wishing for better job, are some of the visitors. They believe in finding out the best way to solve their problems, or reach goals, by contemplating or performing ascetic practice.

Most of the graves are in the thick wooden grave houses. The smell of flowers and burning incense spreads over the entire space of the grave house, render a mystique aura to the place. The custodian sitting cross-legged in Javanese clothes will serve the visitors. After short service, he gives flowers wrapped in Banana leaves which the believers think it can give a good omen. Foreign visitors will be favored to ge earlier turn to visitthan the domestic ones. Another popular destination for pilgrims is the tomb of Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX who passed away in 1988. The many visitors to his graves are a testimony to his immense popularity.



Customs and Manners of Visit

There is no fixed ticket price. You are requested to ‘voluntarily donate’ some amount of money. Sadly, you are reqested to do so at different places. Just give it once at the top. nowhere else.

The customs and orders of visit to the royal grave of Imogiri are as follow:

Visitors are required to wear a set of traditional Javanese attire available for rent at moderate price at the administration office. Males will have to wear a ‘kain batik’ wrapped around the lower body. Bared upper body is allowed. But it will be appreciated if they wear a full uniform (‘kain batik’ for lower body, a long-sleeved and high-collared shirt, and a special cap). Females will have to wear ‘kain batik’, batik breast towel, bare shouldered.
Making picture of the inner graveyard is not allowed. Visitors must leave cameras, video cameras, and other photographic equipments at the administration office. Picture making at the outside graveyard is permitted with prior permission.
No wearing gold ornaments, jewelry (necklace, bracelet, earrings) is permitted. However you may put them in your bag and bring them with you.
No carrying any weapon is permitted.
Female visitors in period are not allowed to enter the inner courtyard.
Foreign visitors are supposed to pay for admission tickets, cloth rent, and camera tax, at the registration office. Other charges are beyond obligation.
Visitors are required to leave belongings at the administration office. Be sure the official staff will look after them.