Sojomerto inscription (; ; ; ) is an inscription discovered at the Sojomerto village of Reban in the Batang Regency of Central Java, Indonesia. Written in Old Malay using the Brahmic writing system (most probably Old Javanese), it is dated to the early 9th century using palaeographic method. The inscription is currently in situ or on location, and Shivaist in nature.
The inscription was carved on an andesite stone 43 cm wide, 7 cm thick, and 78 cm tall.Situs Kabupaten Batang, diakses 7 Juni 2007 The text consists of 11 lines, most of them being unclear and eroded.
Content
Transliteration LineTransliteration (IAST) Devanagariequivalent Translation1… …… आर्य श्री शत …… Aryan [High(?)] hundred honor, (equivalent to Royal Highness) 2… _ … अकोटि / कोटि… the supreme one,3 ॐ नमः शिवाय O salutations to the auspicious one (esp. Shiva)! 4 अवतार परमेश्व- avatar (incarnation) of the Highest Lo-5 -र सर्व दैव कु शंव हेय -rd, the All divine courageous fortune 6– मिह् इनाम महिना वन्द रजपू- [who] sprinkle strength/power/dominion to the Rājpū-7 -त शैलेन्द्र नमः शान्तनु -tra (ruler) of Shailendra dynasty, obeisance of Shāntanu8 नमत बाप भद्रवती[which] saluted [the] father Bhadravati,9 नमत आर्यअण्ड सांवलाsaluted [the] grandparent Sampula10 नमत वनिता शैलेन्द्र नमःsaluted [the] woman/lady of Shailendra, obeisance11 अमोघपाश लम्भवामि so that it may never [experience] Amoghapāśa (strangled in bankruptcy/failure), and [may it] longlastWord spacing and meaning not clear.
Interpretation
The inscription is largely in Sanskrit (with some mantras), and it's a dedication text likely glorifying a royal figure associated with the Śailendra dynasty. Here's a line-by-line interpretation:
… …"... noble one, Śrī Sāta ..."→ Possibly referring to a respected or exalted figure (perhaps the main subject of the inscription) using honorific titles. … _ "... the supreme one,"→ Indicates exaltation—possibly a divine or royal title like "parama kotī" (the highest tier). "Salutations to Lord Śiva."→ A classic invocation used in Shaivism, showing religious devotion. "[To] the revered one, the Supreme Lord..."→ Suggesting Śiva as Parameśvara, or could be a deified ruler. "...Lord Śarva (another name of Śiva), all-divine, brave and fortunate..."→ Continues the invocation, highlighting divine qualities and possibly linking them to a royal figure. "...who bestows strength/power/dominion to the..."→ A divine figure (likely Śiva) empowering the ruling class. "... Śailendra (dynasty), obeisance of Shāntanu."→ A link between Shāntanu (a person or ancestor) and the Śailendra lineage, possibly invoking reverence or continuity. "[It] salutes the father, Bhadravati,"→ Showing respect to a paternal figure—likely a noble or revered ancestor. "Salutes the ancestor/grandfather Sampūla"→ Emphasizing lineage and ancestral reverence. "Salutes the lady/woman of the Śailendra [dynasty], obeisance"→ Acknowledging a royal woman—could be a queen or matriarchal figure. "May it avoid the snare of failure (Amoghapāśa), may it last long."→ A wish or blessing for enduring success and prosperity, avoiding downfall.
Overall, the Sojomerto inscription is a devotional and royal eulogy that: Opens with an invocation to Śiva, praising Him as Parameśvara and Śarva. Ties divine blessing to the Śailendra dynasty, suggesting divine legitimacy or favor. Shows reverence to several ancestors (Bhadravati, Sampūla) and a noblewoman, indicating a strong emphasis on lineage. Ends with a prayer for continued fortune, invoking Amoghapāśa (symbolizing escape from failure).
This inscription thus serves both a religious and political function: sanctifying the royal house and affirming its divine support and enduring legacy.
See also Canggal inscription (732) Kalasan inscription (778) Kelurak inscription (782) Manjusrigrha inscription (792) Karangtengah inscription (824) Tri Tepusan inscription (842)
References