Sojomerto inscription


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, it was initially dated to 7th century, but later redated, on palaeographic grounds, to the early 9th century. 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. The text consists of 11 lines, most of them being unclear and eroded.

Interpretation

The inscription is largely in Sanskrit, and it's a dedication text likely glorifying a royal figure associated with the Śailendra dynasty. Here's a line-by-line interpretation:
  1. … aryayon śrī sāta …
"... noble one, Śrī Sāta..."
→ Possibly referring to a respected or exalted figure using honorific titles.
  1. … _ ā kotī
"... the supreme one,"
→ Indicates exaltation—possibly a divine or royal title like "parama kotī".
  1. oṃ namaḥ Śivāya
"Salutations to Lord Śiva."
→ A classic invocation used in Shaivism, showing religious devotion.
  1. bhatāra parameśva-
" the revered one, the Supreme Lord..."
→ Suggesting Śiva as Parameśvara, or could be a deified ruler.
  1. -ra śarva daiva ku sāṁva hiya
"...Lord Śarva, all-divine, brave and fortunate..."
→ Continues the invocation, highlighting divine qualities and possibly linking them to a royal figure.
  1. –mih inan –is-ānda dapū-
"...who bestows strength/power/dominion to the..."
→ A divine figure empowering the ruling class.
  1. -nta Śailaindra namah Shāntanu
"... Śailendra, obeisance of Shāntanu."
→ A link between Shāntanu and the Śailendra lineage, possibly invoking reverence or continuity.
  1. namānda bāpanda bhadravati
" salutes the father, Bhadravati,"
→ Showing respect to a paternal figure—likely a noble or revered ancestor.
  1. namanda ayanda sampūla
"Salutes the ancestor/grandfather Sampūla"
→ Emphasizing lineage and ancestral reverence.
  1. namanda vanita Śailaindra namah
"Salutes the lady/woman of the Śailendra, obeisance"
→ Acknowledging a royal woman—could be a queen or matriarchal figure.
  1. Amoghapāśa lempevāṃih
"May it avoid the snare of failure, 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 and a noblewoman, indicating a strong emphasis on lineage.
  • Ends with a prayer for continued fortune, invoking Amoghapāśa.
This inscription thus serves both a religious and political function: sanctifying the royal house and affirming its divine support and enduring legacy.