Padmasana and the Aesthetic of the Sacred: Symbol and Spiritual Experience at Pura Jagatnatha Yogyakarta

Abstract

The Padmasana, a central element of Hindu temple architecture, embodies the intersection of art, spirituality, and philosophy. This study examines the aesthetic and symbolic dimensions of the Padmasana at Pura Jagatnatha Yogyakarta through a philosophical–semiotic approach, integrating Roland Barthes’ theory of signs with the concept of the aesthetic of the sacred. Beyond its architectural form, the Padmasana represents a visual articulation of transcendence–linking the earthly, spiritual, and divine realms (triloka). Each component, from the lotus base to the Garuda and dragon figures, reveals a layered symbolism that unites Hindu cosmology with local Javanese–Balinese cultural expressions. Through field observation and interpretive analysis, this research reveals that the Padmasana functions as both a symbolic structure and an aesthetic experience of the sacred. It reflects the spiritual ascent of the human soul toward the divine while expressing values of harmony, balance, and universality. By highlighting how regional adaptations preserve philosophical depth within artistic form, the study contributes to understanding sacred architecture as a medium of cultural continuity and spiritual reflection in modern Hindu aesthetics.