Menelusuri Jejak Sejarah: Makam Dewa Bernua dan Hyang Talang Tuo di Palembang

Abstract

This study highlights two historically significant sites in Palembang that hold deep cultural and spiritual value: the Tomb of Dewa Bernua and Hyang Talang Tuo. Both sites are believed to be remnants from the golden era of the Srivijaya Kingdom and reflect the belief systems and religious practices of South Sumatran communities prior to the arrival of Islam. By combining data from local history, archaeological findings, and oral narratives from the community, this research traces the overlooked yet meaningful cultural heritage of the region. Hyang Talang Tuo is closely associated with the Talang Tuo Inscription, which contains Mahayana Buddhist teachings and values related to social and spiritual welfare. Meanwhile, the Tomb of Dewa Bernua is regarded as a site of worship dedicated to a regional guardian figure, locally known in cosmological terms as the “dewa bumi” or earth deity, symbolizing the connection between humans, nature, and unseen protective forces. The aim of this study is to explore and reveal the cosmological meanings and historical significance of these two sites in order to understand how the local worldview was shaped and passed down through generations. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes the importance of preserving local cultural heritage as a vital part of Palembang’s historical identity, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Indonesian archipelago, and as an invaluable asset in the broader narrative of the nation’s history.