Sang Cipta Rasa Grand Mosque Preserves Cirebon's Islamic Heritage

RRI.CO.ID, Cirebon - Masjid Agung Sang Cipta Rasa (Sang Cipta Rasa Grand Mosque), preserves Indonesia's Islamic heritage and cultural diversity. The historic mosque stands within the Kasepuhan Palace complex in Cirebon, Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Built around 1480, the mosque was initiated by Sunan Gunung Jati with support from Sunan Kalijaga and other Wali Songo. It is regarded as Cirebon's oldest mosque and an important center of Islamic propagation in West Java.

The mosque was established following a proposal from Ratu Mas Akungwaki, Sunan Gunung Jati's wife. The proposal came as the previous prayer place, known as Tajug, could no longer accommodate the growing congregation.

Sunan Kalijaga led the construction with architect Raden Sepat from Majapahit and hundreds of workers from Demak. The project reflected cooperation between different communities during the early development of Islam in Java.

The mosque's architecture reflects cultural acculturation involving Javanese, Majapahit, and Chinese influences. Its pendopo-style design, a traditional Javanese pavilion structure, does not feature a dome.

The mosque also has nine low entrances, each measuring around 160 centimeters in height. The design encourages worshippers to bow when entering, symbolizing respect and humility, or tawadhu.

Another distinctive feature is the Tata pillar, made from arranged pieces of wood rather than one solid timber. The mosque also maintains Adzan Pitu, a tradition where seven muazzins simultaneously deliver the call to prayer.

Adzan Pitu is traditionally believed to have been practiced as a response to an outbreak in the past. The mosque also has the Beduk Druk Drak tradition, involving drum beating at 11 p.m. during Ramadan to enliven the night with worship.

The mosque is also known as Masjid Pakungwati because of its location within the former Pakungwati Palace. The name Sang Cipta Rasa is associated with grandeur, creation, and use, while its heritage remains preserved through continued worship.

Today, Masjid Agung Sang Cipta Rasa remains an active place of worship and a historical landmark. Its continued use reflects Indonesia's rich Islamic heritage and the cultural diversity that shaped its development.