The tomb of King Pajimatan Imogiri is situated in the Pajimatan Hamlet, Girirejo, Imogiri, Bantul. The location of this tomb is approximately 17 kilometers south of the city center of Yogyakarta. The complex of this tomb is located on the peak of Bukit Merak with an elevation of 85 meters above sea level. The tomb's position on top of the hill provides it with a beautiful view.
The complex of the Pajimatan Imogiri Tomb consists of tombs of the kings descended from Mataram, starting from the era of Mataram Islam until the period when the kingdom was divided into Yogyakarta and Surakarta. The historical significance of this tomb complex is immense, as it represents the rich cultural heritage and royal lineage of the Mataram kingdom. Visitors to this site can witness the grandeur and architectural beauty of the tombs, reflecting the glory of the past.
The serene and picturesque surroundings of the Pajimatan Imogiri Tomb complex make it a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts alike. The elevated location of the tombs offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area, creating a tranquil atmosphere for visitors to explore and appreciate the historical legacy of the Mataram kingdom. The intricate details and design of the tombs showcase the craftsmanship and artistry of the past, making it a must-visit site for those interested in Indonesian history and culture.
The name "Pajimatan" originates from the word "jimat," which means something that possesses the power to protect against various negative forces. Therefore, when the word "pajimatan" is used to name this burial complex, it can be interpreted as the final resting place of the Mataram Kings, who are believed to possess supernatural powers and can protect the Mataram Kingdom from various negative elements that may threaten its security. Additionally, the name Pajimatan is also used to refer to the village located beneath the burial complex. The residents of this village are servants of the Yogyakarta and Surakarta Palaces who are tasked with managing the Pajimatan Imogiri Burial Complex.
The construction of the Pajimatan Imogiri Burial Complex was initiated by Sultan Agung. Since the Mataram government center was relocated from Kotagede to Kerto in 1540 Saka (1616 AD), Sultan Agung had planned to build a burial site outside the Hastorenggo Tomb (Kotagede) as his ancestral tomb. There are many myths surrounding the construction of this burial complex. One of the myths tells the story of how Sultan Agung chose the location for the tomb by grasping sand and throwing it. Wherever the sand fell, that was where he wanted to be buried.
Initially, the sand that was thrown fell in the Giriloyo area. Sultan Agung initially built his tomb in that area. However, during its construction, Sultan Agung's uncle and the overseer of the Giriloyo Tomb construction, Panembahan Juminah (Sultan Cirebon), passed away and was buried in Giriloyo. Eventually, Sultan Agung threw the sand again, and it fell on Bukit Merak, where he then built his tomb.
The Babad Momana mentions that the construction of the Imogiri Tomb Complex began in the year 1554 Saka (1632 AD) and was completed in the year 1566 Saka (1645 AD). The use of the tombs for the first time was in the year 1568 Saka (1644 AD) when Sultan Agung passed away. Since then, the Imogiri Tomb Complex has been used as the burial place for the Kings of Mataram and their descendants. Overall, the Imogiri Tomb Complex is divided into eight sections known as Astan/Kedhaton. These eight Astanas are: Astana Sultan Agungan, Astana Paku Buwanan, Astan Suwargan, Astan Besiyaran, Astana Saptorenggo, Astana Kaswargan, Astana Kaping Sangan, and Astan Kaping Sedasan.
In Astana Sultan Agungan and Astana Paku Buwanan, there are tombs of the kings who ruled Mataram before the kingdom was divided into two. In Astana Sultan Agungan, there are the tombs of Sultan Agung and Susuhunan Amangkurat II (Amral). In Astana Pakubawanan, there are the tombs of Susuhunan Paku Buwana I (Pangeran Puger), Susuhunan Amangkurat IV, and Susuhunan Paku Buwana II.
The other six Astanas are divided into two sections, one for the kings of Surakarta located in the west wing and one for the kings of Yogyakarta located in the east wing. The Astana for the Kasunanan Surakarta is Astana Kasuwargan, which contains the tombs of Susuhunan Paku Buwana III, IV, and V. In Astana Kaping Sangan, there are the tombs of Susuhunan Paku Buwana VI, VII, VIII, and IX. In Astan Kaping Sedasan, there are the tombs of Susuhunan Paku Buwana X, XI, and XII. As for the Astana for the Kasultanan Yogyakarta, it is Astana Suwargan which houses the tombs of Sultan Hamengku Buwana I and III. Additionally, in Astan Besiyaran, there are the tombs of Sultan Hamengku Buwana IV, V, and VI. In Astana Saptorenggo there are the tombs of Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII, VIII and IX.
The different Astana in Antara Astana are separated by walls with gate-shaped entrances. In addition to the surrounding walls that separate the Astana, there are also walls within the Astana that serve to divide the Astana's courtyard. This division of the courtyard aims to separate the sacred and non-sacred areas. Each Astana is divided into several courtyards, with the backmost courtyard (the topmost one) being the most sacred because it contains the tombs of the kings. The courtyards are connected by stairs and gateways called paduraksa and candi bentar.
The tomb complex is broadly divided into three parts: a. Astana Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat. The tombs of the Surakarta kings are divided into four hastana; c. The right wing (east) is the tombs of the Yogyakarta Hadiningrat kings. The tombs of the Yogyakarta kings are divided into three hastana. It is better for the DIY Cultural Office to have a blueprint, site plan, or layout of this tomb complex. This is because as time goes by, the tomb complex will continue to develop, and having digital data will facilitate its documentation.