Puri Taman Saraswati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (literal meaning) Saraswati Temple (Puri) Park (Taman)

Goddess Saraswati at Puri Taman Saraswati 

A Stone depicting Temple details

Puri Saraswati Park is located in the Candi Cetho complex , Gumeng Village, District Jenawi, Karanganyar, Solo , Central Java , Indonesia on the slopes of Mount Lawu at an altitude of 1400 meters above sea level . The place is picturesque, surrounded by cluster of lush green Pine Trees.. Climate is chilly , soothing , refreshing , invigorating and quiet … some times foggy .. rainy ..complementing to all your Senses .

Steps to the Shrine

Front view  of  Goddess Saraswati Shrine 

Puri Taman Saraswati  amidst Pine Trees

Puri Saraswati is not only a cultural attraction but also a place to worship Hindu Goddess Saraswati. As per guide devotees gather at Puri Saraswati Park to celebrate Saraswati Day and perform ritual worship of Knowledge .” Hari Raya Saraswati “ is a Hindu Holiday in Indonesia to worship Godess Saraswati. Devotees keep away themselves from reading and writing to celebrate this day and make offerings to the Palm-leaf Manuscripts (Lontar), books and shrines (Temples). Hari Raya Saraswati is celebrated every 210-days on "Saniscara Umanis Wuku Watugunung"and marks the beginning of the New Year according to the Balinese calendar (Pawukon). Ceremonies , offerings and prayers are held at the Temples, in family compounds, villages and businesses from Morning till Noon. Prayers are also held in schools and any other such Educational Institutions.

Goddess Saraswati on a Lotus Flower supported by Her  Vahana (Vehicle) two Hamsa   (Swans)  

Magnificent view of the Shrine

As per Hindu Religion , Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of Knowledge and Arts .The statue of Goddess Saraswati is magnificent with four arms standing on a Lotus flower. The Lotus petals are supported by two Hamsa ( Swans) who are believed to be sacred Vahana (Vehicle) of the Goddess. Goddess is depicted here playing Sitar (Indian classical Musical Instrument). Gold color embellishments are enhancing grace of the Goddess.

Sendang Pundi Sari

 Stone at the bottom of the Pond as a symbol of "Femininity".  Like Indian ritual Flower petals and Coins are offered by devotees

Natural Spring Water Pond under a Huge Tree

Her shrines are usually located near water and on the left side of Puri Saraswati Park, there is "Sendang Pundi Sari" (Natural Water Spring pond ) under a huge Tree .The Spring Water of the Pond is crystal clear and chilled . One can notice a Stone at the bottom of the Spring Pond as a symbol of " Femininity " . Sendang Pundi Sari functions as a place for self-purifying and cleaning.

Puri Saraswati stands in the center whereas Kethek Temple is left side

Puri Saraswati Park is located in the" Candi Cetho " village complex. Location of Puri Saraswati stands in the center while at right side Cetho Temple and left side Kethek Temple is located. The area is marked with proper sign boards which is easily accessible by the tourists . Travellers have to pay entry ticket .

Patung Titi Banda - Wayang Epic Ramayana Sculpture at Denpasar , Bali , Indonesia

Patung Titi Banda - Depiction of Wayang Epic Ramayana

New Titi Banda Statue of Epic Ramayana stands on the outskirts of Denpasar , Bali , Indonesia. Like most Puppet Statues in Bali, Titi Banda Statue is Detailed , Beautiful, Majestic and Awesome.

" Titi Banda Sculpture Garden " is Magnificent and Monumental New Icon that became the Pride of the Citizens of Bali. The Sculpture has a high Artistic Value. Titi Banda statue itself tells the Epic Wayang Ramayana about Lord Rama who accompanied by His Monkey Troops is building a STONE bridge " Titi Banda " in the Middle of the Sea to save His wife Shinta (Devi Sita) from the hands of Ravana , The King of Alengka (Lanka) .

Lord Rama with an Arrow facing Eastward

The Height of this Sculpture is approximate 10 meters. Lord Rama is the main Character in the story .He is shown carrying an Arrow facing eastward, greeting everyone who enters Denpasar or simply pass by this place.

Surroundings of the Sculpture are Monkey statues and Lord Rama is  shown surrounded by Monkeys. All including Lord Rama, standing on the Sea Waves.

Lord Rama surrounded by Monkeys

Sea Wave

Titi Banda Sculpture displays Rama, as the Main Character who is making arrangements to save her wife from the hands of Ravana in Lanka. Lord Rama is being assisted by Wanara or apes (Monkey Troops ) consisting of 18 Heads, five of them are Chief of the Monkeys (Wanaras). Statue of Lord Rama is main which stands in the middle of the Sculpture Story.

Two Chiefs of the Monkey stands on the left and right side of Lord Rama. Three others are Commanders standing in each corner of the Pedestal. Commander of the Monkeys are larger than other Monkey Soldiers. The Statue was designed with the concept of Cultural approach and filled with the meaning of Mutual Assistance and Loyalty.

As planned on 2015, The Denpasar Sanitation and Landscaping Agency (DKP) added the " Patung Titi Banda ". The Sculpture is Majestic and Glorious. DKP adds 15 Monkey Statues, 11 Statues are small and 4 Statues are big with 2 colors - yellow and red . DKP spent approximate 300 million rupiah on the Sculpture.

Park Titi Banda located at the edge of Jalan by pass Ngurah Rai, or precisely in the way Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra, Denpasar City. Its location is very strategic, because it is a three - way meeting that is South of Sanur Beach, East of Karangasem and North of Gianyar. The position of the Titi Banda statue is facing eastward, as if welcoming everyone who will enter the city of Denpasar from the East of Karang Asem or Klungkung.

As per Denpasar City Government  this statue (Statue of Titi Banda) is expected to become a New Icon of Denpasar City.  The park around the statue will be enjoyed by the public because the location is very strategic ie the entrance of Denpasar City from the East, "said Head of Sanitation and Garden City of Denpasar Ketut Wisada.