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.

Pura Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple) in Bali Indonesia

Pura (Luhur) Uluwatu (Uluwatu Temple) is Balinese Sea Temple ( Pura Segara ) located 30 kilometers to the South of Denpasar in Pecatu Village, Kuta Sub-district, Badung District , Bali . The Temple is regarded as one of the Six Sad Kahyangan Temples , the Main Spiritual Pillars in Bali Island. Temple is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his manifestation as Rudra.

Sea View from Cliff - Uluwatu Temple

The temple (pura in Balinese) is built at the edge (ulu) of a 70 meter high cliff or rock (watu) facing the Vast Indian Ocean. In folklore, this rock is said to be part of Dewi Danu's petrified barque , (Dewi Danu is the water goddess of the Balinese Hindus, who call their belief-system Agama Tirta, or belief-system of the water. She is one of two supreme deities in the Balinese tradition.)

There are two different opinions concerning the history of Uluwatu Temple.

1. First Opinions, Some people believe that the temple was built by Empu Kuturan in 9th AD, during Marakata’s reign.

2. Second Opinions, Other people claim that the temple was built by Dang Hyang Nirartha, a pedanda (Hindu monk) from Daha Kingdom (Kediri) in East Java. Dang Hyang Nirartha came to Bali in 1546 AD, during the reign of Dalem Waturenggong. The monk built Uluwatu Temple on Pecatu Hill. After completing a spiritual journey around Bali, the monk went back to Uluwatu Temple and died there. He attained moksa (died and his body vanished), leaving the Marcapada (worldly life) and entering Swargaloka (heaven).

The Balinese Hindus believe that the three divine powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva become one here. That belief results in making Uluwatu Temple a place of worship of Siva Rudra, the Balinese Hindu deity of all elements and aspects of life in the universe. Uluwatu Temple is also dedicated to protect Bali from evil sea spirits.

The inner court is an open space paved with stone floor. There is a wooden building near the north gate. To the west, across from the entrance path, there is a Paduraksa Gate that opens the path into the next inner court. Unlike the ones found outside, this stone gate is completed with roof. The door is an arch framed with an arrangement of stones.There is a sculpture of a giant head above the frame. The top of the gate looks like a crown and it is decorated with relief sculpture. The gaps between the gate and the walls are filled with a surface full of relief sculpture. There is a small rectangular court to the south that stretches out above the sea.

God Ganesh Statue at the First Entrance Gate

There is a wooden construction at the end of the court that seems to be a place where people can sit and watch the ocean. Uluwatu Temple has undergone several restorations. In 1999, a lightning struck the temple and caused fire.

Lord Ganesh Statue at the First Entrance Gate

Uluwatu Temple sits on a 70-meter-high cliff protruding above Indonesian Ocean. Because of its unique location, visitors to the temple have to take a long stone stairway to reach it. The temple heads east, unlike other Balinese temples which face west or south. There are two doors at the end of the path, the north door and the south one, through which visitors enter the temple complex.

The entrance doors take the shape of stone Bentar gates. Standing across from each gate, there are two statues of elephant-headed men. The front part of the gate is decorated with fine relief sculpture picturing leaves and flowery patterns. Behind the gate, there are stone steps that lead to the inner court. Along the steps, trees are grown to provide shade.

A small forest lies at the front and hundreds of monkeys dwell here. They are believed to guard the temple from bad influences.

Temple view from the Cliff

The serpentine pathway to the temple is fortified by concrete walls on the cliff side. It takes about an hour to get from one end to another as there are several fenced points along the way to stop.

Sea bottom view from the Cliff

The view of the bottom of  water surging up against rocks and the ocean horizon are remarkable.

Every six months according to the Balinese 210-day Pawukon cycle, big temple anniversary celebrations are held at the temple. The temple's keeper, the royal family of Jro Kuta from Denpasar, are patrons for the event. Believers regard it as a manifestation of the divine power that protects Uluwatu Temple. Public facilities are available, but not in the temple area. Unlike some other tourist destinations in Bali, Pura Uluwatu area has limited amounts of hassling vendors.

Climbing the stairs to get a closer view of the pagoda temple we found most of the site closed off from visitors. many of the temples we visited in Bali to either be closed to visitors all the time or during periods of worship.

sea view and paths to the other side. It was beautiful and tranquil – for a while.

Statue of Kumbakarna Karebut - an angry “Monkey God"

When you walk back down the “down” path, you can catch a glimpse of the courtyard at the bottom adorned with a statue of Kumbakarna Karebut (what looked like an angry “monkey god”). Statues presented another one of the interesting faces of Bali we captured. The statue emotions were easy to understand. Maybe he was supposed to be keeping the monkeys in line at this site? But the monkeys did not seem to be listening. Not only did they accost you as you walked the paths, they made sure to be around to say goodbye as you were leaving!

The entrance fee included a sarong for each of us to cover our legs. We would _nd this a standard requirement at most of the Hindu temples we visited. If you bring your own sarong or have long pants or a long skirt, you will be ok without a Temple sarong. We found it interesting that you only had to cover your legs. Visitors have to wear a sarong and a sash, as well as appropriate clothes common for Temple visits. They can be hired here.

Kecak and Fire Dance Performance at the adjacent cliff-top

The best time to visit is just before sunset. Kecak and Fire Dance Performance is performed everyday at the adjacent cliff-top stage at 18:00 to 19:00.What makes it the most favourite venue to watch a Kecak dance is the sunset background of the performance.

The Piodalan or ceremony commemorating the temple’s anniversary is held on Anggara Kasih day, in wuku Medangsia in Caka calendar. Usually the ceremony lasts for three days thronged by of thousands of Hindus.

Sad Kahyangan Jagad - Six Main Temples of Bali , Indonesia

Sad Kahyangan Temples

Sad Kahyangan or Sad Kahyangan Jagad are the Six Holiest Places of Worship in Bali. These Six Main temples are believed as the pillars of Bali. The word “Sad” is derived from Sanskrit word means “six” and “Kahyangan” means “Place of Gods.” According to Balinese beliefs, they are the Pivotal Points of the Island, and are meant to provide Spiritual Balance to Bali.

Below are these Six Temples:

1. Besakih

Besakih Temple is a complex of temples located in Besakih Village, District of Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia. The complex of Besakih Temple consists of 18 temples and 1 main temple. Besakih Temple is the main temple of all temples in Bali. Among the temples in the complex of Besakih Temple, Penataran Agung Temple is the biggest, the highest in the number of “pelinggih” (small temple for specific God), the highest in the kind of offerings, and the center of all temples in the complex of Besakih Temple. In Penataran Agung Temple there are 3 main pelinggih of Tri Murti, they are Brahma who is the Creator of Universe, Wisnu as the Caretaker, and Siwa as the Destroyer.

2. Lempuyang

In various sources and Manuscript or Ancient Inscription there are three big temples that are usually mentioned, they are Besakih, Ulun Danu Batur and Lempuyang. Lempuyang is located on top of the Bisbis Hill or Lempuyang Mountain, Karangasem. This temple is estimated as the oldest temple in Bali. Moreover, it's existence is believed from the era when Hinduism and Buddhism had not entered in Bali. Lempuyang temple is the place of Hyang Gni Jaya or Iswara.

3. Goa Lawah

Goa Lawah means Bat Cave. In Bali, Goa Lawah Temple is a temple for worshipping Sea God. This temple could be found in Pesinggahan Village, Dawan District, Klungkung. Goa Lawah is the main temple of Pura Segara (Sea temple) in Bali. The story in Prekempa Gunung Agung manuscript tells that Lord Siwa send Sang Hyang Tri Murti (Brahma, Wisnu, and Iswara) to save the earth. Brahma went down to the earth manifested as Ananta Bhoga Dragon. On the other hands, Wisnu manifested as Basuki Dragon and Iswara transformed into Taksaka Dragon. Basuki Dragon, the manifestation of Wisnu had his head down to the ocean stirring the water so that the steam became cloud. His tail became the mountains and the scales became trees forming dense forests. It is said that the head of Basuki Dragon is symbolized by Goa Lawah Temple and its mounted tail is symbolized by Gunung Agung. The center of his tail is in Goa Raja Temple, one of the temple complex in Besakih. Some people believe that Goa Raja is connected with Goa Lawah.

4. Uluwatu

Uluwatu Temple or so called Luhur Uluwatu Temple (pura in Balinese) is built at the edge (ulu) of a 70 meter high cliff or rock (watu) facing the Vast Indian Ocean with amazing sea panorama below.. The Balinese Hindus believe that the three divine powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Siva become one here. That belief results in making Uluwatu Temple a place of worship of Siva Rudra, the Balinese Hindu deity of all elements and aspects of life in the universe. Uluwatu Temple is also dedicated to protect Bali from evil sea spirits.

Based on the history, this place was built in the eleventh century by Empu Kuturan; a Hindu priest came from Java. 

Visitors have to wear a sarong and a sash, as well as appropriate clothes common for Temple visits. They can be hired here. 

The best time to visit is just before sunset. Kecak and Fire Dance Performance is performed everyday at the adjacent cliff-top stage at 18:00 to 19:00. Watching Kecak Dance performance with spectacular sun set background makes this place most favorite venue.

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5. Batukaru

Batukaru or Luhur Batukaru Temple is located in Wongaya Village in the district of Penebel, Tabanan. This temple is in the western side of Bali in the south slope of Batukaru Mountain. This name was named after the mountain itself. There is a unique ritual before entering this temple that it requires the visitors to pray at Jero Taksu Temple first, which is a bit far from this temple. Luhur Batukaru Temple is the place for worshipping the God of plants, thus in Luhur Uluwatu Temple, God was worshipped in the name of Ratu Hyang Tumuwuh. Tumuwuh means “growing”, so the God here manifests as the one who maintain the plants and water properly to make it grows well.

6. Pusering Jagat

Pusering Jagat Temple is located in Pejeng Village, District of Tampaksiring, Gianyar. This temple is the member of Sad Kahyangan with its position in the middle of Bali Island. In Hindu cosmology, middle or center is the place of Lord Siwa. Local people also believe that this temple is the center of the earth.

In this temple there are a lot of statues, like statues of Ganesha (son of Siwa), Durga (wife of Siwa) and also some Bhairawa. There are also ancient statues for the symbol of men’s genital or “purusa” and female’s genital or “pradana.” In Hinduism, Purusa and Pradana are the God’s first creation which became the seeds of life. Purusa is the seed of spirituality and Pradana is the seed of materials. The rendezvous of these Purusa and Pradana were the beginning of a life. There are also some inheritances in form of ancient vases which are called “Sangku Sudamala” symbolized the holy water for life. Inside Sangku Sudamala, an image that shown 1251 Saka year could be found.

Fish - Ganesha Statue at Nusa Dua Beach Temple , Denpasar , Bali , Indonesia

Ganesha statue in Fish shape dedicated to Nusa Dua Beach , Denpasar , Bali , Indonesia. 

A very rare and unique  Balinese version of Ganesha in the shape of Fish.  Statue is situated in the small Temple at Nusa Dua Beach , Denpasar , Bali , Indonesia. It catches your eyes with its Sea Blue Color suggestive of Sea - Marine Culture of Indonesia. And as per Balinese version Fish Gaesha is beautifully adorned with Golden embellishments.

What a marvelous example of  Culture and Religion ?  This is the beauty of Indonesia ... 

Indonesia Tradition ... A DwaarPal at the entrance of the Temple as the Protector.

Temple at the Sea Beach ..

Patung of Satria Gatotkaca at International Airport Bali , Indonesia

Statue of Satriaक्षत्रिय Gatotkacaघटोत्कच at International Airport Bali , Indonesia

Satria GatotKaca statue stands Majestically and Proudly in the middle of the intersection of northeast of International Airport Bali and is one of the attractions of Badung Regency. The Statue of  Legendary Satriaक्षत्रिय GatotKacaघटोत्कच is one of the first sights to greet visitors arriving at the Ngurah Rai International Airport Bali , Indonesia.

The statue represents part of the epic story of Mahabharataमहाभारत.

Battle between GatotKacaघटोत्कच and Prince Karnaकर्ण

Statue , Built in 1993 depicts GatotKacaघटोत्कच, a courageous and powerful knight, the son of Bimaभीम  one of the five Pandawa brothersपांच पांडव. He is identified as a flying knights who is responsible for air defense and security protection for the Pandawa Kingdom.

This statue depicting a battle between GatotKacaघटोत्कच on Pandawa side, against Prince Karnaकर्ण  whose horse-cart was coachmanned by King Salyaशल्य  of Kurawaकौरव side in the Mahabharat Yudha . Gatot Kaca sacrifices himself to save Arjunaअर्जुन  as a victim of Karna’s deadly weapon, Konta, which can be used only once. 

The erection of the statue apart from being a landscaping project around the Airport, is also believed to lend Spiritual protection and safety - security for all incoming and outgoing flights and Tourists who are visiting Bali.

Life size Horses and intricate ornate detailing makes this Statue a Piece of ART.

Statue is surrounded by a circle of Lotus Flower Petals. Lotus is considered Sacred and Pious in Indonesian Culture. 

Beautiful Ornate Elephant Head with water Fountain.

Beautifully depicted Garudaगरुड़  and SheshNagशेषनाग 

Life size Horses - Master Pieces of Craft-man ship.  Intricate Ornate details makes this Sculpture Stunning and Marvelous

Ghatotkachaघटोत्कच

Ghatotkacha (Sanskrit: घटोत्कच Ghaṭōtkaca "Bald Pot") is an important character in the Mahabharata. His name comes from his head, which was hairless (utkaca) and shaped like a ghatam. Ghatotkacha was the son of the Pandava Bhima and the Rakshasi Hidimbi. His maternal parentage made him half-Rakshasa and gave him many magical powers such as the ability to fly, to increase or decrease his size and to become invisible. He was an important fighter from the Pandava side in the Kurukshetra war.

Ghatotkacha was born to Hidimbi and the Pandava Bhima. When traveling the countryside with his brothers and mother as a brahmin, having escaped the lakshagraha, Bhima saved Hidimbi from her wicked brother Hidimba. Soon after Ghatotkacha was born, Bhima had to leave his family, as he still had duties to complete at Hastinapura. Ghatotkacha grew up under the care of Hidimbi. One day he received a pearl which he later gave to his cousin Abhimanyu. Like his father Ghatotkacha primarily fought with the mace. Lord Krishna gave him a boon that no one in the world would be able to match his sorcery skills (except Krishna himself). His wife was Ahilawati and his sons were Barbarika and Meghvarna.

In the Mahābhārata, Ghatotkacha was summoned by Bhima to fight on the Pandava side in the Kurukshetra battle. Invoking his magical powers, he wrought great havoc in the Kaurava army. In particular, after the death of Jayadratha on the fourteenth day of battle, when the battle continued on past sunset, his powers were at their most effective.

At this point in the battle, the Kaurava leader Duryodhana appealed to Karna, to kill Ghatotkacha as the whole Kaurava army was coming close to annihilation due to Ghatotkacha's attacks. Karna possessed a divine weapon called the Vasavi Shakti, granted by the god Indra. Only able to use it once, Karna had been saving it for his battle with his rival, Arjuna. Unable to refuse Duryodhana, Karna discharged the weapon against Ghatotkacha, killing him. It is said that when Ghatotkacha realized that he was going to die, that he assumed a gigantic size. When the huge body fell, it crushed one akshauhini of the Kaurava army. After his death Krishna was glad Karna no longer had Vasavi Sakthi to use against Arjuna. 

Source : Text adapted from Wikipedia.

"Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa"(God Almighty) एकेश्वरवाद in Indonesian Hinduism

Empty Chair (Asana) of "Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa"(God Almighty) at the corner of the Road

"Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" (God Almighty) एकेश्वरवाद 

In Balinese Hindu perspective, God is known as a term of  "Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa ", which means Almighty God symbolizes एकेश्वरवाद also  termed as Acintya, in Saskrit it means: "The Unthinkable", "The Inconceivable", "He who cannot be Imagined", is the Supreme God of Indonesian Hinduism. Apart from His various names , God is only ONE. Among various names of God, there are Three which are well known by the Hindu adherers in Bali, namely  - 

Brahma ब्रह्मा, Visnu विष्णु , Siva शिव which are called as Tri Murti त्रिमूर्ति  . 

Brahma ब्रह्मा is the Dimension of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as the Creator (Utpatti) उत्पत्ति

Visnu विष्णु is the Manifestation of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as the Preserver (Sthiti Srishti)  सृष्टि

Siwa Shivशिव is the Manifestation of Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa as the Destroyer (Praline Pralay) प्रलय 

Balinese believe that all  Creation of "Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" will go through the cycle of Birth, Life and Death.

The Essence of Power of "Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" is expressed by every family of Hindu in Bali whether it is in Pemrajan – Temple / Shrine , Sangah - Cummunity Woshipping , Worshipping place in every house, Dadya Temple - A set of Shrines , Village as well as Jagad Jagat (world) जगत Bali. 

Photographs below are enough to speak this Essence of Power of "Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" which I clicked during my visit to Bali , a Paradise.

Stairs takes you to the Asana of "Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" (God Almighty). Temple at the Terrace of  The Hotel Si Doi , Denpasar , Bali

Stairs leaves you at the Terrace of the Si Doi Hotel amidst  magnificient view of the Shrine which adores the Throne (Empty Chair) of "Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" (God Almighty). Almost all roofs of Hotels and Houses have this kind of amazing view of  Shrine or group of Shrines.

This is another view of Group of Shrines "Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa" (God Almighty) for Community worshipping , I clicked while roaming on the streets of Denpasar. A beautiful sight which is marked everywhere in Bali. I was awestruck to see and feel Hinduism of Bali.