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.

Javanese Version of Prabu HANOMAN (प्रभु हनुमान)

Front View

Beautiful Javanese Style version  of Prabu HANOMAN (प्रभु हनुमान) Hanumaan I clicked while just roaming around Semarang. This statue is located on the main road at the entrance of Jalan (Street)  Karang Anyar Raya , Semarang , Central Java , Indonesia.

Side View
 Javanese style Face Painting Art is remarkable here.

Puri Ayodya ( अयोध्या पुरी ) in Indonesia

Beautiful sight of " Ashok Vakitaअशोक वाटिका " in Puri Ayodyaपुरी अयोध्या has overwhelmed me all the times . White Statue of Dewi Sinta (Devi Sitaदेवी सीता) in the center and Prabhu Hanoman (Hanumanहनुमान ) in various Postures at Ashok Vatika creates magical charm at the entrance of Puri Ayodyaपुरी अयोध्या main gate. My senses could not restrain without appreciating the THEME and I felt very high for rich Indonesian Culture. 

Puri Ayodyaपुरी अयोध्या is a Residential Colony , located near my house in Tembalang , Semarang , Jawa Tengah (Central Java) Indonesia . I decided to click some pictures of Ashok Vakitaअशोक वाटिका and share with you and believe you will also appreciate the Indonesian version of Ashok Vakitaअशोक वाटिका.

Ashok Vakitaअशोक वाटिका has 4 different Postures of Prabu Hanoman प्रभु हनुमान .

Dewi Sinta देवी  सीता as a Water Pot Bearer -  Indonesian Version 

"Yudistira (युधिष्ठर) Music Course" ....

Yudistira (युधिष्ठर) another name from Epic Mahabharata ...

Names after Mahabharata Characters are considered FIRST choice in Indonesia. "Yudistira Music Course" is one of those examples. Even Street (Jalan)  name  is  also after Mahabharata Character "Yudistira".  A Culture.. one will fall in love .. I am amazed to listen  descriptive stories of Mahabharata  from  my driver . Irrespective of  religion, Indonesians love to talk and share stories of EPIC Ramayana and Mahabharata .

Om Swastiastu .. Bismillahirrahmanirrahim .. Speech by President of Indonesia DR. H Susili Bambang Yudhoyono

A wonderful speech By President of Indonesia DR. H Susili Bambang Yudhoyono  at the Opening Ceremony  of 34th Bali Cultural Festival and declaration of World  Hindu Summit 2012 , Denpasar , Bali.  What an excellent example from the Head of the the Republic of Indonesia to tell the World that Islam our Religion , Ramayana is our Culture" opposite to Indian Sick-u-larism (secularism of India) where Member of Legislative Assembly from Kerala renamed his Official residence  to "Grace"  from "Ganga" as it was a Hindu river name and Vice president of India refused to perform Aarti of Lord Rama at Ramleela Ground during Dussehra Festival saying that Islam does not permit to do that. 
President of the world’s largest Islamic Republic , chanting Hindu verses and participating in a Hindu ritual may sound strange to our “Secularists”, who find the National Song of the Country – “Vande Mataram”— communal and lodge their protests against Yogic exercises in schools, Lighting Lamps and breaking Coconuts at the Inaugural Ceremony of Government Functions.

Can WE Indians separate Culture and Religion ?

Quote

President of Indonesia
STATEMENT

PRESIDENT REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA

ON OPENING CEREMONY BALI CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2012 AND DECLARATION OF WORLD HINDU SUMMIT 2012

Denpasar 10 June 2012

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Om Swastiastu,

Peace and prosperity to all of us

Excellencies distinguished Minister of the second united cabinet

Excellencies distinguished Ambassadors of friendly countries and Chief of International Organization

The Distinguished Governor of the province Bali

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman

Tonight it is a sense of deep gratitude to all mighty Lord, we are able to attend of opening ceremony of 34th Bali Cultural Festival that has become an annual cultural of the peoples of Bali.

This year Bali Cultural Festival will be accompanied by the declaration of the World Hindu Summit, that we conduct  on Taman Budaya Denpasar, Bali.

Through this good opportunities, let me welcome and also congratulate those participants of The Bali Cultural Festival, be them from Bali and throughout Indonesia and even to those other countries

For those tourist from all over the world, let me welcome you to enchanted heavenly island, which at the same time attending this annual festival that is attractive, unique and held only once a year.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Paras Paros dynamics within togetherness which is become a central theme for this year Bali Cultural Festival hold very deep meaning

Dynamics and Togetherness become two key words that can promote the formation of creative ideas. This theme can refresh our identity, expand our creativity and nurture our ethic and also deepening our sense of art.

This theme also provides us with inspiration to consolidate unity, sense of togetherness and tolerance  which now has become our joint effort to force a way of live  that is more civilized.

This way of life must be based on peace, brotherhood and harmony be it amongst community groups and even between nation.

Ladies and Gentlemen

On this month we will be  witnessing of almost all type of Balinese art and culture that perform through lively cultural parade, exhibition of attractive art.

The procession in Bali Cultural Festival is also important medium to build the nations culture, particularly on facing the challenges of today. Bali Cultural Festival may serve as a bastion in preserving philosophy, value and creativity that continue to learn on the strong root of tradition. The roots of tradition will be build on gentleness of morals and Balinese community values that are religious.

Often have I said that Bali Cultural Festival is a platform to demonstrate creativity and innovatin from Balinese artist not only to Bali Community but also to global community

The Bali cultural Festival is extended to be a windows of information a gateway for communication amongst cultures while simultaneously also from cultural diplomacy amongst nations.

 In this regard, in our effort to introduce the Balinese culture to the world we should be proud. At this moment the culture of Subak is the manifest of philosophy of Balinese community Tri Hita Karana. The relation between man, relation between man and nature and the relation between man and God which have been submitted to be included in The World Heritage List.

God willing the adoption of the culture of subak as one of landscape World Cultures to be implementatiedat the ens of june during the 36th UNESCO World Heritage Committee in ST Peterburg Russia. As we have succeeded in the past we hope that our effort this tme will be successful.

Distinguished guest, ladies and gentleman, at the same time with Bali Cultural Festival held World Hindu Summit 2012 and I welcome the delegation of The World Hindu Summit that for the first time is held on this beautiful Island.

The World Hindu Summit may be a bridge to more intensive communication amongst Hindu Organizations world wide and also for Hindu distinguished figure from all over the world.

Harmony for the world that has been central theme of the World Hindu Summit is reflects the noble commitment and dedication of the international Hindu Community. The Hindu International Community serve as unifying force not only amongst Hindu followers worldwide, but also with followers of other religions, by promoting the principles of harmony, peace and the prosperity of all humanity. As we step from this beautiful island, we hope we will be enlightened with tremors of peace and tolerance that move in all directions throughout the World

At this meeting the Hindu followers can produce joint statement to promote a spirit of tolerance, be it amongst Hindu followers, and also with followers of other religions in order to establish world peace. This spirit flows from the value of truth, pureness and beauty, that have actualized through the harmony amongst humanity worldwide. A true contribution for global peace, which we all must appreciate together

Ladies and Gentlemen

As I conclude my statement, let me invite all the participants of Bali Cultural Festival, to make this celebration a cultural icon of  international standard. Let us make Bali Cultural Festival a forum to promote friendship amongst nations, while also establishing a sense of togetherness in the pursuits of creating a world that is peaceful, just and prosperous. We must be concerned and saddened that on many part of the world, human tragedy and violence continue to persist. For that very reason on this island, Indonesia calls upon all nations of the world to return to peaceful means in resolving any kinds of conflict

Sawing eternal peace is not only an opportunity, but also a choice that we must pursue together. To the entire participants of the World Hindu Summit 2012, I hope you may establish communications amongst the Hindu followers worldwide. I also hope that this World Hindu Summit convered in Bali may bring a deep meaning fot the implementation of universal values of Veda Holy Script, so as to contribute towards greater tolerance and harmony amongst people

And finally, by first seeking the blessing if the lord the All Mighty, for Bali Cultural Festival 2012, I Declare officially open. And also with the spirit of togetherness and harmony amongst Hindu Worldwide, from this beautiful island, let me declare World Hindu Summit 2012

Thank you

Wassalamu’alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Om Shanti, Shanti Shanti Om

Denpasar 10 June 2012

President of Republic Indonesia

DR. H Susili Bambang Yudhoyono

Unquote

Ganesh as Guardian at Hotel Entrance

Ganesh at Hotel Pandanaran 
Jalan Pandanaran , Semarang , Central Java , Indonesia

These beautiful black stone Ganesh गणेश I clicked at "Hotel Pandanaran", Jalan (street) Pandanaran , Semarang , Central Java , Indonesia , owned by a Lady follower of Islam. She told me that they are like Guardian sitting on both sides of the Hotel Entrance. 

Simpang Lima ( literally translates as Five Intersections) is one of the main attraction of Semarang and Jalan Pandanaran is one of its Five Intersections . Pandanaran street is a landmark for Traditional Semarang Souvenirs and Street Food . In Indonesia it is called Oleh Oleh (Souvenirs).

Sadewa (सहदेव) ...... "Warung Makan" (Street side eating joint)

Warung Makan ( street side eating joint) SADEWA at 
Jalan (street) Prof. Sudarto No. 10 , Tembalang , Central Java Indonesia  

"SADEWA” (Sehdev सहदेव ) is among very popular names in Indonesia. Names after Epic Mahabharat महाभारत  and Ramayan रामायण Characters are considered best among Indonesians and interwoven in their daily walks of LIFE. 

This is the banner of a street side eating joint called in local language " Warung Makan " (in India it is known as " ढाबा " Dhaba). This Warung Makan "Sadewa" (Sehdev सहदेव ) is at “Jalan (street) Prof. Sudarto No. 10 , Tembalang , Semarang , Central Java , Indonesia .

Huge Statue of Ganesh ........... at busy Roundabout

Ganeshगणेश at  Jalan (Street) Tentara Pelajar , Semarang , Central Java , Indonesia

 It's amazing to see Ganeshगणेश at busy Roundabout , Jalan (Street) Tentara Pelajar , Semarang , Central Java , Indonesia. I had to be little patient to click this beautifully carved black stone Ganeshगणेश . These pictures I clicked early in the Morning , still witnessing heavy traffic.

Ganeshगणेश at busy Roundabout

As I mentioned in my earlier post , Indonesian version of Ganeshगणेश is unlike Indian version where SKULLS are used as Embellishments . Ganeshगणेश idol is depicted here with skulls ornaments which is a JAVANESE (जवनीस) conception of Ganeshगणेश. This is due to Ganesh's association with Shiv who wears a garland of skulls in his Bhairava (भैरव) Avatar अवतार.

Ganeshगणेश at busy Roundabout

Srikandi ( Shikhandi शिखंडी ) ..... an Epic Character ..all time favorite in Indonesia

Hotel Srikandi at Jalan Wahidin No.195 , Semarang , Central Java , Indonesia 

Epic "Mahabarat" महाभारत Characters are very popular in Indonesia and Indonesians feel pride naming after Epic Characters. 

This Hotel too has been named after famous character SHIKHANDI (शिखंडी). At first glance I could not guess its Name. The Picture of this Hotel Srikandi (शिखंडी Shikhandi) I clicked at Jalan (Street) Dr. Wahidin No. 195, Semarang , Central Java , Indonesia.

Mahabarat Characters .............. in Javanese Style

Prabu Kresna in Javanese Style

Pillars are decorated with Epic Characters

Ground Floor is divided in to 4 blocks after the name of Epic Characters

Prabu Kresna (प्रभु कृष्ण Prabhu Krishna) & Arjuna (अर्जुन Arjun) are among favorites in Indonesia from Epic "Mahabharata" महाभारत .These picture I took at Plasa Simpanglima Mall , Jalan Ahmed Yani , Simpang Lima, Semarang, Central Java. Ground Floor of the Mall is divided in Four Blocks - Arjuna (अर्जुन Arjun) , Nakula (नकुल Nakul) , Srikandi (शिखंडी Shikhandi) and Sadewa (सहदेव Sahdev) .All entrances to Elevators and Pillars are decorated with Epic Characters. Characters have been depicted here in distinctive Javanese Style.

“DEWI देवी ” (Devi) ........ symbol of Shakti

At Hotel Novotel , Solo ( Surakarta) , Central Java, Indonesia

“DEWIदेवी” (Devi) is considered the symbol of Shaktiशक्ति in Indonesia too like India. Names starting with “Dewiदेवी “ or ending with “Dewiदेवी” are still considered best names in Indonesian Culture irrespective of Religion. I clicked this picture at Hotel Novotel , Solo ( Surakarta) , Central Java, Indonesia during my stay there. Though hotel staff could not tell the name of “DEWIदेवी “ yet spark in their eye told how much pride they feel on this possession.

Ganeshaगणेश …. A culture in Indonesia

Ganeshगणेश at Alam Indah Hotel , Jalan Setiabudi , Semarang , Central Java , Indonesia

It is amazing to see Ganeshगणेश every where in Indonesia. I clicked this picture at Semarang (Central Java) Indonesia. It is located outside a Hotel “Alam Indah” , Jalan ( street) Setiabudi No.12, Semarang , Central Java. A beautiful Panoramic site.

Indonesian version of Ganesha is unlike Indian version where SKULLS are used as embellishments and Ganesh idol is depicted here with skulls ornaments which is a JAVANESE (जवनीस) conception . This is due to Ganesh's association with Shiv who wears a garland of skulls in his Bhairava (भैरव) Avatar.

Indonesia As I "see"

Dieng Plateau in Central Java, Indonesia

Indonesia , an Archipelago , comprising approximately 17,508 islands has been fascinating for me during my stay for its unique rich Culture. Indonesians take pride in saying " Islam is our Religion - Ramayana is our Culture ". Indonesia, the world's largest Islamic nation still preserves its Hindu Heritage . Ramayana and Mahabharata is interwoven within Indonesian Culture and visible in daily walks of LIFE. Bahasa Indonesia is mixed with Sanskrit (Ancient Indian Language) . My efforts to present these threads of Indonesia through Indonesia As I " see ".