PANDAVA पाण्डव - The Name of "Infantry Brigade / TRI SHAKTI त्रिशक्ति BALA बल JAYA जय , Infantry Battalion", Republic of Indonesia

Names after Hindu Epic Mahabharataमहाभारत  and Ramayanaरामायण are considered even today PROUD in Republic of Indonesia. I too felt proud and honored ... could not restrain my self to capture this beauty of Indonesian Culture.Though being Cantonment Area Photography is prohibited but Security personnel allowed me to take few photographs quickly from outside.    

PANDAVAपाण्डव - The name of Infantry Brigade  Battalion TRI SHAKTIत्रिशक्ति  BALAबल JAYAजय , at Salatiga , Central Java , Republic of Indonesia

Sign Board of PANDAVAपाण्डव  -  Infantry Brigade  Battalion  TRI SHAKTIत्रिशक्ति  BALAबल JAYAजय , at Salatiga , Central Java , Republic of Indonesia

Merah - Putih (RED & WHITE) National Flag of Indonesia flying high at Infantry Brigade Battalion  "PANDAVAपाण्डव" at Salatiga , Central Java , Indonesia 

Infantry Brigade  Battalion  "PANDAVAपाण्डव" at Salatiga , Central Java , Indonesia

Entrance gate of Infantry Brigade  Battalion "PANDAVAपाण्डव" at Salatiga , Central Java ,  Indonesia 

PANDAVAपाण्डव" - The name of the Infantry Brigade  Battalion 

 Makara / Naag (नाग) as Gurdian at the entrance gate of Infantry Brigade Battalion "PANDAVAपाण्डव" at Salatiga , Central Java , Indonesia

Streets in Semarang (Central Java) Indonesia after Epic Mahabharataमहाभारत Characters

Culture of Indonesia is not only influenced by Epic Mahabharata महाभारत and Ramayana रामायण but weaved within these Epics. I happened to pass by  Jalan Indraprasta near Simplang Lima Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia and amazed to see the name Indraprasta. I started walking down the street to quench my curiosity to dig more information and I was surprised to see that Jalan Indraprasta is connecting FIVE Major Residential Streets which have names after Epic Mahabharata. I wandered and captured  few pictures to share.

1.  JALAN INDRAPRASTA इन्द्रप्रस्थ
2.  JALAN YUDISTIRO युधिष्ठिर
3.  JALAN ARJUNA अर्जुन
4.  JALAN BIMA भीम
5.  JALAN SADEWA सहदेव
6.  JALAN NAKULA नकुल
7.  JALAN ABIMANYU अभिमन्यु

A map below from Google Map will well describe the location -

Jalan Indraprasta इन्द्रप्रस्थ  

(Jalan is used in Indonesia for Street or Road  )

Jalan Yudistira युधिष्ठर  

Postal Pincode No. 50141

Jalan Arjuna अर्जुन 

Postal Pincode No. 50131

Jalan Bima भीम 

Indonesians are very friendly and smiley. The person who is sitting in KHAKI Uniform in this picture gave me details and directions about all Streets named after Pandavasपाण्डव.  When I told him that I write a blog on Indonesian Culture with Threads of Hinduism , he was very happy and wanted to be photographed. Other three guys of Two Wheeler repairing shop too were happy on being shot. This shop is located at Jalan Bima भीम 

Jalan Sadewa सहदेव

Jalan Nakula नकुल

Some interesting Hoardings on Jalan Nakula नकुल 

Jalan Abimanyu अभिमन्यु 

Jalan Abimanyu अभिमन्यु 

Above board I clicked at some Islamic School. Name of the Teacher is Dewiदेवी Sartika

Another board depicting name Griya Gayatri गायत्री at Jalan Abimanyu अभिमन्यु 

"Ganesha" at the Welcome Gate and Official SEAL of Salatiga City,Central Java ,Indonesia

This  Beautiful Gate Welcomes you when you enter the boundaries of Salatiga , Central Java , Indonesia. It is located at  Jalan  (Street) FatmaWati No. 101, Blotongan, Salatiga. This door displays the TRUE Spirit of Indonesian Culture.

Both side of the Pillars adorn some Inscription written in Javanese. 

Above the Inscriptions there are Ganeshaगणेश  Carvings on both pillars. 

At the top of both pillars there are beautifully carved arrow shaped Finials which describes Kalp Vraksh कल्पवृक्ष and other themes from Epic Ramayana रामायण and Mahabharta महाभारत .

And at the center of the Gate Arch  there is a Banner of Salatiga Government depicting Ganesha गणेश .

Inner sides of the both Pillars are decorated with Official SEAL of Salatiga City, Central Java, Indonesia.

Above the Inscriptions there are Ganeshaगणेश Carvings on both pillars. Ganesha is shown sitting on PADMASANAपदमासन  Lotus Flower with the soles of His feet pressed together.This Asana is Typical Indonesian variant of Ganesha Asana which is rarely found any where in Asia.

At the top of both pillars there are beautifully carved Arrow shaped Finials which describes Kalp Vraksh कल्पवृक्ष and other themes from Epic Ramayana रामायण and Mahabharataमहाभारत.

      At the center of  the Gate Arch  there is a Banner of Salatiga Government depicting Ganeshaगणेश .

Inner sides of the both Pillars are decorated with Official SEAL of Salatiga City, Central Java, Indonesia. The Motto , in Sankrit Language संस्कृत भाषा " ÇRIR ASTU अस्तु SWASTI स्वस्ति PRAJABYAH प्रजाभ्य meaning "Be Happy All the People!" is the Official Motto of Salatiga, written in the Government SEAL.

Ganeshaगणेश is Symbolizing Intellect and Wisdomज्ञान एवं बुद्धि।

A brief summary on  Salatiga City - 
Salatiga , a city in Central Java, Indonesia is located between Semarang and Surakarta cities.

Salatiga is located at an altitude of 750-850 meters above sea level on the eastern slope of Mount Merbabu (3,142 m) and Mount Telomoyo that makes the climate of the region relatively cool due to its elevated position . Salatiga looks magnificent and spectacular amidst the foothills of Mount Merbabu, Mount Telomoyo, and Mount Ungaran. 

 

It is believed that Salatiga has been named either after the "Goddess of Trisala" or after the Three (Tiga) Mistakes (Sala) were done to the First King of Semarang.

As per Official Gazette of July 1, 1917 # 266 Salatiga is - "The Cleanest City in Central Java" .

DEVI Durga Statue guarded by a Tiger at Taman Safari Cisarua Bogor, West Java ,Indonesia

A trip to Taman Safari Cisarua , Bogor , West Java , Indonesia  is amazing. My adventure started as soon our car entered the Animal Forest Park. We were amid the animals which we used to see on Discovery Channels only. This Park serves as the Natural Habitat for the animals from around the World . I liked its unique Thematic Planning which makes this place more interesting and natural. Themes merged with the animals gives a real feel of animal abode. Our car went through the streets of Park up and down enjoying waterfalls , river and mountain forest. It was a dream coming true when a Ostrich came near our car to say HELLOooo. So many Zebras peeping through our windows asking carrots. Deer were too surrounded our car as if asking something to eat. On one side of  road   Hippos were welcoming us with their open mouth were . The real Adventure started when we entered in the Lion - Tiger area ... The Big CATS were walking along with our car .. One was crossing the road and we had to stop. Others 2-3 were sleeping on the left side at the edge of road. A real Adventure ....

One sight which caught my attention was a BIG REAL TIGER , roaming without a cage . .. when I went closer I was amazed to see the Spirit of Indonesians. There was an Old Goddess DEVI Durga Statue (found in some excavation) and this Tiger was roaming continuously left and right and roaring in front of  Goddess Durga as a GUARD. There was a Inscription on the right side of this complex , which reads in both languages Bahasa Indonesia and English as follows - what A Tribute to the CULTURE .

QUOTE -
A Symbol of Protection and Strength

Bahasa Indonesia -

Harimau - Simbol perlendungan & kekuatan Di India satwa ini selalu dikaitkan dengan Dewa & Dewi masyarakatnya. 

Masyarakat di Lembah Hindustani mempercayai Dewi Durga datang memberi kedamaian dengan menuggangi Harimau.

Tempat berfoto ini dirancang dengan gaya Budaya India yang dapat membuat anda merasakan nuansa dunia India bersama Harimau hasil pengembangbiakkan Taman Safari Indoesia.

English -

Tigers are found in Siberia , India and South East Asia. Across much of Asia , the Tiger symbolizes Protection , Strength and the Power of Kings. 

In India the Tigers often relate to God and Goddesses of India people. For instance the people of Indus Valley believed in the Goddess of Durga as a Force for Peace.

Goddess Durga rode on the back of a Tiger which was seen as the King of the forest - A Power on Earth beyond the reach of any immortal.

This area was built in India Style to make YOU feel the Atmosphere and Culture of the Tiger Homeland.

UNQUOTE

As India is celebrating 9 days (Navratras)  Worshiping of Goddess Durga , this is the right time to share with you all .

Best wishes for Navratras (9 days of Worshiping Goddess Durga).

Address - 

Taman Safari Cisarua Bogor

Jalan Raya Puncak 601 

Cisarua Bogor 16750 

West Java , Indonesia 

Tel: (+62251) 8250000  ,  Fax: (+62251) 8250555

info@tamansafari.com

Opening Hours: 9.00am to 17.00pm daily 

Link to Taman safari Bogor -  http://bogor.tamansafari.com/

"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.   

Kala Makara (मकर) as a Symbol of University of Indonesia

Universitas Indonesia (UI) is a State University in Depok, West Java and Salemba, Jakarta, Indonesia. Universitas Indonesia is the oldest Tertiary-level Educational Institution in Indonesia (known as the Dutch East Indies when UI was established). 

I am fascinated by its Logo which features Kala - Makara (मकर) .

The logo is the Kala-Makara  (मकर) , a symbol of the two sources of energy in Nature. Kala is the energy from above (the power of the sun), while makara represents the energy from below (the pUniversity of Indonesia as the source of knowledge is symbolized by the water flowing from the head of Kala Makara.ower of the Earth). The two powers are combined and stylized into a symbol that represents the function of Universitas Indonesia as a source of knowledge.

The logo of Universitas Indonesia Makara carries  following interpretation:

The Logo symbolizes a Beringin Tree (Banyan Tree) (बरगद का पेड़) with water fountain and the Head of Kala Makara  (Mythological Creature in Indonesia) surrounded by a Pentagon.The symbol has the following meanings :

University of Indonesia as the center of the Nation's culture is symbolized by the shell of wisdom which accept the flowing water from the head of Kala Makara Logo.

University of Indonesia with its knowledge and culture is dedicated for the happiness and prosperity of Indonesia and for all mankind. This meaning is symbolized by a Beringin Tree with Eight Branch and seventeen leaves (17-8, Indonesia's Independence Day). Beringin Tree (Banayan Tree) is chosen, because it is known to have long lifetime and it can give protection for those who might need it. 

The earliest form of the Logo of Universitas Indonesia was created in 1952 by Sumaxtono (born as Sumartono), a student from 1951 Art Department , Faculty of Engineering which was at the time known as Fakulteit Teknik Universiteit Indonesia , located in Bandung.

Universitas Indonesia is generally considered as the Most Prestigious Public University in Indonesia, along with Bandung Institute of Technology and Gadjah Mada University.  

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