Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Indonesian Coin with " Karapan Sapi " Bull race

 "Karapan Sapi"  Bull race on Indonesian Coin

Bank of Indonesia issued this 100 Rupiah Coin with Bull Race in the year 1991 – 1998. These Bull Race Coins are still in circulation.

   Depicts " Karapan Sapi " - Bull Race   

   National Emblem of Indonesia -  " Garuda Pancasila "  

 Below are the features of the Coin –
Composition of the Coin - Aluminium – Brass , Gold
Weight of the Coin – 4.13 gms
Diameter – 22 mm
Thickness – 1.6 mm 
Shape - Round

 Front Side of the Coin  
This Indonesian 100 Rupiah coin features Bull Race. This side of the coin depicts denomination ( Rp 100) above the Bull Pictures and  Below the picture is Text which reads “ Karapan Sapi ".
Translation of “ Karapan Sapi “ is  Bull Race .

  " Karapan Sapi "  Traditional Bull Race  

" Karapan Sapi " is a Traditional Bull Race Festival from the Madura Island , situated on the North - Eastern Coast of Java , Indonesia. This Race is held Every year from July through October . Local bulls are yoked to wooden skids and raced for 130 meters. Throughout the season there are several of these races , and final Trophy race is held in Pamekasan .
Pamekasan is a Town and Administrative Center of Pamekasan Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The Town is located on the island of Madura.

The bulls participating in the event are adorned with gold and other decorations,and the event is accompanied by Gamelan Music , food  and betting on the outcome of the race. 
Gamelan is the Traditional ensemble music of the Javanese, Sundanese and Balinese Peoples of Indonesia

A depiction of this Festival has been  featured on the 100 Rupiah Coin of Indonesia from the year 1991 to 1998 .

 Reverse side of the coin  
Reverse side of the coin shows The National Emblem of Indonesia – Garuda Pancasila  (Panchshila) .

  National Emblem of Indonesia Garuda Pancasila  

The National Emblem of Indonesia is called Garuda PancasilaThe main part of Indonesian National Emblem is the Garuda with a Heraldic Shield on its chest and a scroll gripped by its legs. 

The shield's Five Emblems represent Pancasila, the Five Principles of Indonesia's National Ideology. The Garuda claws gripping a white ribbon scroll inscribed with the National Motto " Bhinneka Tunggal Ika " written in black text in Old Javanese, which translates as " Unity in Diversity ".





Friday, April 19, 2019

HANOMAN हनुमान Statue & Street in Semarang , Central java , Indonesia

Culture of Indonesia is amazing .. I happened to pass through HANOMAN Street on my way to Semarang Airport. Everything on HANOMAN Street is TRUELY in the real Spirit of Prabhu Hanumaan हनुमान। 
Huge Statue of  Prabhu Hanoman (Hanumaan) हनुमान in JAVANESE Style on HANOMAN Street , Semarang.
Jalan (Street ) HANOMAN हनुमान in Semarang
HANOMAN INDAH Restaurant and Hotel at HANOMAN Stree , Semarang
Dwarpal at the Entrance of  HANOMAN INDAH Restaurant and Hotel , Semarang
" Ministry of Law and Human Rights Office of Republic of Indonesia " Semarang , Central Java at HANOMAN  Street.
Picturesque view of HANOMAM  (HANUMAAN) हनुमान Street

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Rama - Sinta Statue at Yogyakarta , Java Tengah , Indonesia


During my recent visit to Indonesia I went to Yogyakarta to explore some Stone Carvings of Hindu God and Goddesses . Yogyakarta and its suburbs are famous for its Stone Carved Statues. 

On one pleasant  early morning I was walking with my camera. On my way  I curiously stopped  to see a black stone carved beautiful couple statue which was barely visible during the  the heavy traffic of the DAY. As I went close I found ARROWS  on the right shoulder of the Male Statue which were not visible from a distance . I was sure that they are Rama राम  and Sinta  सीता in Javanese Version. I was awestruck at the beautiful expression of the faces. I have never seen such a Romantic Statue of Lord  RAMA (Ram राम) and SINTA (Sita सीता ) .


 Colorful Graffiti at the back ground added charm to the Statue.


Still I wanted to confirm the Identity of the Statue and looked for somebody. Near the Statue I saw  an  Apotik (Chemist Shop)  " APOTIK  RATNA. There were  two Sales Girls at the shop whom I asked about the identity of the Statue. They were  little skeptical to confirm whether the Statue is of Lord  RAMA (Ram राम ) and SINTA (Sita सीता ). They called the Owner of the Apotik and with a deep smile confirmed back to me " Maaf Ibu ... Patung ini Prabu Rama - Sinta.  I smiled  and thanked them.


This Wonderful Stone Carved Statue of Rama - Sinta is placed at Jalan Parangtritis , Yogyakarta , Central Java , Indonesia.

This Short Video captured my blissful finding which was hidden between the shops at Pedestrian Pathway. 

Short Video of Carved Statue of  Rama - Sinta placed at Jalan Parangtritis , Yogyakarta , Central Java , Indonesia.


Monday, January 22, 2018

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 .






Tuesday, January 2, 2018

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.

Monday, October 23, 2017

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.



Sunday, October 22, 2017

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.