"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 

"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 ?

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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

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