What is the story of Garuda Wisnu Kencana?

The story of Garuda Visnu Kencana in Bali, Indonesia is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and serves as a symbol of cultural identity and spiritual significance. 

Garuda Visnu Kencana Bali statue is the biggest in the world. Also known as GWK statue, is a 122-meter tall statue located in Garuda Visnu Kencana Cultural Park, Bali, Indonesia.

The name “Garuda Visnu Kencana” is derived from two prominent characters in Hindu mythology: Garuda, a mythical bird, and Visnu (Vishnu), one of the principal deities in Hinduism.

According to the ancient Hindu scriptures, Garuda is depicted as a large mythical bird with the body of a human and the wings, beak, and talons of an eagle.

Garuda is known as the mount of Lord Visnu, symbolizing strength, loyalty, and freedom. Lord Visnu is regarded as the preserver and protector of the universe, and his presence signifies divine harmony and balance.

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The idea of constructing a monumental statue of Garuda Visnu Kencana was conceived by I Nyoman Nuarta, an Indonesian artist, in the 1980s. His vision was to create an iconic landmark that would celebrate Bali’s cultural heritage and promote tourism.

 The project was undertaken by the Indonesian government and involved the collaboration of numerous artisans, engineers, and craftsmen.

The Garuda Visnu Kencana statue, which stands tall on a hilltop in the Ungasan area of Bali, is a colossal masterpiece that showcases the artistic excellence and craftsmanship of the local artisans. 

The statue portrays Lord Visnu riding Garuda, symbolizing the inseparable bond between the deity and his mountV.

What was the secret of Garuda mother?

In Balinese mythology, the mother of Garuda is known as “Dewi Kadru” or “Kadruwiwi.” She is often referred to as the secret or hidden figure in the Garuda legend. While the story of Garuda himself is widely known, the details surrounding his mother are not as prominent.

According to the mythological tales, Dewi Kadru is portrayed as a powerful and divine being. 

She is often depicted as a half-human, half-serpent figure, symbolizing her connection to both realms. 

Her association with serpents or nagas is significant as nagas are considered sacred in Balinese Hinduism and are believed to possess supernatural powers.

The secret of Garuda’s mother lies in her role as the instigator of the great cosmic conflict between Garuda and the serpents. The story goes that Dewi Kadru had a significant disagreement with her sister, Dewi Vinata, who was the mother of the serpents. In a twist of events, Dewi Kadru challenged her sister to a bet. She bet that Garuda, her son, would lose a battle against the serpents. Dewi Vinata, being confident in her son’s strength, accepted the wager.

As the story unfolds, Garuda ultimately defeated the serpents and emerged victorious. However, the secret lies in the underlying motive of Dewi Kadru. It is believed that she deliberately set up the bet to provoke the conflict between Garuda and the serpents, as she wished to see her son demonstrate his extraordinary powers and fulfill his destined role as a divine protector.

The secret of Garuda’s mother, Dewi Kadru, is thus tied to her role as the catalyst for the epic battle between Garuda and the serpents. Her actions propelled the story forward and shaped Garuda’s destiny as a revered figure in Balinese mythology.

It is important to note that Balinese mythology encompasses numerous intricate and interconnected stories, each with its own variations and interpretations. The secret of Garuda’s mother, Dewi Kadru, is just one facet of the complex mythological tapestry that enriches Balinese culture and traditions.

What does the Garuda symbolize?

The national emblem of Indonesia, known as Garuda, holds significant symbolism in various stories. It represents an embodiment of virtues such as knowledge, power, bravery, loyalty, and discipline. Being the chosen vehicle of Vishnu, Garuda carries the attributes associated with Vishnu, symbolizing the preservation of cosmic order.

The construction of the statue faced numerous challenges, including funding issues, technical complexities, and environmental concerns.

However, with unwavering determination and support from the local community, the project persevered, and the statue was finally unveiled to the public in 2018.

Standing at a height of 121 meters (397 feet), the Garuda Visnu Kencana statue has become a prominent cultural icon in #Bali and a major tourist attraction.

It serves as a reminder of the island’s rich Hindu heritage, spirituality, and artistic traditions.

Visitors can marvel at the sheer size and intricacy of the statue while immersing themselves in the profound symbolism and mythology associated with Garuda and Vishnu.

Beyond the statue itself, the Garuda Visnu Kencana Cultural Park surrounding the monument offers a range of cultural experiences, including traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, and culinary delights. The park aims to preserve and promote Indonesian art, culture, and spirituality, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of Bali’s cultural tapestry.

In essence, the story of Garuda Visnu Kencana in Bali represents the fusion of mythology, artistry, and spirituality. It stands as a testament to the island’s cultural heritage and serves as a captivating symbol of Indonesia’s rich history and traditions.