In Indonesia, the Ramayana is a deeply ingrained aspect of the culture, especially among Javanese, Balinese and Sundanese people, and has become the source of moral and spiritual guidance as well as aesthetic expression and entertainment, for example in wayang and traditional dances.[40]
There are several Indonesian adaptations of Ramayana, including the Javanese Kakawin Ramayana[33][34] and Balinese Ramakavaca.[35]
Kakawin Ramayana is believed to have been written in Central Java circa 870 AD during the reign of Mpu Sindok in the Medang Kingdom.[36] The Javanese Kakawin Ramayana is based on Ravanavadha or the “Ravana massacre”, which is the sixth or seventh century poem by Indian poet Bhattikavya.[37]
Kakawin Ramayana was further developed on the neighboring island of Bali becoming the Balinese Ramakavaca. The bas-reliefs of Ramayana and Krishnayana scenes are carved on balustrades of the 9th century Prambanan temple in Yogyakarta,[38] as well as in the 14th century Penataran temple in East Java.[39]
Kingdom Shri Raam extended from Pariyatra parvat ( the Islamic invaders called it Hindu Kush, meaning the killer of the Hindus) to the extreme limits of Jambudvip, the present day India & Indonesia archipelago, which then was one huge landmass undivided by sea.
“There were 3 major rapid rise floods, first around 14,000 years, second around 11,500 yrs and the third around 8500 years ago that caused the gradual submergence of its landmass ..” - Quest of the Dragon and Bird Clan, Paul Kekai Manansala.
The early Sundanese Indianized Taruma kingdom was established in West Java around 400s & around the 6th century Kalinga kingdom was established on the northern coast of Central Java.
The capital of the world’s largest Islamic nation is Jakarta=Jaya Karta.
The island Bali is named after Bali, the king of Kishkindha.
Ramayan of Bali is Ramakavaca
Ramayan of Java it is Kakawin Ramayan/ Yogesvara Ramayana, in Kawi language- a mixture of Sanskrit & indigenous Javenese.
Ramayan in Sumatera is Ramayan Swarnadwipa.
In Indonesia, verses of Mahabharat or Ramayana in the Javanese language are inscribed on the tombstone of the dead.
Evidences of Ramayan in Indonesia.
1- Depiction of Ramayana can be seen in parapets adorned with bas-relief in Prambanan temple in central Java.
2- Daily performance of leather puppet show of either Ramayana or Mahabharata the Palace annexure of the Sultan of Jogjakarta.
3- A two-hour Ramayan Ballet is performaned three times a week around the Prambanan Temple by hundreds of dancers and musicians most being Muslims who affirm, “Ramayana is our culture.”
4- The Balinese paint and carve popular scenes and characters from Ramayana for their temples and houses, as well as rstaurants and hotels.
Source/Credits: Meenakshi Sharan, Ayodhya Foundation, Global Ramayana Connect on Facebook
