Riding on the Garuda

The artisan in Ubud has completed a new wood carving of the Garuda,

the national symbol of Indonesia.

 

According to a south Indian legend, a sculptor who was an ardent

devotee of Lord Vishnu carved a Garuda image out of wood while in

Kanchipuram. When completed, having been carved correctly as

decreed by the Shilpa Shastras, it came to life and took off towards

the south.

 

At Parakkai village, the Garuda took a dip in the tank in front of

the temple there, exclaiming with delight. Then he rose again and

hovered around the deity as if doing pradakshina (Tib. kora,

devotional circling.)

 

An artisan working on a pillar at the temple saw the bird and for

some reason, hurled his chisel at it hurting its right wing. The

bird fell to earth crying, "Madhusudhana," to the disbelief of the

man. The 4-armed stone image of Vishnu was later carved and

installed at that spot.

Alec, interesting legend. Nice photo, good colors and focus. Is this one carved correctly?

It is a good rendition worth keeping if you are into souvenirs Carl.

I love your photo from bali. Wy don't reproduce some nice naif paintings. When I was in Bali there was a nice painter quite famous called Maderunia...Is he still active?

 

ciao

 

Carlo

I'm not sure about MadeRunia, Carlo. However in Sanur Beach there is museum dedicated to a famous European artist (Le Mayeur or something like that) from Bruessels who settled there in the '50s and made a name for himself. Here's one of his works.

all the best

Another image from the same artist which is very good

I've never visited Bali before. Your pictures make me get the emotion to have tour there. Thanks for your sharing!

KK. Go quickly. Great bargains on air tickets, rental cars and hotels after the Bali bombing. Tourism still haven't recovered yet.

Good framing of this capture. Colors work well, lighting is effective in my opinion. I like it!

It is so nice to see Hindu culture flourishing outside of India. Wonderful!