Why is lord Ganesha on the indonesian curency?
Many of us know that Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, but many of us do not know the fourth largest Hindu population is in Indonesia! This is the country which has highest number of Hindus outside Indian subcontinent (next to Nepal and Bangladesh). It is a country with 17,000 islands and 300 volcanoes.
Bhagavad Gita statue in Bangkok
Knowing the popularity of Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita, a statue of Krishnopadesam was erected in Jakarta, capital of Indonesia. Arjuna and Krishna are riding a chariot. When Suharto, President then, opened the statue he exhorted the people to follow Bagavad Gita’s main teaching: Work without expecting any benefits (selfless Service).
3. Sukarno=su+Karna
Indonesia’s great leader Sukarno was named after the famous Mahabharata character Karnan. Sukarno’s father was very much attracted by the characterisation of Karnan. But Karna supported the wrong side in the great war. So his father named his son as Su (good) Karna. Sukarno’s daughter was also given a Sanskrit name Meghavati Sukarno Puthri. She is the president of the country now.
4.Ramayana, Mahabharata dance drama and puppet show:
Throughout the year Ramayana and Mahabharata dance and puppet shows are staged. They are called Wayang Kulit and Wayang Wong. We can’t see such a running show even in India, the land of Ramayana! Hanuman was in their military emblem/mascot!
Picture: Arjuna and Krishna in Jakarta
5.Lord Ganesh on Currency Note:
Lord Ganesh picture is inscribed on 20,000 rupee currency in Indonesia. Ganesh was worshipped in India even before Ganesh came to South India. Tamils have Ganesh statue from 6th century AD. But Indonesia has Ganesh statues from 1st century AD, discovered in in Panaitan islands. Lord Ganesh travelled faster by sea than on land in his Mushika (mouse) vahana! There is lot of scope for further research in this field. Ganesh was depicted as Bhuta Ganathipathi with skulls! Java is also known as Ganapathya Land, country where Ganesh is worshipped. A very big Kapala / Skull Ganapathy is in Leiden Museum (Holland).
Many of us know that Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, but many of us do not know the fourth largest Hindu population is in Indonesia! This is the country which has highest number of Hindus outside Indian subcontinent (next to Nepal and Bangladesh). It is a country with 17,000 islands and 300 volcanoes.
Bhagavad Gita statue in Bangkok
Knowing the popularity of Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita, a statue of Krishnopadesam was erected in Jakarta, capital of Indonesia. Arjuna and Krishna are riding a chariot. When Suharto, President then, opened the statue he exhorted the people to follow Bagavad Gita’s main teaching: Work without expecting any benefits (selfless Service).
3. Sukarno=su+Karna
Indonesia’s great leader Sukarno was named after the famous Mahabharata character Karnan. Sukarno’s father was very much attracted by the characterisation of Karnan. But Karna supported the wrong side in the great war. So his father named his son as Su (good) Karna. Sukarno’s daughter was also given a Sanskrit name Meghavati Sukarno Puthri. She is the president of the country now.
4.Ramayana, Mahabharata dance drama and puppet show:
Throughout the year Ramayana and Mahabharata dance and puppet shows are staged. They are called Wayang Kulit and Wayang Wong. We can’t see such a running show even in India, the land of Ramayana! Hanuman was in their military emblem/mascot!
Picture: Arjuna and Krishna in Jakarta
5.Lord Ganesh on Currency Note:
Lord Ganesh picture is inscribed on 20,000 rupee currency in Indonesia. Ganesh was worshipped in India even before Ganesh came to South India. Tamils have Ganesh statue from 6th century AD. But Indonesia has Ganesh statues from 1st century AD, discovered in in Panaitan islands. Lord Ganesh travelled faster by sea than on land in his Mushika (mouse) vahana! There is lot of scope for further research in this field. Ganesh was depicted as Bhuta Ganathipathi with skulls! Java is also known as Ganapathya Land, country where Ganesh is worshipped. A very big Kapala / Skull Ganapathy is in Leiden Museum (Holland).
