Fantastic Beasts of Ancient Java and Where to Find Them | Surowono Temple

Summary

The video takes viewers on a journey to the Surowono Temple in East Java, Indonesia, exploring its mystical reliefs and their connections to ancient myths, including creatures resembling unicorns. The temple’s reliefs tell stories of dualism, contrasting themes like loyalty, piety, and temptation. Through the tales of Sri Tanjung, Bubuksah and Handle Aking, and Arjunawiwaha, the video delves into the wisdom of ancient Javanese teachings, highlighting the importance of making wise choices. The temple’s mysteries invite reflection on life’s complex choices and the consequences they bring, blending history, spirituality, and artistic expression.

Takeaways

• 😀 A unicorn-like figure was discovered in the reliefs of Surowono Temple in East Java, sparking curiosity about its origins.
• 😀 The discovery of magical creatures in the temple challenges the idea that ancient Javanese were familiar with genetic engineering technology.
• 😀 The reliefs at Surowono Temple tell stories of mythical creatures that appear to be celestial animals, not actual unicorns.
• 😀 The Surowono Temple was restored by the Dutch East Indies government in 1908 and faces west, a common feature in East Javanese temples.
• 😀 The temple’s reliefs depict various animals and mythological beings, including cows, crocodiles, deer, and hybrid creatures with unique features.
• 😀 Some of the reliefs at Surowono Temple show animals with characteristics of horses, goats, and birds, raising questions about their significance.
• 😀 The story of Sri Tanjung, depicted in the reliefs, revolves around love, betrayal, and resurrection, and is a popular tale in Javanese culture.
• 😀 The story of Bubuksah and Gagang Aking highlights the theme of duality in ascetic practices, with different approaches to worship and devotion.
• 😀 The Arjunawiwaha epic in the temple’s reliefs showcases Arjuna’s battle of wits and his strategic victory over the giant king Niwatakawaca.
• 😀 The overarching theme of dualism in Surowono Temple suggests the coexistence of opposing forces, such as love versus loss, ritual versus action, and self-control versus indulgence.

Q & A

What was found at the Majapahit heritage temple, and what significance does it hold?

A unicorn figure was found at the Majapahit heritage temple along with magical and strange crossbreeds. This discovery raises questions about whether unicorns ever existed in the archipelago or if ancient people had access to genetic engineering technology.

How does Marco Polo’s account relate to the discovery of unicorns in Indonesia?

Marco Polo, during his travels in the archipelago, mentioned unicorns in his writings, describing them in great detail. Later, scientists identified the creature he saw as the Sumatran rhino. The existence of unicorn-like figures at Surowono Temple sparks curiosity if these may represent creatures Marco Polo described.

What is the connection between Surowono Temple and the discovery of unicorn-like creatures?

At Surowono Temple, several reliefs depict magical creatures that resemble unicorns, leading to speculation that these could be representations of unicorns. However, the temple’s imagery might be more symbolic, representing celestial or hybrid animals rather than actual unicorns.

What might the unique creatures depicted in the temple reliefs represent?

The creatures depicted in the temple reliefs, including one resembling a unicorn, may represent celestial beings rather than real animals. These beings could have symbolic significance tied to spiritual or mythological beliefs, rather than evidence of genetic engineering or the existence of unicorns.

How does the temple’s design reflect its cultural and historical context?

Surowono Temple, built with a square base and a tapered roof, features a mix of andesite stone and brick elements. The reliefs and carvings reflect stories and cultural beliefs from the Majapahit era, suggesting the temple’s connection to the royal or spiritual themes of the time.

What is the significance of the magical stories carved in the temple’s reliefs?

The magical stories in the reliefs, such as those of Sri Tanjung, Bubuksah and Gagang Aking, and Arjunawiwaha, reflect dualism—conflicting themes of good versus evil, loyalty versus betrayal, and material versus spiritual. These stories were important cultural narratives for the people during the Majapahit era.

What can we infer about the people who created Surowono Temple?

The creators of Surowono Temple were likely highly skilled artisans and craftsmen, deeply influenced by both religious and mythical narratives. The temple’s design and reliefs suggest they had a rich cultural heritage, blending spiritual beliefs with artistic expression.

What role does dualism play in the stories depicted on the temple?

Dualism is a central theme in the stories depicted at Surowono Temple, showing the contrasts between different realms, types of worship, and moral choices. These themes reflect the cultural and spiritual dilemmas faced by the people of the Majapahit period.

What does the story of Sri Tanjung symbolize in the context of the temple?

The story of Sri Tanjung represents themes of loyalty, love, and the power of the spirit world. It shows how love can transcend death, a recurring spiritual motif, and also reflects the ethical dilemmas of human relationships during that time.

Why is the history and purpose of Surowono Temple still a mystery?

The exact history and purpose of Surowono Temple remain unclear due to discrepancies in historical records, such as the timing of the temple’s construction and the identification of its patron. While some believe it was associated with Bhre Wengker, the evidence is not conclusive.