Banyunibo Temple, Indonesian Doomsday, & The Fertility Myth of Goddess Hariti

Summary

The video explores the fascinating Banyunibo Temple in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, linking its history to the ancient stories and prophecies of the region. The temple, built around the 9th century, reveals intriguing carvings related to Goddess Hariti, a protector of children, and hints at a prophecy warning of the nation's destruction if children are mistreated. The video delves into the evolution of Hariti's story, comparing her depiction in Buddhist traditions and reflecting on the importance of nurturing future generations. The narrative ties these ancient legends to modern-day lessons about caring for children as the future of a nation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Banyunibo Temple, located in Sleman Regency, Indonesia, is a significant historical site that was believed to have been destroyed by war but has withstood the test of time.
• 😀 The temple is connected to a prophecy that forewarns of the destruction of the nation, with a focus on the consequences of neglecting children and their future.
• 😀 Hariti, a Buddhist goddess once known for kidnapping children, is depicted in the temple’s reliefs. After meeting Buddha, she transformed into the protector of children and families.
• 😀 The reliefs of Hariti at Banyunibo Temple suggest a symbolic warning: if children are mistreated or neglected, the future of the nation may be doomed.
• 😀 The connection between children's welfare and the prosperity of a nation is a central theme, emphasizing that children are the future leaders who shape a nation's destiny.
• 😀 Banyunibo Temple has unique architectural features, including a large main temple surrounded by smaller accompanying temples and a distinctive makara motif symbolizing the underworld.
• 😀 The unfinished reliefs on the temple’s southern wall depict a divine figure believed to be Vaisravana or Kubera, accompanied by a scene of Hariti surrounded by children, hinting at the prophecy.
• 😀 Hariti’s transformation from a threatening figure to a compassionate protector illustrates the Buddhist theme of turning from evil to good, reinforcing the importance of compassion and care for the vulnerable.
• 😀 The story of Hariti is rooted in Mahayana Buddhism and has variations across cultures, such as in Southeast Asia, where she is revered as a goddess of fertility and protector of children.
• 😀 The temple’s restoration in the 20th century uncovered not just its architectural beauty but also its potential role in conveying important societal messages about care, responsibility, and national survival.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Banyunibo Temple exploration in the video?

The video explores Banyunibo Temple in Sleman Regency, Indonesia, uncovering its historical significance, architectural features, and its possible connection to a prophecy about the nation's destruction, particularly involving the figure of Goddess Hariti.

What does the story of Hariti in the video signify?

The story of Hariti highlights her transformation from a malevolent figure, kidnapping children, to a protector of children and family after she realizes the pain of losing children. This story is tied to Buddhist teachings about turning evil into good.

How does the video suggest the Banyunibo Temple might be connected to a prophecy of destruction?

The video suggests that the unfinished carvings in the temple, particularly the relief of Goddess Hariti surrounded by children, might be interpreted as a warning from the ancestors. The message is that neglecting or abusing children could lead to the nation's downfall.

What architectural features of Banyunibo Temple are discussed in the video?

The temple features a main structure with a large staircase, decorated with mythological symbols such as makaras, and an antarala or entrance hall. It is also surrounded by smaller pewara temples and has carvings of celestial figures like Goddess Tara and possibly the Bodhisattvas.

How does the video explain the relationship between Goddess Hariti and prosperity?

The video explains that Hariti is associated with prosperity, particularly through her partnership with Vaisravana, the god of wealth. The ancient Javanese viewed children and families as a form of prosperity, linking Hariti's role as a goddess of fertility and wealth.

What historical context is provided for the construction of Banyunibo Temple?

The temple is suspected to have been built around the 9th century AD, similar in time to the Dieng Temple complex. It was likely constructed during a period of conflict between two local rulers, Rakai Walaing and Rakai Kayuwangi.

What caused the destruction of Banyunibo Temple?

Banyunibo Temple was severely damaged, likely due to the conflict between local rulers, such as the one between Rakai Walaing and Rakai Kayuwangi. The temple was later restored from 1942 to 1978, though much of its original structure was lost.

What is the significance of the unfinished carvings found in the entrance hall of the temple?

The unfinished carvings in the entrance hall, including those of Vaisravana and a group of children with Hariti, are believed to hold symbolic meaning. They may represent a prophecy warning of the consequences of mistreating children, leading to the destruction of the nation.

How does the Mahayana Buddhist tradition differ from the Theravada version of the Hariti story?

In the Mahayana tradition, Hariti is depicted as having 500 biological children and is seen as a protector of all children. In contrast, the Theravada tradition portrays her as a childless figure who repents after kidnapping children, becoming a protector of mothers and children.

What is the connection between Hariti and the concept of 'nurturing the future generations' as mentioned in the video?

The video emphasizes that Hariti's story, especially her role as the protector of children, symbolizes the importance of caring for future generations. The video suggests that neglecting or harming children would lead to the downfall of a nation, reinforcing the need for nurturing the youth to ensure the nation's prosperity.