Situs Kekunaan Jimbe, Arca Ganesha Boro & Legenda Mpu Supo: Tetirah Majapahit & Saksi Tragedi 66

Summary

This video explores the Ancient Jimbe and Ganesha Boro site in Blitar Regency, East Java, blending history, legend, and archaeology. It recounts the folklore of Mpu Supo, genies, and sacred keris, while highlighting the site's historical significance from the Majapahit and Singhasari eras. Viewers are taken through the discovery of unique temple artifacts, remnants of statues, and mysterious objects in local fields, alongside accounts of past iconoclasm and preservation efforts by the community. The story emphasizes the enduring spiritual and cultural importance of Jimbe, culminating in the remarkable Ganesha Boro statue, symbolizing resilience, protection, and the preservation of Indonesia’s rich heritage.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ancient Jimbe and Ganesha Boro Site in Blitar Regency, East Java, is rich with historical significance and mythological legends.
• 😀 The site has a connection to Mpu Supo, a legendary figure believed to have ransacked a nest of genies, creating mystical artifacts.
• 😀 The Umyang Jimbe Keris, created by Mpu Supo, is considered a historical heirloom with deep ties to the region's mythology and is still revered today.
• 😀 The name 'Jimbe' is linked to the word 'jim' meaning genie, with the roots dating back to the 14th century, according to ancient texts.
• 😀 The Jimbe site features unusual artifacts like fish and eel-shaped stones, which may symbolize the ancient enemies of snakes or even represent Kubera, the god of wealth.
• 😀 The presence of ancient temple stones and unusual statues suggest the site was once a sacred location, predating the Majapahit Empire.
• 😀 The site also hosts mysterious, unexplained objects, such as large stone carvings found in the middle of cornfields, which may have been part of ancient sacred architecture.
• 😀 The site survived destructive human actions during the PKI eradication movement in the 1960s, with artifacts being buried or thrown into rivers, only to be recovered later.
• 😀 Ganesha Boro, an important statue believed to have been saved from destruction, is a key piece of the region’s sacred history and cultural heritage.
• 😀 The Ganesha Boro statue features unique East Javanese artistic elements, such as a Kirtimukha face and skull motifs, and is believed to have been moved multiple times before finding its current location.
• 😀 The continued existence of the Jimbe and Ganesha Boro sites, despite their turbulent history, symbolizes the resilience of the people and their cultural heritage.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of the Jimbe and Ganesha Boro site in Blitar Regency?

The Jimbe and Ganesha Boro site is an ancient archaeological site in East Java, Indonesia, rich in history and folklore. It is believed to be linked to legends involving Mpu Supo, a mystical figure who reportedly ransacked an army of genies. The site contains various sacred artifacts and statues that reflect both historical and cultural significance, with ties to the Majapahit Empire and other ancient Javanese traditions.

Who was Mpu Supo, and why is he important in this region's history?

Mpu Supo is a legendary figure believed to have lived during the Majapahit era. While he is not a historical figure, folklore credits him with magical powers and the ability to control genies. He is said to have played a significant role in the region's spiritual and cultural history, particularly in the creation of the Umyang Jimbe keris, which is associated with the foundation of Blitar.

What role did the Umyang Jimbe keris play in the history of Blitar?

The Umyang Jimbe keris, a sacred dagger, is central to local legend and is believed to have been created by Mpu Supo with the help of a genie named Umyang Jimbe. It is considered a symbol of strength and is even linked to the origins of Blitar itself. The keris is also part of a traditional ritual held every year during the Javanese Suro month.

How did the PKI eradication movement affect the Jimbe site?

During the PKI eradication movement in the 1960s, some sacred sites in East Java, including the Jimbe site, were damaged. Artifacts and statues were destroyed or thrown into rivers, but efforts by local communities and military personnel helped recover and protect these items. The site and its artifacts have survived this period of destruction and remain important cultural treasures.

What makes the Ganesha Boro statue so unique?

The Ganesha Boro statue is significant for its distinctive features, such as its luxurious details, including kawung motifs and gold-like brocade designs. It also has a unique style compared to other Ganesha statues, reflecting the strong East Javanese influence. Additionally, the statue's back is adorned with a Kirtimukha, a protective face associated with Tantric practices, further emphasizing its spiritual significance.

What is the significance of the inscription on the base of the Ganesha Boro statue?

The inscription on the base of the Ganesha Boro statue, 'Hana Gana Hana Bhumi,' is believed to carry a message about the importance of the statue's location in preventing natural disasters, specifically floods. The inscription also dates back to the Singhasari era (around 1239 AD), linking the statue to that period in Javanese history.

Why did King Hayam Wuruk of Majapahit visit the Jimbe site?

King Hayam Wuruk of Majapahit visited the Jimbe site in the 14th century as part of his pilgrimage through East Java. The visit was likely related to the site's spiritual and sacred significance, which is reflected in its connection to legends and the powerful artifacts found there. The visit was also a part of his broader journey to various sacred locations in Majapahit territory.

What is the connection between Jimbe and the Majapahit Empire?

Jimbe is believed to have been a special site during the Majapahit Empire, with historical connections to both the Majapahit kings and the religious practices of the time. Inscriptions and artifacts suggest that the site was important even before the formal establishment of the Majapahit Empire. The presence of Majapahit-era motifs and the Ganesha Boro statue further strengthens this connection.

How were the Jimbe artifacts protected during the 1965-66 period of political unrest?

During the political unrest of 1965-66, many sacred sites, including Jimbe, faced destruction due to iconoclastic movements. Artifacts were thrown into rivers or hidden to protect them. However, the local community, supported by military intervention, worked to recover and safeguard these pieces. The Jimbe artifacts were carefully stored to prevent further damage.

What makes Jimbe's ancient artifacts unique compared to other temples in East Java?

Jimbe's ancient artifacts stand out due to their uniqueness in terms of design and materials. For example, the presence of fish-like carvings, the large number of mortars, and the intricate statue bases with lotus motifs reflect a distinct blend of spiritual and cultural influences. Additionally, the presence of both red brick and andesite stone materials in the site sets it apart from other temples in East Java, such as Kalicilik and Bangkal.