Hindu Legends
THE MAHABHARATA
Sometimes called the Barata-Yuddha. Critics have called this ancient Indian poem a history because of its naturalistic descriptions. But it is also the finest, most comprehensive Indian epic. Containing fragments on Hindu meditation, as well as representing the quintessence of all philosophies among all the Sanskrit books. This epic poem is about a civil wat in the legendary state of Bharat in India which took place over 2500 years ago. The half real, half divine good-populated magical world of this great Hindu story has awakened the same awe in Indonesians as the legends and literature of ancient Rome and Greece awoke in Renaissance man. A truly monumental work (90,000 stanzas), it’s the longest single poem in word literature. No translations of this 20 volume epic (of 1000 pages each volume) is as yet correct or comprehensive enough. Pundits differ on authoritative commentary of giant work: Bharat Bhau Deep, written in Sanskrit by Neelkanthji Maharaj, out of print since 1933.
The Indonesian Version
Using the original Indian story as the prototype, the Mahabharata was composed on Java in the 10th and 12th Centuries by the order of Kings. For at least 1000 years in Indonesia, the struggle between Pandavas and the Kurawas has served as an abundant source of mythology and inspiration for the arts and literature. Used as the central theme of wayang dramas, the story has been continuously re-worked, adapted and expanded to suit the needs of specific regional tastes. On Java and Bali it is performed as a shadow play and classical dance. In West Java, in wayang golek. Most Indonesian court poems were translated from the most popular episodes of this voluminous work. Ardjuna and Bima are favorites heroes. Ardjuna, for his ability to charm and conquer women and for his superior power in combat, and the giant Bima (God of Wind) for his fearlessness and physical might. The enemy Korawas are always shown with monsterous shapes. Often the various heroes have different names according to the state in their lives, their activity, the name of the kingdom or tribe, father’s name, etc. which makes it confusing to follow each character. From Java the poem has penetrated into the literature of the outer Indonesian islands as well.

















