Retno K. Djojo , Contributor, Kediri, East Java
The giant squatting creatures at the foot of Surawana temple in Kediri, East Java, that appear to be holding up the structure with their bare hands is perhaps a testimony to the architect’s sense of humor.
Despite the severe damage it has sustained over the centuries, the temple, which is found in Pare town, still exhibits exquisitely fine workmanship.
The four corners of the structure, also known as Bloral temple, are adorned with these giant creatures, which look as if they are using all their might to hold up the tons of stone above them.
These crafted giants beg the question: What methods were used in the construction of such a temple made from heavy stone blocks at a time when mortar had yet to be invented?
Archeologists studying old temples believe that ancient architects relied on dove-tail shaped ends, corner stones and pins to hold the weight of such heavy structures. Reliefs adorning temple walls, they say, were incised only after the entire structure was complete.
The walls of Surawana temple are richly decorated with beautiful relief panels. One panel sequence depicts the famed Arjunawiwaha and Ramayana Hindu epics.
The Ramayana sequence focuses on the heroic and chivalrous acts of Hanoman, the white monkey general, in upholding virtue over vice.
One relief shows Hanoman jumping over tree tops to enter the enemy’s fortress. This episode in the Ramayana is known as Hanoman Duta, or Hanoman the Envoy, in which he was sent by his master Rama to present a ring to Shinta as a token of his faithfulness.
Hanoman succeeded in penetrating Rahwana’s fortress, where Shinta was being held prisoner. He succeeded in accomplishing his task, but was caught when trying to sneak out of the enemy’s compound. The enemy attempted to burn him alive by wrapping his tail in an oil-soaked cloth.
Hanoman fought with all his might and rolled himself across the rooftop of the compound, thereby setting off the big fire that destroyed Rahwana’s fortress.
The panels of the temple also relate the attack by the army of monkeys to subdue Kumbakarna, the brother of Rahwana.
Kumbakarna, known for his patriotism, revolted when he saw that his country, Alengka, was under threat. But before he could save Alengka, he was attacked and killed. For his valor, though, he was venerated.
A sequence of smaller reliefs on the temple’s walls depict animals, including birds, tigers and snakes, all still in a good condition.
These reliefs are part of a rich folklore heritage that carry moral and ethical messages.
Surawana temple was built in the year 1400, after the demise of Majapahit ruler Bhre Wengker. A memorial temple, it was intended to function as a place of prayer. Worshippers ascended a small stairway on the western side and gathered in on open platform to conduct prayers.
Historical records reveal that Surawana temple was previously located in a densely forested area and was surrounded by mighty teak trees. It is currently situated in a fenced-off compound, amid a densely populated area.
Restoration work on the temple was carried out over a 6-month period in 1997, but was halted due to lack of funding.
Source: The Jakarta Post
August 25th, 2008
Road show pemungkas Surabaya Green and Clean berlangsung kemarin (24/8). Acara yang dilangsungkan di Wonorejo itu menjadi kemeriahan terakhir peserta kompetisi kampung bersih. Kini mereka tinggal menunggu malam final yang akan diselenggarakan pada Jumat (29/8).
Road show terakhir kemarin berlangsung meriah. Warga berdatangan dari Kelurahan Kedungdoro, Keputran, dan tuan rumah Wonorejo. Mereka mengenakan berbagai macam seragam dengan warna utama hijau.
Wawali Arif Afandi yang hadir pada pukul 07.00 langsung melakukan sidak. Sejumlah pejabat pemkot mendampingi. Di antaranya, Kepala Dinas Kebersihan dan Pertamanan (DKP) Hidayat Syah, Koordinator Fasilitator Lingkungan Surabaya Anwar, dan pejabat masyarakat setempat. Bersama rombongan, Arif meluncur ke gang-gang dan saluran air.
Saluran air yang dikunjunginya adalah Kali Mir. Saluran air selebar satu meter itu memang sering menjadi tempat pembuangan sampah warga. Padahal, saluran air yang penuh sampah sering menjadi sarang penyakit.
Belum lagi, air yang tersumbat mengancam terjadinya banjir. Karena itu, warga mengadakan kerja bakti untuk membersihkan saluran tersebut. Tanpa rikuh, Arif langsung mengambil serok dan bergabung dengan warga.
Menurut Arif, Kelurahan Wonorejo sangat berpeluang memenangkan program Surabaya Green and Clean. Namun, dia masih melihat kampung di Surabaya Pusat itu belum maksimal dalam penghijauan. “Pohon-pohon perlu banyak ditanam di pinggir jalan. Nanti biar Pak Dayat yang membantu,” katanya.
Kemeriahan road show bertambah saat rangkaian lomba diadakan. Mulai lomba memasak, lomba yel-yel, hingga lomba yang baru kali ini diadakan, yaitu memilah sampah.
Sebelum lomba yel-yel diadakan, para kader lingkungan setempat menampilkan lagu Tombo Ati yang liriknya sudah diubah. Dengan iringan musik elekton, para penyanyi yang kebanyakan ibu-ibu itu membawakan lagu berjudul Wonorejo Tentrem dengan apik.
”Wonorejo tentrem ono limo perkarane. Kaping pisan resik-resik lingkungane. Kaping pindo podho nandur nang latare. Kaping telu ngombe mendhem ndang lereno. Kaping papat bekupon doro ndang endekno. Kaping limo aturan RT turutono.”
Djadi Galajapo yang biasanya suka meledek kini malah terkesima. Dia langsung bergabung dan bernyanyi bersama mereka. ”Iki apik tenan lagu iki. Ayo para warga, dilereni mendheme karo bekupon dorone,” kata anggota grup lawak Galajapo itu.
Lomba yel-yel pun tak kalah meriah. Para peserta perwakilan RW itu tampil komplet dengan kostum dan dandanan bertema daur ulang. Bahkan, peserta dari RW 11 datang membawa paralon untuk komposter resapan. Sambil berjoget, komposter diayunkan mengikuti irama. Komposter tersebut, ternyata, tokcer membawa mereka merebut jawara yel-yel.
Bukan Djadi namanya kalau tidak suka usil dan jahil. Korban pelawak yang menjadi pembawa acara road show kali ini adalah salah seorang pemenang undian, yakni Liena Roostiati.
Tiap kali mengambil kupon, Djadi selalu meneriakkan nama pemenang. Liena adalah pemenang ketiga undian berhadiah yang diberikan untuk sepuluh pemenang itu. Ketika mengundi untuk pemenang ke-8, Djadi tiba-tiba berteriak, “Pemenangnya adalah Liena Roostiati.”
Secara spontan, Liena yang berdiri di atas panggung bersama pemenang lainnya pun meloncat kegirangan. Dia pun menghampiri Djadi yang melongo melihat tingkah warga Tempel Sukorejo itu. ”Lho, aku lak mek moco, Liena Roostiati. Mosok gak oleh,” kata Djadi.
Merasa dikibuli, Liena pun malu. Dia langsung memukuli Djadi diiringi ledakan tawa peserta road show lainnya. ”Hadiah yo dibagi-bagi. Mosok sampeyan tok,” ungkap Djadi.
Liena akhirnya kembali ke barisan pemenang undian. Di belakangnya, sambil cengengesan, Djadi kembali berteriak, ”Liena Roostiati.” Kali ini, Liena tak lagi meloncat kegirangan.
Di akhir acara, Djadi mengingatkan bahwa malam penganugerahan pemenang diadakan sebentar lagi. Tepatnya Jumat, 29 Agustus, di Taman Surya. “Mari kita budayakan hidup bersih. Meski nanti sudah tidak ada lomba, budaya bersih harus terus kita lakukan. Jangan hanya karena ada Green and Clean,” katanya dengan mimik serius. (aga/obi/fat)
Source: Jawa Pos Online
August 25th, 2008