Brahma
| Title | Brahma - (Sanghyang) - all stories |
|---|---|
| Other names | Agni |
| Size | 70 cm |
| Personal data | Sang Hyang Brama is the god of fire (brama means fire), the son of Hyang Guru. He resides in Deksina. When this god was born, he had a great influence on the world, emitting fire that rose into the sky. When he grew up, he married Dewi Saraswati, the daughter of Hyang Pancaweda who was famous for being very beautiful. |
| Appearance | Brahma is commonly depicted as a red or golden-complexioned bearded man with four heads and hands. His four heads represent the four Vedas and are pointed to the four cardinal directions.[14] He is seated on a lotus and his vahana (mount) is a hamsa (swan, goose or crane). |
| Collection | Private collection |
Brahma - (Sanghyang) - all stories[edit | edit source]
Brahma is the firstborn. He is the source of all knowledge. He is creator of the universe. He is often depicted in the form of an old man with 4 arms and 4 bearded faces, each looking in a different direction. His complexion is red or pink the color of heat and fire. He is dressed in tiger skin or antelope skin. He is depicted sitting on a lotus or standing. Over time, Brahma relinquished his creative powers to Vishnu, Shiva and Devi, thereby gaining a less prominent place in the pantheon of gods.
The duration of the cosmos is expressed in Brahma's 100 year life. A year of Brahma has 360 days. One day of Brahma is equivalent to 4320 million human years. A day in the life of Brahma is called kalpa. When Brahma wakes up and opens his eyes the universe is created, when he goes to sleep and closes his eyes the universe ends.
Because of his supernatural powers, Hyang Brama can eradicate all the evil that disfigures this world with his fire. This deity once reigned as king in Gilingwesi after the death of Prabu Watugunung. The god who is enthroned as king in the world is called ngejawantah, manifesting himself. One time Hyang Brama violated the customs of the Gods by favoring Batari Durga and intended to destroy the Pendawa family. Betara Brama's wish was agreed to by Durga. Even the daughter of Lord Brama, Dewi Dresanala who was married to Arjuna, was divorced by Lord Brama.
Hyang Brama's wish to destroy the Pendawa family was granted. In fact Lord Brahma can be defeated by Arjuna's son named Wisanggeni. Hyang Brama was captured by Wisanggeni and handed over to Hyang Guru. Arriving in front of the Guru, Betara Brahma became aware of his confusion. He was forgiven by Hyang Guru and returned to the abode of the Heavenly Gods. According to this play, even Gods, if they are guilty, can be defeated by ordinary humans. Lord Brahma is the base that brings down Pendawa and he is related to Lord Vishnu.
Sang Hyang Brama had big eyes. Sembada (sufficient) nose and tight lips. He is crowned, indicating that he is a powerful god. He did not tuck the keris as people usually do, but instead tucked it in front, because he was wearing a haju that covered the back of his body. Wearing a keris like that is called what means syak wasangka always, so that whenever there is a danger the keris is easy to draw. Using a keris in this way was prohibited by the royal guards, because the wearer was considered to be stealing.
According to this history, it appears that even Gods can experience times of defeat when facing ordinary humans, this indicates that truth always triumphs over human wrongdoing. While Hyang Guru as the supreme God can also experience defeat against ordinary people, this is due to the wrong actions of: Hyang Guru.
Source: History of Wayang Purwa - Hardjowirogo - PN Balai Pustaka - 1982
