- This
photo feature showcases a Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan Temple Yogyakarta,
Indonesia.
Format
is brief write-up about importance of Ramayana in Southeast Asia followed by
pictures of ballet at Prambanan Shiv Temple in Indonesia.
Introduction
Imagine
a figure who has been loved and worshipped by hundreds of millions of people,
in many countries, for untold generations. A personality upon whom countless kings
have modeled themselves on. A story which has been central to the culture of
many countries, cutting across a spectrum of religions. An epic which has
shaped the lives and daily behavior of millions and provided them an ethical
framework on which to build their understanding of their duties in the world.
We are speaking
of the Ramayana: one of the great stories of the world.
The
story of the Ramayana is enacted more often than any other story of the world.
It is performed by Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. It is the most important
cultural tradition of Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal
and India. It has also been widely prevalent in Bhutan, Singapore, Malaysia and
Vietnam.
The
Ramayana is a great epic of ethics which teaches the values of life to men and
women across South and South-East Asia. Scores of generations of children have
watched these performances over 1,500 years, to learn the importance of an
ethical life. This has been a cornerstone of the life of South and South-East
Asia.
Many
kings in these countries have taken the name of Rama, cities and islands have
been named after persons and places in the epic. Symbols of Vishnu (whose
incarnation is Rama) have been royal emblems across the region.
Now
pictures and captions by Benoy K Behl. The last three pictures are of Bali,
Indonesia with the fourth last being in a Museum. All others are from the Ramayana
Ballet, Prambanan Temple (9th century), Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Rama and Sita. Photograph by Benoy K Behl.
Rama and Sita. Photograph by Benoy K Behl.
Death of Jatayu. Photograph by Benoy K Behl.
Ravana and Sita. Photograph by Benoy K Behl.
Sita and Ravana in disguise. Photograph by Benoy K Behl
Ravana and Sita. Photograph by Benoy K Behl.
Rama and Hanuman. Photograph by Benoy K Behl.
Burning of Lanka. Photograph by Benoy K Behl.
Battle between Rama and Ravana. Photograph by Benoy K Behl.
Ravana being killed. Photograph by Benoy K Behl.
Rama and Sita. Photograph by Benoy K Behl.
Ravana, Wayang Shadow Puppet at Museum Wayang, Jakarta, Indonesia. Photograph by Benoy K Behl
Statue of Bali. Photograph by Benoy K Behl. The island of Bali is named after the Ramayana character, Indonesia.
Sita. Photograph by Benoy K Behl. Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Bali, Indonesia.
Sita and Ravana. Photograph by Benoy K Behl. Kecak Dance, Uluwatu Temple, Bali, Indonesia.
About
the photographer- Benoy K Behl is a film-maker, art-historian
and photographer who is known for his tireless and prolific output of work over
the past 48 years. He has taken over 53,000 photographs of Asian monuments and
art heritage, made 146 documentaries which are regularly screened at major
cultural institutions worldwide. His photographic exhibitions have been warmly
received in 74 countries around the world. He holds the Limca Book Record for
being the most travelled photographer.
This photo feature is in numerous parts. He has been assisted in the shooting and research by Sujata Chatterji.
To read all articles
by author
Also
read
1. Prambanan
Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site
2. Prambanan
Temple album