We’re going on a magical journey to Bali, Indonesia, to discover the incredible Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, also known as GWK statue. It’s like meeting a giant friend that stands as tall as a skyscraper – can you imagine that?
Garuda Wisnu Kencana The Towering Guardian: A Monument Inspired by Hinduism
In the land of Bali, there’s a giant statue standing tall at 122 meters! That’s even taller than some of the tallest trees. The statue is called Garuda Wisnu Kencana, and it’s like a guardian watching over the island. It was designed by a talented artist named Nyoman Nuarta and was finished in September 2018. Imagine a statue so big you can almost touch the sky!
Garuda Wisnu Kencana A Hindu Tale: Garuda’s Quest for Amrita
Do you know the story of Garuda? He’s a magical bird from Hindu stories, and this statue is inspired by one of his adventures. Garuda was on a quest to find Amrita, a special drink that gives everlasting life. In the story, Garuda agreed to help Vishnu in exchange for the elixir to free his mom. It’s like a hero’s journey with magical twists!
A Monument for Indonesia: Tallest of Its Kind
Garuda Wisnu Kencana was built to be the tallest statue in Indonesia and the tallest statue of a Hindu god. It’s like a giant friend saying, “Hello, world!” The whole statue, including its base, reaches a whopping 122 meters. That’s like stacking a bunch of giraffes on top of each other!
Designing the Giant: Nyoman Nuarta’s Dream
Back in 1990, a brilliant artist named Nyoman Nuarta had a dream – a dream to create this gigantic statue. It’s like imagining a world where art comes to life! The project started with the help of important people like the Tourism Minister and the Governor of Bali. They all wanted to make something extraordinary.
A Pause in the Journey: Challenges and a Hiatus
Sometimes, even big dreams face challenges. In the late 1990s, the project had to stop because of a tricky situation called the Asian financial crisis. It’s like pressing pause on your favorite cartoon – everything suddenly stops. But the dream didn’t fade away; it just took a little break.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana A Giant Awakens: Resuming the Adventure in 2013
After a sixteen-year nap, the giant statue woke up! In 2013, a company named PT. Alam Sutera Realty Tbk agreed to help finish the statue. It’s like a superhero coming to the rescue of a sleeping giant. The island had mixed feelings – some thought it was too big, but others believed it would bring lots of friends from all over the world.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Controversy in Paradise: Balancing Spirituality and Tourism
Just like in every adventure, there were some challenges. Some people on the island worried that the giant statue might disturb the peaceful vibes of Bali. They thought it was too commercial. But others thought it was a fantastic idea because it would make people from different places come and visit. It’s like trying to find the right balance between dreams and reality.
Conclusion: The Guardian’s Welcome
In the end, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue stands tall, welcoming everyone to the beautiful island of Bali. It’s like a giant friend saying, “Come and explore!” The statue has become a symbol of art, culture, and the stories that make Bali a magical place. So, if you ever visit, don’t forget to say hello to the giant guardian watching over the island!
