Materials for the Medieval History of Indonesia

1343.00.00

[1343] Manjusri statue of Singasari. Note on the erection of the statue by the senior minister Adityawarman. - Comment of Slametmuljana, p. 122: "A Manjusri is a Bodhisattwa who usually is depicted with a naked sword in one hand to destroy error and falsehood and a book in the other hand describing the ten great perfections, called paramitas, developed by Bodhisattwas. In many respects the Manjusri image of Singasari agrees with the above description. However, there are also some differences. The Manjusri of Singasari is depicted as a prince sitting cross-legged, holding a kris in his right hand, wearing a high crown, and holding his left hand against his chest. On each corner of the seat the same figure is reproduced in miniature. Large lotus leaves decorate the left and the right sides of the seat and an inscription in Old-Javanese script on the top. Undoubtedly this Manjusri image represents Pu Adityawarman himself, who was a noble man and high official in the court of Majapahit, during the reign of King Jayanagara and Queen Tnbhuwanatunggadewi Jayawisnuwardhani." Sanskrit inscription on the Manjusri statute of Singasari. Slametmuljana, p. 122.

A Manjusri image has been erected in the Jinalaya shrine by Arya Wangsadirala. Adityawarman who is a Senior minister and related to the famous Queen Rajapatni, the ruler of Java, has constructed this shrine in her kingdom in Sakayear 1265. May it please her both in this world and in the life hereafter.

first adaptation 10.04.2009 Jürgen Sarnowsky / revised 10.04.2009 /
first draft, not proofread /