The world’s tallest statue wrapped with ancient traditions.
In Hinduism, Lord Vishnu is the Preserver (Sthiti) denoted are driving a Garuda Bird. A work that inspired by the story of “Adi Parva” in the eagle episode about devotion and sacrifice Garuda bird to save his mother from slavery. The Garuda bird then serving Lord Vishnu as a vehicle that eventually means protected by Lord Vishnu.
On the Bali Island, in the Hill of Unggasan and Jimbaran, Tanjung Nusa Dua, Badung Regency, or approximately 25 miles in the South of Denpasar City, Bali. There is a Culture Park usually called Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK), a Cultural Park that famous with its giant Vishnu Statue masterpieces of artists from Bali, I Nyoman Nuarta who poured his idea in the form of a giant sized statue that symbolize the God Vishnu and the Garuda as its vehicle.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana, or often abbreviated as GWK in Indonesian is meaning “Bird Garuda Wisnu Vehicles”. Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park is also became one of the tourist attractions on the Bali Island, due to the many curious tourists will form and see the beauty giant statue of Vishnu. No wonder if the GWK Cultural Park is now the window of arts and culture on the Bali Island that have natural background as well as a panorama that is truly amazing.
Although for the moment, the statue in GWK is arguably not yet finished 100%, although there are certain parts that are already done as Garuda head, hands and body of God Vishnu. For the statue of Garuda’s head and the Lord Vishnu bodys is located within the complex of GWK Cultural Park, but for a pair of the hand statues of Lord Vishnu is located outside the complex. The statue is made from a blend of stone, copper, bronze and steel which has a total weight reached 8.818 lb.
No wonder if the GWK statue will become the highest and largest statue in the world, isn’t it amazing ?. The statue taht symbolizes the Lord Vishnu who is riding on a Garuda bird, will have a total height of 459 ft consisting of 229,6 ft building support and 229,6 tall statue, with wings of Garuda reach stretch of 72 yard. So, you can compare with the Liberty statue in New York which has only 305 ft high statue and Ushiku Amida Buddha in Japan that is only about 393 ft.
In the complex area of Bali GWK Statue, there are a few main space such as space exhibition center, restaurant and cafe, lily pond, dioramas, Giri Kencana Villa, Amphiteater, Trade and Promotion Center. In this GWK Cultural Park is also created a large concert arena that was built in the middle between the limestone cliffs.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue created with the aim to create a balance in the real and not real world so that harmonization of nature can be created. Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue is a symbol of the environmental rescue mission and salvation of the world. The statue was developed as a cultural park and became icon for the Bali tourism even Indonesia. Satue of Vishnu is an embodiment of a modern culture and ancient traditions.
So, if you visit the Bali island, take your time to see a masterpiece statue of Lord Vishnu. Because in addition to seeing the statue, in the garden of this culture we can see Kecak Dance performances are held every day to entertain tourists.
