Three meters tall and weighing 33 tons they stand guard. The Patung Sang Kala Tri Semaya statues. They are a breathtaking sight. Dominating the cityscape. These aren’t just ordinary statues. They are powerful symbols. Guardians of Denpasar.
These majestic figures were unveiled in mid-December 2021. The Denpasar Festival provided the perfect backdrop for their debut. The artist I Nyoman Gede Sentana Putra aka Kedux poured his heart and soul into this project. He toiled for three months with the help of colleagues. The result is simply astounding. A three-dimensional interpretation of a story found in ancient Balinese palm leaf manuscripts.
The legend they represent is complex. It involves a powerful priest named Sanghyang Dharmajaya. His immense spiritual energy unsettled the divine trinity Brahma Vishnu and Shiva. Fearful of his unchecked power they transformed into terrifying figures. The Kala Tiga. A fierce battle ensued. Yet Dharmajaya proved invincible.
Finally Batara Guru intervened. He revealed that Dharmajaya was his very own embodiment. To appease the worried gods Batara Guru lessened Dharmajaya’s power. The Kala Tiga were then defeated by Tri Semaya. Their remains transformed into Mount Wiyanggama.
But the story doesn’t end there. The spirit of the Kala Tiga emerged. They humbly sought dominion over the world. Batara Guru granted their request. But only during Kali Yuga the age of destruction. They were prophesied to sire 108 offspring.
The Patung Sang Kala Tri Semaya statues therefore act as a watchful presence. They stand as sentinels against wrongdoing false words and deceit. Their imposing form is a constant reminder. A reminder of the ancient tale and the balance of power in the universe. A powerful and moving testament to Balinese culture and artistry. These are not mere statues. They are guardians. Protectors. Silent witnesses to the ever-changing life of Denpasar. They embody the ancient stories of Bali. Stories whispered on the wind. Stories etched in stone.