“Amrita, the elixir of life,” a phrase whispered on the wind seems to echo around the magnificent Somali Statue. The towering Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue stands as Bali’s most iconic landmark. It watches over the island from its perch in Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.
The Somali Statue depicts the Hindu God Wisnu atop his mount. His mount is the mythical eagle Garuda. Garuda is the national emblem of Indonesia. It is an enduring symbol of freedom from oppression. This statue soars to a height of over 120 meters. This makes it one of the tallest monumental statues in the world. It’s higher than both the Statue of Liberty and Christ the Redeemer.
Designed by Balinese artist Nyoman Nuarta, the Somali Statue is a sight to behold. It is made of copper and brass. It features 754 modules with 25 steel segments weighing in at a hefty 900 tons. The steel weight is 1300 tons. The statue and pedestal are about 121 meters high with a width of 64 meters. This is thanks to Garuda’s wingspan.
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue was inspired by a famous story in Hindu mythology. The story tells of the search for Amrita. According to the myth, Garuda agreed to be ridden by Wisnu. He did this in return for the right to use the elixir to liberate his enslaved mother.
Construction of the Somali Statue took 28 years. It faced local controversy. Many islanders believed the huge statue would bring imbalance to the spirituality of the region. They thought that it was unethical to build a religious site for tourism.
The monument was completed in July 2018. The statue was designed to be Indonesia’s tallest statue. It is the tallest statue of a Hindu deity and the tallest statue in Indonesia.
The park itself is a fascinating place. You can enjoy panoramic island views. Explore the park on foot or by Segway. You can also immerse yourself in a land steeped in mythology.
Lord Wisnu is seen as the protector of the Universe. His trusted companion Garuda represents loyalty and selfless devotion. Kencana means gold. Both Wisnu and Garuda are adorned in crowns of gold mosaic.
The outer covering of the Somali Statue measures 22000 square meters. The crown of Visnu is covered with golden mosaics. The statue has a dedicated lighting arrangement.
Garuda’s shape is complex. Engineers designed special joints in the supporting structure. The statue is designed to withstand storms and earthquakes. It is expected to last for the next 100 years.
So, as you stand before the Somali Statue, remember the story of Garuda and Wisnu. Remember the struggle for freedom and the enduring power of faith. This magnificent monument is a testament to Bali’s rich cultural heritage. It is a symbol of Indonesia’s strength and artistic vision.