Lecture on Wayang Kulit and Widadari

Introduction

• Discussion on the preservation of arts, specifically wayang kulit.
• Focus on "widadari" or "bidadari" characters in the context of Hindu mythology and wayang.

Creation of Widadari

• Creator: Widadari were created by Brahma, not to be confused with Brama (god of fire in Javanese wayang).
• Process: Brahma gathered all aspects of feminine beauty into one, creating a statue which he then brought to life.
• Result: The creation of exceedingly beautiful nymphs.

Notable Widadari

• Bathari Uruwasi: Often depicted in wayang with specific attire.
• Others: Bathari Purwåsiti, Sahajanyå, Bathari Menaka, Bathari Wiswaci, Bathari Gertaji, Bathari Laksmi.

Brahma's Admiration

• Brahma was so captivated by their beauty that he created four faces for himself to continuously admire them.

Differences between Widadari and Sapta-Widadari

• The seven famous goddesses led by Supraba differ from those created by Brahma.
• Created by Bethara Wismåkarmå to tempt ogres like Sunda and Upasunda. .

The Legend of Sunda and Upasunda

• Tilotama's Role: Created to seduce the ogres; results in their mutual destruction.

Kumbayana and Tilotama

• Story: Tilotama, under a curse, aids Kumbayana across the ocean, resulting in the birth of Aswatama.

Samba and Tilotama

• Story: Tilotama aids Samba in reaching Trajutrisna, with conditions leading to his downfall.

Ciptaning (Arjuna) and the Nymphs

• Challenge: Nymphs sent to tempt Arjuna during meditation, a test of his ascetic discipline.
• Outcome: Arjuna remains unmoved, impressing the nymphs.

Menaka and King Wiswakarma

• Temptation: Menaka disrupts Wiswakarma's meditation, leading to their union and the birth of Shakuntala.

Conclusion

• Widadari's role as divine gifts to select mortals.
• Brahma's amazement at their beauty led to the tradition of nymphs dancing at sunrise.
• Poetic description of their dances, emphasizing their allure and grace.