Whenever Ganesh Chaturthi arrives, people around the world, not just in India, celebrate this festival with great enthusiasm.
Even in India, especially in Mumbai, you might have seen various idols of Lord Ganesha, but have you ever heard of a 700-year-old idol of Lord Ganesha worshiped near an active volcano?
A Unique Idol in Indonesia
This idol, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is 700 years old and situated near Mount Bromo in Indonesia. Mount Bromo is an active volcano, known for emitting smoke and occasional eruptions.
Lord Ganesha’s Protective Presence
The idol placed at the mouth of the volcano gives the impression that Lord Ganesha himself is safeguarding the people from the volcano’s fury.
The locals, known as the Tengger people, not only sculpt idols of Lord Ganesha but also worship this statue daily.
Indonesia’s Sacred Volcanoes
Indonesia has 141 volcanoes, with 130 of them being active. The locals believe that Lord Ganesha protects them.
There are several temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in this country, indicating the reverence people have for Hindu deities.
The mountain where this idol resides, called Mount Bromo, is considered highly sacred and is named after Lord Brahma, another deity from Hindu mythology.
The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park houses this volcano, and the presence of temples in this area highlights the respect for Hindu gods and goddesses in Indonesia.
How to Reach
Getting there requires some effort. First, you’ll need to take a flight to Bali’s Surabaya International Airport.
From there, you’ll have to catch a Damri bus to the Purabaya bus terminal. At Purabaya, you can hire a minivan for your return journey.
It’s a journey that takes you through picturesque landscapes and allows you to witness the strong reverence for Lord Ganesha in Indonesia.