Monochrome Monday: Balinese Swastika
I took this swastika picture from the wall of Balinese Hindu Temple, Goa Lawah Temple. The Temple is famous for its Bat Cave. I was told by a Balinese guard of the Temple that it was built in 1007.
Swastika is a familiar symbol in Europe that represents the dark side of the genocide in the World War Two. Many perhaps do not realize that this symbol has been existed hundreds years before the World War Two as belief symbol to some ethnic groups in Asia. In Bali (Indonesia), the swastika believed was introduced by their Hindus Kings to represent the peace and prosperity that linked to the sun, the moon, the earth and the sea. It is also common to see the swastika symbol in front of houses, such as on the doors, gates or walls. The Balinese placed the drawing of swastika with beliefs of its protection and for bringing good luck. The symbol has endured for centuries and influenced the way of life in Bali, a peaceful life.
indahs: dive, travel & photography 
Indah, it’s amazing that a symbol of luck and an object of beauty can be so corrupted by an evil force. Thank you for sharing not only these striking photos, but also the information about their history.
Thanks Rob! Just a short story from Bali 🙂 To my surprise the symbol does still exist until now..
I’ve seen it used before in older Native American symbolism…and then it was corrupted.
Impressive! It’s amazing how this symbol has been used around the world..yes, sadly it was used for bad purposes 😦
well you are so right – many folks do not realize that this symbol was around for a longggggg time before the Nazi’s adopted it as their logo – and well, hopefully more posts like this will help raise awareness about the art and history of this sign – because for so many of us this symbol only conjurs up all that disgust for what was done during WW2 – and so how cool this post is 🙂
Also, very interesting to hear of the Bali connection to this – 🙂 – I like the B & W too
Thank you so much Yvette 🙂 oh I always love your comment, you are so kind..have a great week!!
you too – the warm summer weather is slowly going away (sniff) but change of seasons has perks too –
Is that a Nazi sign Indah? 🙂
Nazi used the swastika as inspiration, I think.. but it was rotated to certain degree, not totally similar to Hindu’s swastika or Buddhist swastika..
Oh I see. Interesting! 🙂
🙂
Thank you for sharing this, Indah. That symbol in its original good sense is to be seen here in Singapore, too, where we have the Red Swastika schools
Interesting John! I have heard it is a familiar symbol in Chinese too..could that be the Singaporeans was influenced by the Chinese, or perhaps more likely by Hinduism from the Indians in Spore..
They are everywhere in Bali! Lovely post, sharing awareness about the nicer face of the swastika.
Thank you so much Jenny! It’s true, it’s just like a living symbol in Bali.
I do love the Balinese buildings. So decorative and symbolic. :o)
Indah you’re absolutely correct about it being a symbol of good luck and God’s purity in India …
I think the Hinduism in Bali was influenced by India..where ever we are, we are connected in certain way! 🙂
Yes we are :))
Temple built in 1007, rare to see such old temples and with symbols of belief engraved, yes swastika is a symbol with different meanings…great you could visit such old temples.
Thank you so much Nihar..plenty of old temples in Indonesia..and in Bali is rather special with the swastika symbol almost found in their temples..