Editing Bhima (section)

=== Indonesia ===
[[File: Nusa-Dua Bali Indonesia Statue-of-Bhima-01.jpg|thumb|Statue of Bhima in [[Bali]], [[Indonesia]]]]
[[File: Bima Statue 284.jpg|thumb|Werkudara or Bhima statue at the [[National Museum of Indonesia]]]]

Bhima, also known as Werkudara in Indonesian and Javanese culture, is a prominent figure in Indonesia's wayang traditions, particularly within [[Javanese people|Javanese]] and [[Balinese people|Balinese]] cultures. Renowned for his strength, bravery, and wisdom, Bhima is portrayed as a figure who treats everyone equally, adhering to principles of honesty and loyalty. His character refrains from using refined speech or showing subservience, except in special circumstances, such as when he becomes a sage in the "Bhima Suci" play or during his meeting with Dewaruci.<ref name=":3" />

In Indonesia, Bhima is highly skilled in the use of various weapons, including the mace (Gada) and other divine armaments like the Pancanaka and Rujakpala. He is also endowed with supernatural powers, including Aji Bandungbandawasa and Aji Ketuglindhu. Additionally, he is known for his symbolic attire, such as the Nagabanda belt and Cinde Udaraga pants, representing his divine stature.<ref>{{Cite web|url= https://kebudayaan.kemdikbud.go.id/bima-ngaji-maknai-asal-dan-tujuan-hidup-manusia/ |title= "Bima Ngaji", Maknai Asal Dan Tujuan Hidup Manusia|date= 3 December 2016|publisher= Kembdikbud|access-date=27 January 2021}}</ref>

Bhima's presence in Indonesian mythology extends into the [[wayang]] puppet theater, where his stories are celebrated. He is depicted as the son of the wind god, Batara Bayu, and is known for his exceptional strength and ability to control the wind. Various tales recount his adventures, including his encounters with giants, his quest for divine knowledge, and his key role in the Mahabharata epic, particularly in the Baratayuda (the Javanese version of the Kurukshetra War).<ref name=":3" />

Bhima's image is also revered in Indonesia through various statues, such as those in Bali and at the National Museum of Indonesia. His cultural significance persists, making him a well-known figure among Javanese people, including the [[Javanese people|Javanese]] [[Muslims]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=MacGregor |first=Neil |title=A History of the World in 100 Objects |publisher=[[Viking Press]] |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-670-02270-0 |edition=First American |location=New York |page=540 |author-link=Neil MacGregor}}</ref>

====Wayang story====
[[File:COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Wajangfiguur van perkament mogelijk voorstellende Bima TMnr 8-255.jpg|thumb|Werkudara or Bhima wayang (puppetry) in [[Indonesian culture]], especially [[Java]]]]
[[File:Bhima Relief, Candi Sukuh 1233.jpg|thumb|Bhima relief at [[Sukuh|Sukuh temple]], a hero of the Mahabharata, who stands opposite a pedestaled god within a horseshoe-shaped arch. The figures are sculpted in wayang puppet style, resembling their. leather-puppet counterparts in posture, costume, and sideways presentation.]]

In the Javanese and Balinese [[wayang]] tradition, Bhima (also known as Werkudara) is a prominent and revered character, representing strength, courage, and an unwavering sense of righteousness. The wayang (shadow puppet theater) performances have transformed the story of Bhima into a narrative deeply infused with spiritual and moral themes, often differing from the classical Indian Mahabharata. In these performances, Bhima's journey is not only physical but spiritual, as he seeks wisdom, power, and enlightenment.<ref name=":3">{{Cite book |last=Suparyanto |first=Petrus |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=k1atDwAAQBAJ&dq=bhima+wayang&pg=PA79 |title=Bhima's Mystical Quest: As a Model of Javanese Spiritual Growth |date=2019 |publisher=LIT Verlag Münster |isbn=978-3-643-90883-4 |language=en}}</ref>

One of the most well-known stories in wayang featuring Bhima is his encounter with Dewaruci, a powerful spiritual episode that symbolizes Bhima's quest for inner knowledge. In this story, Bhima is tasked with finding the Tirta Amerta, the water of life, which symbolizes eternal truth. This leads him into the ocean, where he faces several trials. During this quest, Bhima meets Dewaruci, a miniature divine form of himself, who reveals the secrets of the universe to Bhima, teaching him the values of humility, inner strength, and the importance of enlightenment beyond physical might. The character of Bhima in wayang is also portrayed as a defender of the weak and a warrior who fights not only external battles but internal struggles as well. His devotion to his family, especially to his mother Kunti and brothers, is emphasized, highlighting his loyalty and dedication. His weapon of choice, the mace (gada), is a symbol of both his physical power and his ability to uphold justice.<ref>{{citation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h8JwAAAAMAAJ&q=bima+wayang|title=Citra Bima dalam kebudayaan Jawa|work=Woro Ariandini|year=2000|isbn=9789794562130|last1=Ariandini|first1=Woro}}</ref><ref name=":3" />

The wayang performances often extend Bhima's role beyond the original Indian epic, incorporating elements of local folklore, myth, and cultural values. As such, Bhima becomes a symbol of Javanese ideals—strength tempered by wisdom, loyalty to family and community, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. The wayang version of Bhima is deeply ingrained in Indonesian culture, serving as a moral guide and a heroic figure whose stories resonate with audiences across generations.<ref name=":3" />