The Spiritual Power of the Keris

The Keris is said to posses many mystical and spiritual powers . Many believe that a properly made Keris, crafted by a Keris Smith who is knowledgeable in supernatural forces, will afford its owner physic protection, financial prosperity, harmony in life and elevated social status. The finest made blades are thought to possess a magical or spiritual force. This is known to Indonesian’s as “Khodam” or Servitor, Khodam is a spiritual force or intelligence...

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Weapons of Keris in Candi Panataran

Candi Panataran is located near the city of Blitar, and is the largest temple complex in East Java. Its existence covers the period from 1197 to 1454, it is a Javanese Hindu temple complex. During the Majapahit era it was an important temple complex, and was visited many times by King Hayam Wuruk. The main temple at Panataran dates from 1347, and its base carries reliefs telling the story of the Ramayana. There are many representations of weapons...

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Weapons of Keris in Candi Prambanan

Candi Prambanan is located a few kilometers to the east of the city of Jogjakarta in Central Jawa. It is a very beautiful Hindu temple complex dating from the 10th. century. The complex consists of a central temple of Shiva which faces east, with the temple of Brahma to the south, and the temple of Visnu to the north. All these temples carry narrative reliefs. On the temple of Shiva, and continued on the temple of Brahma is the story of the Ramayana,...

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Tangguh in the Javanese system of blade classification

Tangguh The Javanese system of blade classification by A.G.Maisey The word "tangguh" in the Javanese language has a number of meanings, depending upon the context of usage: Robson and Wibisono ( Javanese) 1.  dependable; 2. estimate; opinion concerning; 3. characteristics of a keris according to the period of the maker. Prawiroatmodjo (Javanese) 1. dependable; 2. considerate; 3. an appropriate time; 4. approximately, about, around; 5. supposition, estimate; 6. style, form; 7. embryo; 8. type (specific to keris). From the above it can...

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The Development And History Of The Keris

ORIGIN OF THE KERIS AND ITS DEVELOPMENT TO THE 14TH CENTURY A paper which sets forth evidence to be found in the monuments of Central and East Java as the basis for a commentary upon the origin and development of a traditional Javanese weapon. by A.G. MAISEY Abstract The modern keris has existed since at least the mid 14th Century. It developed in East Java from an earlier form known in Java as the keris buda. The keris buda was preceded...

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