Manikmaya, also known as Batara Guru is the King of the Javanese Hindu Pantheon. He is regarded as the ruler of three realms, Mayapada/Khayangan (Heaven), Madyapada (Earth), and Arcapada (Underworld). He is also the youngest brother of Semar, the watcher of the human race, and Togog the watcher of Rakshasas.
Appearance[]
Batara Guru would assume the form of a humanoid figure with four arms, pointed canine teeth, a blue neck and paralyzed legs. He wore a royal armor that covered most of his body, along with a batik cloth tied to his waist.
Overview[]
Batara Guru is the supreme god in Javanese Hindu Mythology and the youngest son of Sang Hyang Tunggal and Rekawati. He, along with Semar and Togog, were born from an egg that was created by Hyang's light and Rekawati darkness. The egg then hatched and split into three parts; the shell became Togog, the egg white became Semar, and lastly, the yolk become Manikmaya, later known as Batara Guru. When the siblings reach maturity, Sang Hyang Tunggal appointed both Togog and Semar to be the Watchers of Humanity and Rakshasas. While Manikmaya was appointed as the leader of the gods, he married Uma, the goddess of fertility and motherhood and bore him three sons; Batara Cakra, Batara Sambu and Batara Kala. He rode a chariot pulled by the sacred bull Nandi.
Personality[]
Batara Guru is an arrogant king, known for letting his temper get the better of him and punish people on a whim. He is also quite prideful even for a god as he once declared himself to be the most perfect being which causes Sang Hyang Tunggal to shift his appearance into what we see today, resulting in his resentment towards his father, as well as being envious of his more popular siblings.
He is also envious of Barong, since most gods prefer to see the beast-like spirit because to his more peaceful and mature personality, even to the point of him becoming Indonesia's Representative in the Council of Godheads. This caused a one-sided rivalry as Barong tends to ignore the chatter and ridicule, only the exception of when Batara Guru insults Dewi Sri.
Despite his negative personality, he can be benevolent, shown when he granted Semar a seat in Mayapada after he managed to train the Pandava brothers, and rewards heroes with gifts when they complete their quests. He is also a loving husband and father to Uma and their sons. Moreover, when facing a common threat, he is willing to put aside his differences with others and face the threat alongside his fellow rulers.