Moon Goddess

MOON GODDESS - Dewi Ratih, (c. January 92) - Hand carved solid hardwood

Artistically hand carved solid hardwood with precision details. This striking (29 cm) high Moon Goddess also known as Sang Hyang Ratih or Sang Hyang Semara Ratih, is a Hindu lunar goddess worshipped in Java and Bali. She is well known for her beauty and grace, thus she was also known as the Goddess of Beauty. Her myth is linked to lunar eclipses. Vintage in excellent (as new) condition.

Height: 29 cm
Base: 8 cm
Width: 8 cm
Depth: 4.5 cm

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Lunar eclipses: Due to 'Dewi Ratih' rejecting him, 'Kala Rau' the giant, planned to attack 'Vishnuloka'. When 'Kala Rau' reached heaven in the form of 'Kuwera', a leading rakshasa who served the Gods. 'Ratih' warned 'Vishnu' that 'Kuwera' was actually 'Kala Rau'. 'Vishnu' beheaded 'Kala Rau' without knowing he had consumed the tirta amerta, a drink of the Gods that could make him immortal. Because only his throat touched the tirta amerta, 'Kala Rau' survived with his floating head. When the moon came, 'Kala Rau' would chase the goddess and swallow 'Dewi Ratih' in whole. But because he does not have his body, 'Dewi Ratih' would soon emerge from his neck. In Bali and Java, this story is believed to be the origin of lunar eclipses.