TALKING about wayang of course we are reminded of the story of the Mahabharata. One of the characters that is quite interesting is the Pandawa Lima puppet. The Pandavas are not only known for their dashing and handsome looks, but also for the unique values and character that each character possesses.
The Five Pandavas were the children of King Pandu who received gifts from the gods. Their existence cannot be separated from the role of a sage who gave a special spell to Kunti, Prabu Pandu’s wife, so that she could have children.
At one time, Prabu Pandu left the kingdom of Hastinapura to live the life of a hermit to atone for his sins, while the kingdom was inherited by his older brother, Dhritarashtra.
Dhritarashtra, who was blind, led the kingdom of Hastinapura with 99 sons known as Kauravas. Even though the Five Pandavas were promised to receive the kingdom after they grew up, the Kauravas led by Duryudana actually grew into individuals who were greedy for power and often tried to get rid of the Five Pandavas.
Even so, the Five Pandavas have special powers that exceed their 99 cousins from the Kaurava family. This specialty lies not only in physical strength, but also in their noble qualities. The character of the Five Pandavas is full of kindness, friendliness and justice, making them figures who are highly respected and loved by many people.
Through the story of the Five Pandavas, wayang provides valuable lessons about the importance of justice, goodness and the struggle for truth, which remains relevant today. So, it is not surprising that the Pandava characters always have a special place in the hearts of wayang audiences, both as entertainment and as a source of inspiration in everyday life.
The nature or character of Pandava characters in wayang
1. Yudhistira (Puntodewo)
Yudhistira was the eldest son of Prabu Pandu Dewanata and Dewi Kunti. He was born from the mantra Kunti uttered to summon Lord Yama, the god of justice, so that Yudhistira was gifted with extraordinary qualities of honesty and justice.
The name Yudistira is formed from the words yuddha and sthira which in Hindu Sanskrit means “steadfast in war”. In the Pandava wayang story, Yudhistira is known for his unwavering commitment to truth and dharma. He always tries to do the right thing, even when faced with difficult situations.
As a leader, it is said that Yudhistira often had to make tough decisions. However, he always tries to be fair for the common good. Apart from that, King Yudhistira did not want to wear golden clothes because simplicity in clothing was always applied.
Yudhishthira’s wife was Goddess Draupadi. Yudhistira and Draupadi had a child named Raden Pancawala. Yudhishthira is known as the incarnation of Lord Yama, the god of the afterlife. He has a wise, patient and forgiving character.
2. Bima (Bimasena/Werkodara)
Bima or werkodara is the main character in the epic Mahabharata. He is the son of Kunti and is known as a member of the Pandavas who has extraordinary powers. Bima was born as a result of Kunti’s recitation of a mantra to the god Bayu. Even though he has a tough appearance and is able to terrify his enemies, Bima is actually soft-hearted.
Apart from that, it is said that Bima had a famous half-brother, namely Hanoman, a vanara figure who was an important figure in the Ramayana story. In the wayang, Bima is depicted as the second younger brother of Yudhistira who has courage, obedience, is firm and honest.
3. Arjuna
Who doesn’t know Arjuna, this puppet character is famous for his beautiful face and skill in archery. Arjuna is also described as soft-hearted.
In the Mahabharata it is narrated that he was the third son of Prabu Pandu, king of Hastinapura with Kunti or Perta, daughter of Prabu Surasena, king of the Yadawa dynasty in Mathura, who recited the Mantra to summon the god Indra, leader of the Gods.
In wayang, Arjuna is depicted as having a small body but being very strong and skilled at fighting, to the point of being the god’s favorite warrior. Not only that, Arjuna is also described as having a good character, smooth behavior (making him liked by many people), humble, mature, having determination, never giving up, and ready to help anyone, including gods.
Arjuna also actually had many wives, but the one who is often featured in every wayang play is only Draupadi.
4. Nakula
Nakula is the son of Pandu and his second wife Madri. In the book Mahabharata, Nakula is described as a very handsome figure with an attractive face. Draupadi even called Nakula the most handsome husband in the world.
However, Nakula has a weakness, namely that he tends to brag about his good looks. This was stated by Yudistira in the book Mahaprasthanikaparwa, Apart from having an attractive appearance, Nakula was also an expert in caring for horses and had special expertise in the field of astrology.
The difference between the Nakula and Sadewa puppets can be recognized from the shape of their respective foreheads, where Nakula has a wide forehead. Even though physically Nakula and Sadewa are identical twins, they both have different personalities.
Nakula is known as a quiet and thoughtful person. Nakula tends to ponder and deepen everything he is going to do. Nakula will only express his thoughts if asked for his opinion. Nakula’s facial expressions in the puppet show a person who is tough, humble, gentle and wise.
5. Sadewa
Sadewa is Nakula’s twin brother. In wayang purwa, Sadewa has facial features that include fake eyes, a slanted nose, a closed mouth, and rarely speaks. He is decorated with kluwih flower sumping on his ears, with supit urang style hair and a warp above his forehead. The difference with Nakula, Sadewa has a shrunken or narrow forehead.
Sadewa was known to be intelligent, articulate, and a commander who was able to raise the spirits of soldiers. In the wayang, his face is made like a character that reflects his tough, humble, gentle and wise nature.
These are the Pandawa wayang characters who have their own uniqueness in each character. Currently our task is only to continue to preserve the culture and history of wayang in Indonesia.
(DKI Jakarta Cultural Service/Youtube Java Only/Journal of Arts and Culture Representation of Purwa Pandawa Puppet Figures Gagrag Surakarta Setya Wacana Christian University/Z-3)
#Lets #Pandawa #puppet #characters #characteristics
**Interview with Cultural Historian Dr. Maya Santika on the Five Pandawa Puppet Characters**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Santika. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the Pandava puppets. The Five Pandavas are central characters in the Mahabharata. Could you summarize their significance in both the epic and in wayang performances?
**Dr. Santika:** Thank you for having me! The Five Pandavas—Yudhistira, Bima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—represent complex traits that resonate with the audience. Together, they embody virtues such as justice, strength, humility, and loyalty, which are timeless themes in our culture. Their narratives not only entertain but also serve as moral lessons about righteousness and the quest for truth.
**Editor:** Each Pandava has distinct characteristics and powers. Could you elaborate on Yudhistira’s unique qualities?
**Dr. Santika:** Absolutely. Yudhistira, often seen as the embodiment of truth and justice, is deeply committed to dharma. His decisions, while sometimes difficult, reflect a desire for fairness and integrity, qualities that earn him great respect. Unlike other leaders, Yudhistira’s simplicity is notable; he prefers modest attire, which emphasizes his character over appearance.
**Editor:** And what about Bima and Arjuna, who are known for their physical prowess?
**Dr. Santika:** Bima is fascinating because, while he possesses tremendous strength and a fearsome presence, he is also gentle and compassionate at heart. He underscores the notion that true strength is paired with kindness. Arjuna, on the other hand, is celebrated for his exceptional archery skills and is loved for his humility and bravery. His character showcases the importance of not only being a warrior but also maintaining noble qualities in dealing with others.
**Editor:** Nakula and Sahadeva, often less emphasized, have interesting traits as well. How do they contribute to the Pandava narrative?
**Dr. Santika:** Nakula, known for his good looks and horse care skills, brings a lighter, more charming aspect to the group. His vanity serves as a reminder of the human inclination towards pride. Sahadeva, the youngest, is wise beyond his years but often overshadowed. Together, their presence complements the more prominent qualities of their brothers, highlighting that each character, regardless of screen time, has a role in the narrative.
**Editor:** The Pandava stories are not just historical—they still resonate today, correct?
**Dr. Santika:** Absolutely! These characters are relatable; their struggles mirror contemporary issues of justice, morality, and the quest for truth. Audiences today still find inspiration in their tales, making wayang productions continue to be relevant and impactful. The Pandavas remind us that the fight for righteousness is a universal journey, one that we can all empathize with, irrespective of time or place.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Santika, for your insights on the enduring legacy of the Pandava characters. It’s clear that their lessons remain significant even in today’s world.
**Dr. Santika:** Thank you for having me. I hope more people continue to explore these stories and find their own meanings in this rich cultural heritage.