RUMI
Vol. 1 No. 2 (2026): RUMI (Rumah Ilmiah Jurnal Multidisiplin) (April)

The Vitality of Animal Symbolism in Bajangratu Temple

Angelina Merici Wua Reku (English Literature Department, Universitas Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Laura Ika Angelina Arfina Putri (English Literature Department, Universitas Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Happy Julia Rahmadianti (English Literature Department, Universitas Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Kusuma Wijaya (English Literature Department, Universitas Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Rommel Utungga Pasopati (English Literature Department, Universitas Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
19 Apr 2026

Abstract

This study examines animal symbolism in the reliefs and ornaments of Bajangratu Temple in Trowulan, Mojokerto. The research aims to identify the animals depicted on the temple, interpret their symbolic meanings within Hindu belief systems, and analyze them using Motte-Florac’s (2007) theory of animal symbolism. Data were collected through direct observation at the site and interviews with cultural experts and temple caretakers. The findings show that the animals represented in Bajangratu Temple serve purposes beyond decoration. They function as symbolic elements that express religious values, moral teachings, and messages of political legitimacy. In conclusion, through these animal symbols, the temple reflects the worldview of the community that built and preserved it, highlighting the cultural significance of animal imagery.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

rumi

Publisher

Subject

Description

RUMI (Rumah Ilmiah Jurnal Multidisiplin) merupakan jurnal ilmiah yang mempublikasikan hasil penelitian, kajian konseptual, dan pemikiran kritis dari berbagai bidang keilmuan secara multidisipliner. Jurnal ini hadir sebagai wadah akademik bagi dosen, peneliti, mahasiswa, dan praktisi untuk ...