The Mahabharata one of Hinduism's greatest epic, the other being the Ramayana, does not belong to India alone. As Hinduism spread beyond the subcontinent, so to did the exploits of the Mahabharata heroes. In Bali literally the last bastion of Hinduism in Southeast Asia, one cannot help but notice how the Hindu culture of this island is influenced by this epic tale. If you know the story and all its characters, you will know what I mean. My brief sojourn in Bali right after Diwali in November 2013, reminded me of this story, from the places I visited to the beautiful statues found around the island. The view from my room at the Astana Kunti Suite Apartments in Seminyak, Bali, where we stayed. "Astana" means palace, and Kunti is the mother of the famous Pandava princes of the Mahabharata epic. A statue of Arjuna who was famed for his prowess in archery. One of the heroes of the Mahabharata. A statue of Ghatotkacha, the demon son of Bheema or Bhima ...