Balinese mythology is a profound and intricate tapestry that interweaves Hinduism with indigenous traditions, creating a unique spiritual framework that has persisted for centuries. This mythology is not a relic of the past but a living, breathing force that permeates every aspect of Balinese life. From daily rituals to grand ceremonies, these myths influence the spiritual, cultural, and even economic aspects of Balinese society.
Origins and Foundations of Balinese Mythology
Hindu Influences
Balinese mythology’s foundation lies in Hinduism, introduced to Bali around the 8th century by traders and priests from India. The Hindu epic narratives, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, are central to Balinese culture, though they have been adapted to reflect local beliefs. For example, in Bali, Rama, the hero of the Ramayana, is often depicted as a local prince rather than a foreign figure, making the story more relatable to the Balinese people.
The Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—are the central deities in Balinese Hinduism. Unlike in Indian Hinduism, where these gods have distinct temples, in Bali, they are often worshiped together, symbolizing the island’s unique syncretism. Temples dedicated to these gods are found across the island, with the largest and most significant being the Besakih Temple, also known as the “Mother Temple,” located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest volcano in Bali. This temple complex is the holiest in Bali and a prime example of how Hinduism has been localized to suit Balinese cultural contexts.
Indigenous Beliefs
Before Hinduism’s arrival, Bali was deeply rooted in animistic beliefs, where nature and ancestral spirits played a pivotal role. The Balinese believed that every natural element, from mountains to rivers, was inhabited by spirits. These beliefs have not only persisted but have been integrated into Hindu practices. For instance, the Balinese still honor local deities and spirits alongside Hindu gods. A prime example is the continued reverence for Dewi Sri, the rice goddess, whose worship predates Hinduism. She is honored in every rice field across Bali, with small shrines erected to ensure that the harvest is blessed.
These indigenous beliefs are also reflected in the Balinese concept of desa kala patra—a notion that suggests everything should be done in accordance with the place, time, and situation. This belief is evident in how Balinese people conduct their rituals, always considering the environment and circumstances, blending Hindu rites with local customs.
Syncretism in Balinese Religion
The synthesis of Hinduism with indigenous animistic traditions has given rise to a unique form of spirituality in Bali. The island is dotted with thousands of temples, known as pura, each dedicated to various deities, spirits, and ancestors. Unlike the rigid structure of Hinduism in India, Balinese Hinduism is flexible, allowing the integration of various elements from other belief systems.
For example, the Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, a major water temple on Lake Beratan, is dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes, rivers, and water. This temple illustrates the blend of Hinduism with animistic traditions, as Dewi Danu is a deity that predates Hindu influence. The temple complex is designed to reflect the balance between humans, nature, and the gods, a core principle of Balinese spirituality.
Key Deities and Figures in Balinese Mythology
Trimurti in Balinese Context
- Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva: These three gods form the core of Balinese Hindu worship. Brahma is rarely worshiped independently but is considered in the broader context of creation. Vishnu, known as the preserver, is highly revered in Bali, particularly in his incarnation as Krishna, who is often depicted in local art and temple carvings. Shiva, the destroyer, is also seen as a regenerator, essential to the cycle of life and death. His depiction in Bali is somewhat unique, as he is often merged with local deities to form new aspects, such as Siwa-Ratu (a combination of Shiva and a local ruler spirit) that represents both cosmic power and ancestral reverence.
Local Deities
- Dewi Sri: As the goddess of rice and fertility, Dewi Sri is integral to Balinese agricultural practices. The Subak system, a complex and communal water management system for rice paddies, is believed to be under her protection. This system, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site, reflects the Balinese community’s deep spiritual connection to their land and the goddess who protects it. Annual ceremonies like the Odalan (temple anniversary) often include rituals dedicated to Dewi Sri, ensuring that she blesses the crops with fertility.
- Barong and Rangda: These figures are central to Balinese mythology’s moral framework. Barong, representing good, is a guardian spirit who is often depicted as a lion or a mix of various animals. Rangda, representing evil, is portrayed as a witch with long, unkempt hair and terrifying fangs. The eternal struggle between these two figures is not just a myth but is enacted in the Barong dance, a traditional performance that has both religious and cultural significance. This dance is performed during temple festivals and other important occasions to maintain cosmic balance.
Mythical Creatures
- Garuda: In Balinese mythology, Garuda is not just Vishnu’s vehicle but a symbol of protection and loyalty. The Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) statue, towering at 122 meters, is a monumental symbol of this mythic bird’s importance. Located in the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, this statue represents Vishnu riding Garuda and serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of this mythology in modern times. The Garuda is also the national symbol of Indonesia, emphasizing its widespread cultural impact.
- The World Turtle: The myth of the World Turtle, believed to carry the world on its back, symbolizes stability and balance. In Bali, this myth is represented in various temple carvings and is also reflected in the Nyepi (Day of Silence) practices, where the Balinese aim to reset the world by silencing all human activity, thus giving the world (symbolized by the turtle) a chance to rest and restore balance.
Famous Myths and Legends
The Legend of Barong and Rangda
The myth of Barong and Rangda is more than just a tale; it is a reflection of the Balinese worldview. The story is reenacted in the Barong dance, a performance that involves complex choreography, dramatic music, and elaborate costumes. This dance is not merely entertainment but a spiritual act that reinforces the belief in the constant battle between good and evil. It is believed that the performance helps maintain balance in the community, warding off negative influences and ensuring harmony.
Dewi Danu
Dewi Danu, the goddess of water and lakes, is central to the Balinese understanding of environmental stewardship. Lake Batur, considered her dwelling place, is one of the most important water sources on the island. The temple Pura Ulun Danu Batur is dedicated to her and plays a critical role in the water temple system that controls the flow of water through the Subak system. Rituals performed here are essential for ensuring the continued fertility of the rice paddies. The belief in Dewi Danu’s power is so strong that disruptions in the water flow are often attributed to her displeasure, prompting immediate rituals to appease her.
Calon Arang
The legend of Calon Arang, a powerful witch, serves as both a cautionary tale and a moral guide. Calon Arang, who used her powers to wreak havoc, was ultimately defeated by a priest who used spiritual knowledge to overcome her. This myth highlights the Balinese belief in the power of knowledge and spirituality over brute force. The story is often performed in Balinese theaters, reminding audiences of the dangers of misusing power and the importance of maintaining harmony with the spiritual world.
The Myth of Bali South Sea
This myth concerns supernatural beings believed to protect the seas around Bali. The Balinese conduct regular ceremonies along the coast to honor these spirits, particularly at the Pura Tanah Lot, a sea temple perched on a rocky outcrop. This temple is one of the most iconic in Bali and is associated with the myth of Dang Hyang Nirartha, a 16th-century priest who established several sea temples along Bali’s coast. The rituals performed here are believed to protect the island from the forces of the ocean, reflecting the Balinese respect for and fear of the sea.
Cultural Practices and Festivals
Galungan and Kuningan
Galungan and Kuningan are two of the most significant festivals in Bali, celebrating the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil). These festivals occur every 210 days according to the Balinese Pawukon calendar. During Galungan, the spirits of ancestors are believed to visit their descendants. To welcome them, Balinese families create penjor—bamboo poles decorated with offerings, flowers, and fruits—placed in front of their homes. Kuningan, which occurs ten days later, marks the departure of these spirits back to their realm. The elaborate rituals and communal gatherings during these festivals underscore the importance of familial and spiritual bonds in Balinese culture.
The day before Nyepi is marked by the Ogoh-Ogoh parade, where large, demonic statues made from bamboo and paper are paraded through the streets and later burned. These statues represent negative elements and malevolent spirits that must be cleansed from the community. The parade is a vibrant display of Balinese artistry and cultural expression, where each village competes to create the most impressive and terrifying Ogoh-Ogoh. The burning of these effigies is symbolic of the destruction of evil and the renewal of the world for the coming year.
Following Nyepi, the day after is known as Ngembak Geni, when social and family relationships are renewed and strengthened. Balinese people visit their neighbors and family members to ask for forgiveness and start the new year with a clean slate. This practice reinforces the importance of community harmony, a value deeply rooted in Balinese culture and mythology.
Temple Ceremonies
Balinese temples, known as pura, are not merely places of worship but are the heart of social and spiritual life. Each temple has its unique myths, rituals, and deities that it honors. For example, Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple on the slopes of Mount Agung, is the most important temple on the island and is considered the spiritual center of Bali. This temple complex hosts a variety of ceremonies throughout the year, including the Piodalan (temple anniversary) and Eka Dasa Rudra, a purification ceremony that is held only once every century.
The temple of Pura Tanah Lot is another significant site, known for its dramatic location on a rocky outcrop in the sea. This temple is associated with the legend of the sea serpent, which is believed to protect the temple from evil spirits. The Odalan ceremony at Tanah Lot is a major event, attracting thousands of devotees who come to honor the sea gods and ensure the temple’s continued protection.
In Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, located on Lake Bratan, the focus is on Dewi Danu, the goddess of water. The temple is intricately connected to the agricultural life of Bali, with rituals aimed at ensuring a stable and abundant water supply for the rice fields. The Melasti ceremony, part of the Nyepi celebrations, involves the purification of sacred objects from the temple in the lake, symbolizing the cleansing of both physical and spiritual impurities.
These temple ceremonies are not just religious obligations but are central to maintaining the social fabric of Balinese society. They reinforce the connections between the people, the deities, and the natural world, ensuring that harmony and balance are preserved.
Balinese Mythology in Art and Literature
Traditional Art Forms
Balinese mythology has profoundly influenced the island’s art forms, which are renowned for their intricate detail and spiritual depth. Wayang Kulit, or shadow puppetry, is one of the oldest forms of storytelling in Bali, where mythical stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata are performed using elaborately crafted leather puppets. These performances are not only entertainment but are considered sacred rituals, often performed during temple festivals and ceremonies.
Balinese painting and sculpture are other mediums where mythology comes to life. The Kamasan style of painting, originating from the village of Kamasan, is a classical art form that depicts scenes from Hindu epics and Balinese myths. These paintings, typically created on cloth or bark paper, are characterized by their use of natural pigments and intricate details. The themes often include battles between gods and demons, illustrating the cosmic struggle between good and evil.
Sculpture is another important art form in Bali, with many temples adorned with stone carvings that depict deities, mythical creatures, and scenes from Balinese folklore. The Candi Bentar (split gate) at temple entrances is often flanked by statues of Dwarapala, guardian figures who protect the temple from evil spirits. These sculptures are not just decorative but are imbued with spiritual significance, serving as both protection and a reminder of the myths that shape Balinese belief.
Literature
Balinese literature, rich in epic narratives, serves as a repository of the island’s myths and legends. The Lontar, ancient manuscripts inscribed on palm leaves, are among the most significant literary artifacts in Bali. These texts cover a wide range of topics, from religious rituals to epic stories, such as the Kakawin Ramayana and Kakawin Bharatayuddha, which are adaptations of Indian epics. These stories have been localized, with the characters and events reflecting Balinese cultural values and social structures.
Oral tradition is another critical aspect of Balinese literature. Myths and legends are passed down through generations by storytellers known as dalang, who play a crucial role in preserving the island’s cultural heritage. These oral stories are often recited during temple ceremonies and festivals, ensuring that the myths remain a living part of Balinese culture.
In contemporary Bali, these myths continue to inspire modern writers and artists. The themes of good versus evil, the power of the natural world, and the importance of balance are frequently explored in modern Balinese literature and art, demonstrating the enduring relevance of these ancient stories.
Mythology’s Role in Environmental Conservation
Myths as Ecological Narratives
Balinese myths often carry powerful messages about the importance of living in harmony with nature. The reverence for Dewi Danu and the lakes she controls underscores the Balinese understanding of water as a sacred resource that must be carefully managed. The Subak system, a traditional method of irrigation, is a direct manifestation of this belief. This system, managed by local cooperatives, ensures that water is distributed equitably among the rice fields, reflecting the Balinese value of gotong royong (community cooperation).
The myth of Bali South Sea highlights the Balinese respect for the ocean and the supernatural beings believed to inhabit it. This respect is reflected in the Segara Kertih rituals, where offerings are made to the sea to appease these spirits and protect the island’s marine environment. These rituals are part of a broader tradition of environmental stewardship that is deeply embedded in Balinese culture, where the natural world is seen as a living entity that must be respected and preserved.
Sacred Landscapes
Certain natural features in Bali, such as mountains, rivers, and forests, are considered sacred because they are believed to be the dwelling places of gods and spirits. Mount Agung, the highest and most sacred mountain in Bali, is considered the home of the gods and is a focal point for many religious ceremonies. The Pura Besakih temple, located on its slopes, is a testament to this belief, with rituals conducted to honor the gods and ensure the mountain’s continued protection.
Similarly, rivers and springs are often regarded as sacred, with temples such as Tirta Empul built around natural springs believed to have healing properties. The water from these springs is used in purification rituals, emphasizing the connection between the spiritual and natural worlds. The belief in the sacredness of these landscapes has played a crucial role in their preservation, as these areas are often protected from development and exploitation.
