Balinese Culture: Why Bali is Called the Island of the Gods
When visiting Bali, or when reading travel blogs, you may come across Bali’s other name - the ‘Island of the Gods.’ The Indonesian island, one of a staggering 17,500 others, has become famous worldwide as the only Hindu Island in the archipelago. The residents’ spiritual devotion to a unique form of Hinduism known as Agama Hindu Dharma can be seen everywhere in temples, rituals, architecture and ceremonies across the island. This, alongside its exceptional natural beauty, has earned Bali the nickname of the ‘Island of the Gods.’
Let’s explore more about how the island got its name and how religion plays such a huge part in daily life.
Canang sari is one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus to thank the gods in praise and prayer.
Tri Hita Karana: Three Causes of Wellbeing
An important concept that has traditionally guided Balinese life for centuries is Tri Hita Kirana, or the Three Causes of Wellbeing. At its core, it’s a philosophy that promotes harmony in three ways:
Parahyangan: Harmony with God
Pawongan: Harmony with People
Palemahen: Harmony with Nature
This philosophy can be seen in so many aspects of Balinese life, from architecture, rituals, community activities, ceremonies and agricultural practices.
Rice Paddies:
One of the most notable things about the Balinese landscape is the endless rice paddies and agricultural lands - in fact, they might be one of the first things people think about when they dream of coming to Bali. The natural irrigation system that waters these rice paddies is known as ‘subak,’ where farmers cooperatively draw water from one source by working together with nature. Farmers make offerings to the Gods throughout each stage of the rice growth cycle. This complex system is just one example of how the Balinese live in harmony with God, people and nature.
There are more than 100 types of rice. According to information obtained from BB Biogen Bogor, as of August 2003, more than 160 superior rice varieties have been distributed in Indonesia, suitable for various types of land such as paddy fields, dry land, and tidal swamp land.
Daily Offerings and Rituals:
Another visible manifestation of Balinese devotion towards the Gods are the ‘sesajen,’ or offerings that are made as a way of expressing gratitude to the Gods, to get good luck and to prevent bad things from happening. ‘Canang sari’ are offerings made of small woven baskets that are placed on the street and outside of people’s homes after being filled with incense, flowers, and sometimes cigarettes or sweets. Undoubtedly you will see them as you travel around the island; try not to step on them as you walk. During your stay, you can go to a ‘canang sari’ workshop to learn more about this important part of daily life for Balinese Hindus.
Temples:
The island is home to over 20,000 Hindu temples, ranging from sea temples that are put next to the ocean to appease the Gods of the sea, to water temples where locals go for spiritual cleansing. The numerous temples provide a place of worship and also a sense of community, with ceremonies being held frequently throughout the 250 day Balinese calendar year. There are also nine directional temples in Bali that were built based on calculations of stars, comets, nebulae and surprisingly, black holes. Having these temples in 9 important points of Bali is said to stop dark forces from entering the island. In addition to public temples, every home has a temple that is usually found near the door and is known as a ‘sanggah,’ which at least one family member should make an offering at daily.
Nature, Gods and Spirits:
In Balinese culture, natural landmarks are considered as a place for spirits and Gods to dwell. Mountains are seen as the abode of the Gods, with the 10,500 feet Mount Agung being the holiest. Rivers, springs and lakes are similarly said to be pure and sacred homes of benevolent spirits. These waters provide fresh water to the ‘subak’ so that farmers can produce rice, and offer Balinese the chance to spiritually cleanse themselves. On the other hand, salt water is seen as less pure, being that in Balinese culture the sea is home to demons and malevolent forces. The Balinese still have a lot of respect for the ocean, and will make offerings at temples on the coastline to protect the island from dark forces.
The Temple of Besakih is a pura complex. This is a Balinese Hindu temple where those who practice Balinese Hinduism go to worship. The Temple of Besakih is also called the Mother Temple of Besakih as it is the largest, holiest and most important temple in Bali.
Final Thoughts
The name ‘Island of the Gods’ is much more than a catchy nickname. The island is a deeply spiritual place, where there is a widely held belief that both good and bad forces are always at play and should be kept in balance. Balinese reverence for supernatural forces undeniably gives the island its magical feel, and promotes the kind and harmonious atmosphere that Bali is known for. So, next time you’re in Bali, keep an eye out for these aspects of daily life and remember that harmony with nature, people and the Gods is key here.
If you are planning a holiday in Bali, check out our VOA page for more information about getting a visa for your trip. If you need further assistance with your visa or are planning to stay longer, check out our visa services pages or get in touch with us via Whatsapp. We are Bali Solve, one of Bali’s leading visa agencies - let us help you to come and experience the Island of the Gods for yourself.
Written by Team Bali Solve
