Gods & Deities

topic posted Wed, September 28, 2005 - 2:55 AM by  Massivevibra...
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Although Balinese Hinduism is currently undergoing a reformation to bring it into the mainstream of classical Hinduism, the Balinese pantheon still includes sacred power specific to Bali, usually under the generic term bhatara or god. Of all the gods residing in nature, the most powerful are those associated with the mountains, lakes and the sea. There literally thousands of gods in the Balinese religion, the most important of whom are:

Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.

This is the "one supreme unknowable God" and is represented as Atintya a being in meditation surrounded by flames. Atintya has gained importance in recent years because he falls in line with religious beliefs that revolve around a single god, of whom all other gods are manifestations.

Trimurthi.
This god is more generally expressed as the Trimurthi or Hindu trinity (Brahma the creator, Wisnu the preserver and Siwa the destroyer).
Dewi Sri. The beloved goddess of rice. She is the anima of a rice cult of particular beauty. Her shrines in the rice fields are simple structures of virgin bamboo. She is honored in a number of different cyclical rituals, including the daily offerings set out after cooking every day.

Bhatari Durga. She is the consort of Siwa in her ferocious aspect. She rules over demons, ghosts and witches. Her most famous manifestation in Bali is Rangda, the queen of the witches in the Calonarang dance drama.

Saraswati. She is the goddess of knowledge, wisdom and arts. She is usually depicted as a beautiful, richly dressed woman riding a goose.

Bhatara Kawitan. This is the term for the original clan ancestor. The most intimate gods are the deified ancestors. The relationship between a Balinese and his ancestors is at once reverent and practical. The souls of the dead can be absorbed into heaven only by the purification rites of the living. In return, the ancestors bestow blessings and sometimes advice through trance mediums.

Sanghyang Semara-Ratih. She/he is the symbol of sexual union and also the symbol of beauty and is able to guarantee success in all ventures, cure sickness and chase away evil.
Ida Bhatara Gunung Agung. He is the god of Mount Agung and is honored at Pura Besakih and other major temples.
Ida Bhatari Dewi Ulun Danau Batur. She is the goddess of Lake Batur and her temple is on the edge of Batur crater. Her son is called Maya Danawa.
posted by:
Massivevibrations
Indonesia
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  • Re: Gods & Deities

    Thu, October 27, 2005 - 3:23 PM
    Kewl Silvie! I know about Sadyang Whidi! He's the little guy with the flames coming from his knees,shoulders,head,etc.Is he Vishnu in Bali?
    • Re: Gods & Deities

      Sun, October 30, 2005 - 8:48 AM
      I have been to the Bramha,Vishnu,Shiva Temple up at Mt. Batur~it is so Kewl! It was a Full Moon&I got to see the Ceremony,plus the Pemanku blessed me&did a small Puja~Yellow for Vishnu,Red for Shiva&white for Bramha~