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Balinese Religion
Balinese Temples:
Powerful
Places on The Sacred Landscape
The Balinese temple
or pura is a sacred space where the gods and
ancestors are worshipped and where the deities descend to
earth during rituals to bestow blessings upon humanity.
There are tens of thousands of temples on Bali, each having
a particular function. Most houses in Bali have small
temples called sanggah or merajan devoted to
the Hindu trinity of Brahman, Wishnu and Siwa, and to the
deified ancestors of the family. These private temples are
given offerings each day, in return for which they bless and
protect the inhabitants of the house. Each village also has
three temples, known as the kahyangan tiga - the pura
puseh or temple of origin located on the side of the
village toward the sacred mountain, the pura desa or
village temple located in the center of the village, and the
pura dalem or temple of the dead and the ancestors,
located on the seaward side. The inhabitants of the village
all contribute toward the upkeep of these temples, and
gather together to celebrate temple anniversaries. There are
also temples belonging to traditional irrigation
associations, and temples for extended family groups. The
most famous temples in Bali are those which serve the whole
of Balinese society, the best known of which is Besakih, the
“mother temple” of Bali located on the slopes of the
holy Mount Agung. These “Sad Kahyangan” or “six great
sanctuaries” include Pura Panataran Sasih in Pejeng, Pura
Dasar in Gelgel, Pura Panataran Goa Lawar in Klungkung, and
Pura Kehen in Bangli.
Most Balinese temples use the
same sacred architecture. They are all open roofed, allowing
the gods and ancestors to descend from the heavens during
ceremonies. They face toward the holy Mount Agung, the home
of the gods, so that worshippers may turn toward the deities
when they pray. Most temples are entered through a split
gate symbolizing the cosmic mountain Mahameru, which is
placed on the seaward side. Inside the temple, the space is
split into separate courtyards. The jabaan, or outer
courtyard, is where secular dances are held. The jaba
tengah or middle courtyard is where offerings may be
made and classical dances held. The jeroan, or inner
courtyard, is the most sacred space where worship and
ceremonies are conducted and where holy dances to welcome
the gods down to earth are performed.
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