Kamela Amara
Kober Dewata Nawa Sanga: Flags of the Nine Guardians
Flags across the world are symbols of identity or purpose. Be it for countries, cities or organisations, the colours and icons featured on their representative flag will be deliberate, meaningful choices. Here in Bali, there are flags used for ceremonial purposes called kober, which are among the vibrant paraphernalia often seeing during ritual processions. Kober
Pura Kehen: A Silent Witness to Age-Old Oaths
Long before Bali became a unified province, the island was ruled by kings and queens. Traces of that regal past persist in the many puri and temples scattered across the land. One of the prominent temples from that era that still stands today is Pura Kehen in Bangli, where ancient kings and nobles once took their
Bungkak Nyuh Gading: A Vessel of Purity in Balinese Rituals
Coconuts are ubiquitous across Bali, not just as part of the island’s landscapes, but also in everyday life. Known as the ‘Fruit of Life’, the coconut is cherished for its nourishment and versatility, enjoyed as a drink, or shredded and milked into local dishes; but the coconut also plays an important role in Balinese ceremonies.
Pura Pegulingan: Traces of Buddhism in Balinese History
Although the majority of Balinese today practice Hinduism, Bali was once a significant centre where both Hinduism and Buddhism flourished. This shared history is evident in many temples across the island that exhibit Buddhist influences. One such temple, located in Tampaksiring, represents a unique fusion of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, a convergence that dates back
Pis Bolong: Cultural Ties Between China and Bali
Bali’s relationship with China goes way back; they share long-standing historical ties, which are evident in Bali’s cultural and religious practices. One such example is the use of pis bolong, also known as uang kepeng (flat coins), which are ancient Chinese coins used as a vital component in Balinese ceremonial offerings. These coins have a unique
The Sacred Grave of Raden Ayu Siti Khotijah
When we speak of Balinese royalty, we would normally associate this with the Hinduism and indeed the puri temples we are accustom to here. However, in Denpasar, there is proof of a princess that married into the Madura kingdom and converted to Islam. Sadly, her faith led to tragedy following a grave misunderstanding upon her
Kain Prada: The Golden Cloth of Bali’s Nobles of the Past
Bali has quite a lot of renowned fabric — songket, endek, and kain poleng to name a few, with each carrying its own unique history, use, and meaning. There is one particular fabric considered one of the most highly regarded among Balinese nobles of the past. It is kain prada, cherished for the use of real
Pura Luhur Mekori and the Battle of the Two Dragons
Naga, or dragon, is a renowned mythical creature and found in lore across the world. It also plays a significant role in many of Bali’s renowned myths and legends—one of which is Naga Besuki in the legends of Pura Besakih. However, there is one temple in Belimbing Village that has its history intertwined with not
Segehan: Offerings for the Bhuta Kala
The Balinese people, most of whom follow the Hindu religion, are never separated from yadnya ceremonies in their daily lives, which occur continuously for various purposes and functions. Each yadnya requires a specific banten or offering, and one of the simplest and smallest offerings—contrary to the misconception that Balinese ceremonies involve excessive use of materials—is segehan, which
Pura Alas Kedaton: The Temple Without Incense
Dupa or incense, is ubiquitous across the island, found wafting in every temple in Bali. That is, except for one. This is Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton, also known as Pura Alas Kedaton, founded in the depths of a monkey-populated forest. According to an inscription in Sading Village, Mengwi, Badung Regency, the temple was built by
Ulap-Ulap: The Protector of Balinese Buildings
Found hanging at the front of almost every Balinese building is a rerajahan (a form of religious art) known as an ulap-ulap. These ink drawings on white cloth serve to ward off misfortune from Balinese buildings. Ulap-ulap derives from the word ‘ulap’, meaning to wave or beckon. This refers to calling a particular positive force from
Pura Penataran Sasih and The Moon of Pejeng
Found along the roadside in the village of Pejeng is said to be one of the oldest temples in Bali. It is home to a relic from the Bronze Age, a bronze drum, believed to have illuminated the village of Pejeng in ancient times. This is Pura Penataran Sasih, which was founded in 1266 AD
Pratima and Pralingga: Effigies of the Gods
Every year, the island of Bali comes alive with a profound and deeply spiritual tradition known as melasti. It is a ritual of purification, during which worshippers travel to the beach in procession. Carried upon their heads are special objects, often wrapped in sacred textiles. These are the pratima and pralingga, effigies symbolising gods and
