Bali is nicknamed the island of the gods due to the strong presence of temples, religious ceremonies, and the influence of Balinese Hinduism that permeates the daily life of the island's inhabitants.
Hinduism in Bali is truly everywhere. As soon as you arrive, you quickly notice small baskets filled with offerings called canang sari, placed every day in front of houses, shops, or even in the middle of sidewalks. These colorful offerings often contain flowers, incense, fruits, or rice to thank or seek protection from the deities. The lives of the Balinese do not revolve solely around temples or special ceremonies; they are daily shaped by this belief, whether through quick prayers upon waking, regular family rituals, or even the way they build their homes according to sacred orientations. This spirituality naturally integrates into their daily lives, influencing their lifestyle, habits, and even the way they interact with one another.
Bali is an island where sacred temples are as common as cafes in the city. There are more than 20,000 of them, with each village having its own sanctuary dedicated to local deities. Some temples, like the famous Tanah Lot, perched on its rocky seaside, or Besakih, known as the mother temple, located on the slopes of the Agung volcano, attract thousands of visitors each year. These temples are not merely monuments of admiration or contemplation; the Balinese actively come here to pray, make offerings, or attend public spiritual ceremonies. They believe that each temple houses sacred forces and protects the spirit of the island.
In Bali, myths and legends hold a central place. The island is considered the land of spirits, where every waterfall, mountain, or forest has its own sacred story populated by local deities known as gods and protective spirits. The famous myth of the Barong, a magical creature symbolizing Good, tells of its eternal struggle against the evil witch named Rangda. Many Balinese still believe that certain places are inhabited by spirits, which is why offerings are frequently placed in front of trees or caves. Among the popular legends is that of the volcano Gunung Agung, regarded by locals as the home of the gods, and whose eruptions are seen as divine messages or warnings. These beliefs and mythical tales profoundly shape Balinese identity, influencing their daily lives, festivals, and even their outlook on life.
In Bali, it's impossible to go a day without coming across offerings. Every morning, the Balinese place these small baskets made of palm leaves filled with flowers, rice, and incense in front of their homes or shops to thank their gods and ensure a good day. Ceremonies punctuate life throughout the island. Some honor ancestors or purify the community, while others celebrate a birth, a wedding, or even the construction of a house. During these events, everyone dresses in traditional attire and actively participates in the festivities with music, dances, and substantial offerings. The sacred dance of the Barong, for example, is performed regularly: it is a symbolic representation where good confronts evil before the captivated eyes of locals and travelers. These daily rites, intense and sincere, give the island its famous spirituality that is palpable every day.
In Bali, nature itself has a sacred character. The island is dotted with mountains considered as points of contact with the gods, such as the famous Mount Agung, the highest peak and a major spiritual sanctuary. The locals believe that this volcano represents the dwelling place of the deities and regularly pay homage to it during dedicated ceremonies. Other imposing peaks, like Mount Batur, also play a symbolic role in Balinese spirituality. The active volcanoes, with their energy and power, emphasize the sacred and living nature of the Balinese landscape. Water also has an important role in this divine connection: the numerous sacred springs, such as those at the Tirta Empul temple, are recognized for their purifying virtue. Balinese people visit them on pilgrimage to purify themselves physically and spiritually. The natural environment is thus inseparable from spiritual and religious beliefs, making the entire island a deeply sacred place in the eyes of its inhabitants.
The Balinese daily present floral offerings called Canang Sari in front of their homes, shops, or shrines to appease the spirits and attract divine blessings.
Mount Agung, a sacred volcano rising to 3,142 meters, is regarded by the locals as a true abode of the gods, and its last major eruption occurred in 1963.
The traditional water management system, known as Subak, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflects the deep Balinese harmony between nature and spirituality.
Dances such as Kecak or the Barong dance tell legends from the Ramayana or Balinese mythology, thus blending artistic performance and spirituality.
Yes, to respect local customs and enter Balinese temples, it is systematically requested to wear a sarong (a traditional fabric wrapped around the waist) and often a sash (selendang). Shoulders must also be covered.
Among the sacred volcanoes in Bali, the most notable are Mount Agung, the island's most sacred mountain, and Mount Batur, famous for its morning treks that offer a unique view of the sunrise over the island.
Unlike the rest of predominantly Muslim Indonesia, Bali is primarily Hindu. This uniqueness stems from its distinctive cultural history, marked by the influence of Hinduism from India that has shaped its beliefs, rites, and spiritual traditions.
Among the must-visit temples in Bali are the Tanah Lot temple, perched on a solitary rock in the sea, the Besakih temple, known as the 'mother temple,' located on the slopes of Mount Agung, and the Ulun Danu Bratan temple, beautifully situated on the edge of a lake surrounded by mountains.
Religious ceremonies in Bali take place throughout the year. However, the best time to experience them is during major festivals such as Galungan and Kuningan, celebrated every 210 days according to the traditional Balinese calendar.
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