Balinese Hinduism is a form of Hinduism practised by the majority of the population of Bali that incorporates local animism, ancestor worship or Pitru Paksha.
The population of Indonesian islands is predominantly Muslim (86%). The island of Bali is an exception where about 87% of its people identify as Hindu (about 1.7% of the total Indonesian population).
Hinduism was brought to Bali by Indian traders. It also brought with it spiritual ideas, myths and legends – which can be seen in the unique festivals and events associated with the spirits of ancestors and their gods. The temples in Bali also have similar designs and principles to the Indian temples. Balinese call their sacred temples (Pura), which is a holy place with enclosed walls. There are more than 20,000 temples across the island; each one is associated with a specific characteristic such as virtue of descent or geographical area.
There are more than 20.000 temples across the island of Bali.
Balinese Hinduism is combination of 2 beliefs, the Shiva sect of Hinduism and Mahayana Buddhism. This specific branch of religion is often identified as Holy Water Religion
They only worship one God, called Sang Hyang Widhi, Acintya or Sang Hyang Tunggal.
The true Balinese Hinduism is a personal spiritual experience and an individual’s journey in finding the meaning of their life. It offers to reach perfection through “moksa” (becoming one with the universe), not only based on certain dogmas.
Moksa is their highest form of spiritual perfection and it "means becoming one with the universe".
Acintya (from Sanskrit: अचिन्त्य, “the inconceivable”, “the unimaginable”), also known as Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (Balinese: “The Divine Order”) and Sang Hyang Tunggal (“The Divine Oneness”) is the Supreme God of Indonesian Hinduism (formally known as Agama Hindu Dharma). Acintya is equivalent to the metaphysical concept of Brahman of Indian Hinduism, and is the Supreme God in traditional wayang (shadow puppet) theatre. All gods, goddesses and existence are believed to be the manifestation of the Acintya in Balinese Hinduism.
Canang sari (Balinese: ᬘᬦᬂᬲᬭᬶ) is one of the daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus to thank the Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in praise and prayer.Canang sari will be seen in the Balinese temples (pura), on small shrines in houses, and on the ground or as a part of a larger offering.
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| Walking around the streets of Bali you will see many of such offerings around. On our first night at OmHam Retreat and Resort we will learn more about the interesting beliefs and rituals the locals follows. |
