Bali is often called the "Island of the Gods", a unique bastion of Hinduism outside India. While sharing a profound spiritual lineage with its Indian counterpart, Balinese Hinduism has forged its own distinctive path, blending timeless traditions with local wisdom to create a faith unlike any other.

This article explores the shared foundations and unique divergences between Indian and Balinese Hinduism, highlighting what makes each tradition distinct and fascinating.

The Etymology of Hindu

The term "Hindu" is not an endonym (a term originally used by the adherents themselves) but has geographical and linguistic roots. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Sindhu," which refers to "a large body of water," specifically the Indus River.

The ancient Persians, through a Proto-Iranian sound change (*s > h), referred to the region beyond the Indus as "Hapta Hendu" in the Avestan scripture Vendidad. The Greeks later adopted cognates like "Indus" and "India."

Over centuries, particularly during the medieval era following Arab invasions and later with European colonialists, "Hindu" became a convenient term used to describe the diverse people and their varied religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions residing beyond the Indus River.

The term "Hinduism" itself was introduced into the English language in the 19th century by British writers to categorize these traditions.

Today, while "Hindu" is widely accepted, some within the tradition prefer the endonym "Sanatana Dharma", meaning "eternal dharma" or "eternal path," emphasizing the timeless nature of their faith.

How Hinduism Reached Bali?

History of Hinduism in Indonesia (and Bali)

Archaeological evidence for early Hindu presence in Bali includes ancient stone inscriptions in Sanskrit and Old Javanese, dating from the 7th to 10th centuries CE, which mention Hindu deities, priests, and rituals. These artifacts, such as the 914 CE inscription referencing a Shivaite priest, confirm organized Shaivite worship amid trade influences from India starting around the 1st century CE.

Dang Hyang Nirartha as the Foundation Builder

Dang Hyang Nirartha, a 16th-century Javanese Shaivite priest also known as Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rawuh, played a pivotal role in reforming and solidifying Balinese Hinduism during King Dalem Waturenggong's reign. Arriving around 1489-1510 CE as Islam displaced Hinduism in Java, he adapted earlier foundations from figures like Mpu Kuturan into a unified Shaivite system emphasizing moksha and Shiva as the supreme deity.

Key Reforms

He founded the Shaivite priesthood (pedandas), serving as the ancestor of all Balinese Brahmana Siwa priests who maintain rituals today. Nirartha composed prakīrtanam prayers, mantras, and the Mahāpañcayajña ritual system for offerings to gods, ancestors, and nature.

Temple Foundations

Nirartha established or augmented key temples like Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, and Besakih during coastal pilgrimages, introducing the padmasana shrine—an empty throne for Acintya (Sang Hyang Widhi) as the ultimate god. These structures symbolize his spiritual authority and helped preserve Hinduism in Bali amid regional Islamic expansion

Acculturation with Local Wisdom and Buddhism

This migration solidified Bali as a stronghold of Hinduism and profoundly shaped its religious and cultural landscape. Balinese Hinduism, as practiced today, is a unique amalgamation of Indian Hindu teachings, Javanese philosophical principles, and indigenous Balinese local wisdoms and traditions.

It was a gradual process of integrating pre-existing spiritual beliefs with new religious influences. Traditionally, Balinese Hinduism is also called “Agama Tirtha”.

Local Wisdom:

Balinese Hinduism seamlessly incorporated local ancestor worship and animistic beliefs, honoring ancestral spirits and local deities alongside Hindu gods and goddesses.

The philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between humans and God (Parahyangan), humans and their community (Pawongan), and humans and nature (Palemahan), is a prime example of local wisdom deeply embedded in Balinese Hinduism. This also manifests in ecological wisdom, such as the Subak system for water management in agriculture.

Buddhism:

Buddhism arrived in the Indonesian archipelago alongside Hinduism as early as the 1st century CE. Both religions coexisted and influenced each other, especially in Java and Bali.

The form of Hinduism that became prominent in Bali, particularly influenced by the Majapahit Empire, was a syncretic blend of Shaivism (a major Hindu tradition) and Mahayana (Tantra) Buddhism, often referred to as 'Shiva-Buddha' or ‘Siwa-Sogata’ in local term. This syncretism led to the integration of Hindu and Buddhist iconography and shared concepts, with Balinese Hinduism recognizing a supreme god, Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, who manifests in various forms, including the Hindu trinity and incorporates philosophical influences from Buddhism.

The Similarity and Differences

Similarities:

Vedic Supremacy and Core Philosophy: Both Indian and Balinese Hinduism acknowledge the supremacy of the Vedas as foundational scriptures. Fundamental concepts such as Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha (the four goals of human life), as well as the cycle of life, reincarnation (samsara), and the principle of karma, are shared.

Deities: Deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, Hanuman, and avatars of Shakti (Durga, Saraswati, Lakshmi) are revered and common to both traditions. The Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) is a central concept worshipped in Bali.

Epics: The ancient Hindu legends of the Mahabharata and Ramayana are deeply revered and play a significant role in the cultural and artistic expressions of both regions, influencing art forms like Balinese Gamelan and dance dramas, like Kecak dance.

Architectural Principles: Temples in Bali often follow similar architectural principles and cosmological layouts to their Indian counterparts.

Offerings: The practice of making daily offerings (Canang Sari in Bali, puja in India) to gods and spirits is central to daily life in both cultures.

Differences:

Philosophical Emphasis: While Indian Hinduism is a diverse admixture of Tantra, Vedic, and Puranic practices (Nigama Dharma), Balinese Hinduism is considered more to encompass Tantrism, yoga, cosmology, and the religions of Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti, often with a greater emphasis on ancestral rites and natural spirits.

Deity Representation: In Bali, the supreme being is often referred to as Achintya or Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, worshipped through an empty throne, symbolizing the ultimate oneness of God. While the phallic cult of Shiva (lingam) is present, lingams in Bali often represent the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, not solely Shiva, as is frequently the case in India. Additionally, celestial beings, Yakshas, Yakshinis, and sea serpents are an integral part of Balinese worship.

Social Structure: A significant difference is the absence of a scheduled caste system (often referred to as untouchables) in Balinese Hinduism, unlike the historical and social realities in India. Balinese society is highly organized with village committees called Banjārs that ensure community well-being and cooperation.

Priestly Roles: In Bali, both Brahmin high priests (Pedandas) and Sudra high priests (Sri Mpu) exist, making priestly roles accessible beyond the Brahmin caste, and women can also become high priests.

Rituals and Practices: The method of performing pūja (worship), the calendar used, festivals celebrated (e.g., Nyepi, the Day of Silence, and the Ogoh-Ogoh parade in Bali vs. Diwali in India), sacraments, and the types of offerings made differ significantly. Balinese traditions often stem from the original spiritual induction of Hinduism rather than solely relying on contemporary recitations, seen in ceremonies like the Melasti Ceremony and purification rituals (melukat).

Language: Balinese Hinduism utilizes Kawi, a mixed language of Sanskrit and ancient Javanese, for religious texts, which absorbs Sanskrit vocabulary but does not imitate its grammar. Also, in Balinese pronunciation, "v" is often replaced with "w" (e.g., "deva" becomes "dewa").

Vedas Chanted: It has been noted that Balinese Hindus primarily chant from two Vedas, whereas Indian Hinduism recognizes and chants from all four Vedas.

Differences between Indian and Balinese Hinduism in Comparison Table

Balinese Hindu Attractions

Bali boasts numerous stunning Hindu temples and sacred sites that are not only significant religious places but also major tourist attractions, offering a glimpse into the island's rich culture, intricate architecture, and spiritual practices.

These sites are essential for anyone exploring Bali's classic landmarks:

• Tanah Lot Temple: An iconic sea temple perched dramatically on a rock formation off the coast of Tabanan, famous for its breathtaking sunset views. It is a must-visit among beaches in Tabanan.
• Uluwatu Temple: Dramatically situated on a cliff 70 meters above the sea, providing spectacular ocean vistas, especially at sunset, and known for nightly Kecak dance performances. Read more about Uluwatu Temple.
• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: Often referred to as the "Floating Temple," this picturesque landmark is located on the western shore of Lake Bratan, built in adoration of the Goddess Danu (goddess of water, lakes, and rivers). You can see Buddhism syncretism in this temple as well. Discover more about Pura Ulun Danu Beratan.
• Tirta Empul Temple: Also known as the Holy Water Temple, famous for its sacred springs where locals and visitors partake in purification rituals called 'melukat'. Read more about Tirta Empul Temple.
• Besakih Temple: Considered the "Mother Temple" of Bali, it is the largest and holiest Hindu temple complex on the island, situated on the slopes of Mount Agung, comprising more than eighty temples and shrines. Learn more about Besakih Temple.
• Goa Gajah: Known as the "Elephant Cave," this is an ancient archaeological site featuring a unique cave entrance and a relic-filled courtyard, believed to be a meditation retreat.
• Lempuyang Temple: Famous for its "Gates of Heaven" viewpoint, offering fantastic high-altitude views from its location atop Mount Lempuyang, requiring a challenging climb. Discover more about Pura Lempuyang.
• Gunung Kawi Temple: A unique archaeological site featuring ancient shrine reliefs carved into a rock cliff overlooking the sacred Pakerisan River, a testament to 11th-century Balinese royalty. Find out more about Gunung Kawi Temple.