The Balinese had already owned their Belief and culture when Hinduism brought into Indonesia about 2000 year ago. Around 400 AD the Hindu Kingdoms in central and east java had their great influence over Bali but when a new religion, Islam brought in, the Hindu Kingdoms in java had been more and more declined, at that time a large number of priest, noblemen artist and their follower refused the new religion and escaped to Bali. They blended their Belief and traditions with those of the local people, a blend of which is inherited by the present Balinese people, the rich culture which is instead of the scenic beauty of the island, has attracted more and more visitors from time to time. The stronghold of their religion and traditions may be the main factor that enables them to preserve their culture from the outside influence.
Bali is island of the provincial Governmental region that has 5.632.86 Km2 of land consist of 17 % rice fields, 10.615 dry fields 31.58 % plantations and 22.19 % forest. Bali is an island with limited land but relatively high population density and a lot of undeveloped natural resources such as raw material for industry, so in its efforts to raise the people prosperity, the regional government of Bali has to consider thoroughly all the above mentioned data. In its five years plan progress, Bali regional government stresses the policy to reach prosperity through a suitable development an accordance with the level of its need on two major thing : Agriculture and Tourism
Balinese Religion & Characteristic
The Balinese have strong spiritual roots and despite the large influx of tourist over the years, their culture is still very much alive. The main religion is Hindu Dharma, which although originaly from India , it comprised of a unique blend of Hindu, Budhist, Javanese and ancient indigenous beliefs. It’s very defferent from the Hinduism practiced in India today. Naturally creative, the Balinese have traditionally used their talent for religious purposes and most of the beautiful work to be seen here has been inspired by story from Ramayana, Mahabharata Hindu epics.
Balinese people are Hindu, yet their religion is very different from the India variety. The Balinese worship the hindu trinity Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu, who are seen as manifestations of the supreme god Sang hyang widhi. Other India gods like Ganesha ( The elephant-Headed god ) also appear, bur more commonly. Shrine associated with the many gods and spirits, uniquely Balinese, are found all over the island. Balinese people strongly believe in magic and the power of spirits, basing much of their religion on this. They believe good spirits dwell in the mountains and that the seven seas are home to demons and ogres. Most villages have at least three main temples, namely : ( 1 )Pura Puseh ( The Puseh Temple ) or temple of origin, facing the mountains. ( 2 ) Pura Desa ( Village Temple ) can be found of each village in Bali. ( 3 )Pura Dalem aligned with the sea and dedicated to the spirits of the dead.
Aside from these village temple almost every house has it’s own shrine. Some temple, for example Pure Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung, are considerably more important and people from all over Bali travel there to worship. Offering play a significant role in Balinese life as they appease the spirits and thus bring prosperity and good health to the family. Every day small offering trays ( Canang Sari ), containing symbolic food, flower, cigarettes and money, are respectfully put on shrines, in temple, in front of houses and shops, and at dangerous crossroads. Festivals are another great occasion for soothing the gods. The women carry huge, beautifully arranged pyramids of food, fruits and flowers on their heads while the men might conduct a blood sacrifice through a cockfight. The god are invited to descend and join the festivities with music and traditional dances to go with it. This kind of event is extremely exciting, memorable and well worth attending.