In Bali, Hindu dharma is not a memory but the living faith of most of the island's people. Balinese Hinduism — Agama Hindu Dharma — blends Shaiva and Buddhist traditions from Java with ancestor worship and local custom, and fills daily life with offerings, temple festivals and dance.
History
- 1st millennium CEHindu and Buddhist culture reaches Bali from Java.
- 15th–16th centuriesAs Java becomes Muslim, Hindu priests, nobles and artists of the Majapahit court move to Bali.
- 1950s–60sBalinese Hinduism is organised as Agama Hindu Dharma and recognised by the Indonesian state.
Hindu life today
Pura Besakih, on the slopes of Mount Agung, is the island's mother temple. Every home has its shrine, and small offerings (canang sari) of flowers and rice are placed out each day. Galungan celebrates the victory of dharma over adharma, and Nyepi — the Balinese New Year of the Saka era — is a day of complete silence, when the whole island, including the airport, shuts down.
Balinese Hindus speak of one supreme God, Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, and of the Trimurti; the Gayatri mantra forms part of the daily Trisandhya prayer broadcast across the island.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Nyepi?
The Balinese Hindu New Year, a day of complete silence, fasting and reflection when the whole island shuts down.
What is the mother temple of Bali?
Pura Besakih, on the slopes of Mount Agung.
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Read nextMauritius — The Girmitiya IslandSources & copyright status
- Statistics Indonesia (BPS), religion by province — census data
- Historical facts: not subject to copyright.
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