Art & Religion

Bali art and religion

The Balinese have always connected art with worship, Hindu myths such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata are the main subjects of traditional paintings, carvings and even wayang kulit (shadow puppetry).

Bali  Festival and Ceremony 

Unlike the rest of Indonesia's mainly Muslim population, which includes Lombok's 2.3 million inhabitants, the 3 million strong Balinese are predominantly Hindu. Although the basic tenets are similar, this is not the same version of Hinduism as that found in India. Balinese Hinduism is mixed with ancient animistic beliefs and some aspects of Buddhism. The supreme being or God, Ida Sanghyang Widi Wasa, has a triple identity comprising of Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa.

The Balinese are often accused of worshipping many gods and this arises from a misunderstanding of the words dewa and dewi which are often translated as " God " and " Goodness". It is probably easier to think of the various dewa and dewi as the equivalent of Christian saints, archangels or, in some cases, devils. In addition to the high ranking deities, there are also many lower level spirits, bhuta kala, whose needs have to be taken into account to prevent them from making trouble. Art in all its forms is seen as a way of pleasing God and the deities and because of this great care has traditionally been taken in all arts and crafts.