Hinduism… a Living Style for Most of Us Nepalese. We know we share similarities with Indians, but have you ever thought about the massive Hindu population in Bali? Yes, I’m talking about the famous Bali, the land of beaches, swings, and extravagant honeymoon experiences. Let’s go the opposite route, Bali Hinduism.
Bali is 87% filled with a Hindu population. If that doesn’t make sense to you yet, you might be shocked to learn that Indonesia is an Islamic country. With 90% of its population practicing Islam. Yet Bali, the famous Bali, holds Hinduism in its hands.
How is that even possible? And why does it matter?
As Nepalese, our version of Hinduism shares the same foundational concepts with that of Bali. Knowing that the same belief system exists in another part of the world shaped completely differently is mesmerizing.
Bali Hinduism History
Bali has a staggering 4.3 million residents, and out of that, 3.7 million are Hindus. The influence and roots of Hinduism in Bali are so deep that nothing can shake them.
To take it from the very beginning, Hinduism in Bali arrived over 2000 years ago. It was carried across by Indian traders and priests. When they arrived in Bali, they didn’t just come, they brought and left behind sacred texts, rituals, and philosophical ideas.
To really say Hinduism got its backbone in Bali, we have to highlight the Majapahit Empire period. The presence of Hinduism grew stronger during the rise of this empire in the 13th to 14th century. The Majapahit Empire, a powerful Hindu-Buddhist kingdom in Java, extended its reach to Bali. Today, we see wonderful architecture, artistic traditions, and even an organized caste system, all thanks to the Majapahit influence.
But the real turning point was the spread of Islam across Java, which led to the decline of the Majapahit Empire. As Islam spread to other parts of Indonesia, Hindus fled to Bali. This historic migration solidified Bali as the last stronghold of Hinduism in Indonesia.
So what’s interesting? Hinduism is widespread in Nepal. Temples, gods, rituals, and celebrations are part of daily life. But what’s interesting in Bali is that Nepalese should go to experience for themselves?
Balinese Hindus do emphasize gods like Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva, but they also deeply revere local gods, ancestral spirits, and nature deities. They believe in a divine spirit called Hyang, which is thought to inhabit mountains, trees, and rivers.
And there’s more. One of the most recognizable figures in Bali is Barong, a protective, lion-like spirit representing good. On the other side is Rangda, associated with chaos, known as the Demon Queen.
As I write this, it feels like just the beginning. Balinese culture is centered around offerings, especially Banten, and more specifically Canang Sari. Small, woven palm-leaf trays filled with flowers, rice, and incense. You’ll see them on sidewalks, doorsteps, shrines, and even on car dashboards. These are ways of expressing gratitude and maintaining balance.
Temples in Bali
Now, let’s stroll through Bali and witness its fascinating temples and architecture.
Balinese temples are known as Pura. Most have open-air structures designed to harmonize with nature. With intricate stone carvings, thatched roofs, and beautiful courtyards, they’re unlike anything you’ve seen. Each village in Bali typically has three main temples:
- Pura Puseh: Dedicated to the village’s ancestors.
- Pura Desa: The central temple for daily worship and community ceremonies.
- Pura Dalem: Dedicated to the dead and spirits.
There are also some globally famous temples:
- Besakih Temple: Known as Bali’s Mother Temple, located on the majestic slopes of Mount Agung.
- Tanah Lot Temple: A unique temple standing on a rock formation in the ocean. You may find some resemblance to Pokhara’s Tal Barahi Temple but this one stands in the ocean, not a lake. It’s a sacred site and a top spot for photography.
- Uluwatu Temple: Famous for the Kecak dance performed at sunset on a cliff’s edge. With fire, chanting, and the Indian Ocean crashing below. It’s dramatic, loud, and unforgettable.
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: Known as the Floating Temple, it lies in the middle of Lake Beratan, surrounded by misty mountains. It is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and water.
- Tirta Empul Temple: This will remind you of our Muktinath’s 108 water taps. It’s a sacred water temple where you can experience a purification process.
- Lempuyang Temple: Your favorite “Heaven Gate” is here. Yes, it is a temple! One of Bali’s oldest and holiest.
God in Balinese Hinduism
So, who do Balinese Hindus worship? Is it Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, or someone else entirely?
The main supreme god is known as Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. Instead of direct worship, they worship through the Trimurti:
- Brahma (the Creator)
- Vishnu (the Preserver)
- Shiva (the Destroyer and Transformer)
They also deeply worship the surrounding nature and spiritual forces.
- Dewi Sri: The goddess of rice, fertility, and prosperity.
- Ida Bhatara: A divine manifestation believed to reside in temples.
- Hyang: Powerful spirits believed to dwell in mountains, rivers, and trees.
How did Bali become so rich in Hindu culture?
It’s all thanks to the guiding philosophy of Tri Hita Karana. A belief in maintaining harmony between three aspects of life:
- Humans
- Nature
- The Divine
This philosophy shapes daily life in Bali and ensures spiritual, social, and environmental balance.
Major Hindu Ceremonies & Bali Festivals
Bali celebrates vibrant and colorful festivals, just like we do in Nepal.
- Nyepi: Balinese New Year, also known as the Day of Silence. It’s a full day of silence, fasting, and meditation. No fights, no lights, no noise. Even airports are closed! It’s a day completely dedicated to self-purification.
- Galungan & Kuningan: These festivals occur every 210 days and celebrate the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil).
- Melasti: A massive purification ceremony where sacred temple objects are carried to the sea or holy springs. Thousands of Balinese Hindus dressed in white walk in procession.
And before I wrap this up, Yes, pork-eating Hindus are not a myth. It’s very real in Bali! But that’s a topic for another blog.
Just know this, Bali is worth visiting every square foot. If you want explore our Bali Tour Packages.
Make that trip happen this year!
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