The Legend of Dewi Sri - God of rice paddies in Balinese

The Legend of Dewi Sri

In Java there are a multitude of myths and legends. The Sudanese in particular have some fascinating legends and none more fascinating that of Dewi Sri.

We have all seen the shrines dedicated to Dewi Sri in the padi fields on Bali as we have travelled through the island. If one wonders about the beginning of padi and how the earth was first organized then the Sundanese have all the stories. One of the myths that is very well known by the Sundanese is Nyi Pohaci Sanghiang Sri. This story about Dewi Sri is written in Wawacan Sulanjana:

Once upon a time in the heavens the Batara Guru commanded all the gods and goddesses to contribute their power in order to build a new palace. Anybody who disobeyed this commandment would lose his or her head.

Upon hearing the Batara Guru’'s commandment, one of the gods, Anta, was very anxious. He didn't have arms or legs and he wasn't sure how he could possibly do the job. Anta was shaped as a snake and he couldn't work. He sought advice from one of his friends but unfortunately his friend was also confused by Anta's bad luck. Anta became very upset and cried.

As he was crying three teardrops fell to the ground.

Amazingly, after touching the ground those teardrops became three eggs. His friend advised him to offer those eggs to the Batara Guru hoping that he would give a fair judgement.

With the three eggs in his mouth Anta went to the Batara Guru's palace. On the way there he was approached by a black bird who asked him a question. He couldn't answer because of the eggs in his mouth but the bird thought thatAnta was being arrogant. It became furious and began to attack Anta and as a result one egg was shattered. Antaquickly tried to hide in the bushes but the bird was waiting for him.

The second attack left Anta with only one egg to offer to the Batara Guru.

Finally he arrived at the palace and offered his teardrop (in the shape of an egg) to the Batara Guru. The offer was accepted and the Batara Guru asked him to nest the egg until it hatched. Miraculously the egg hatched into a very beautiful girl. He gave the baby girl to the Batara Guru and his wife.

Nyi Pohi Sanghian Sri was her name and she grew up into a beautiful princess becoming more and more beautiful as the days passed by. As her beauty grew every man who saw her became attracted to her. Even her stepfather theBatara Guru started to feel an attraction toward her.

Seeing the Batara Guru's new attitude toward Nyi Pohaci, all the gods became so worried about the situation that they conspired to separate Nyi Pohaci and the Batara Guru.

To keep the peace in the heavens and to maintain Nyi Pohaci's good name, all the gods planned for her death. She was poisoned and her body buried on earth in a hidden place. But the graveyard was to hold a strange sign, for at the time of her burial, up grew a very useful plant that would forever benefit all human beings.

From her eyes grew the plant that is called padi (rice paddy).

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Kebo Iwa - The Good Giant from Bali

Kebo Iwa 

Bali

ONCE upon a time in Bali, a man and his wife were praying. They have been married for a long time but did not have any children. They asked God to give them a child. They prayed and prayed.

God finally answered their pray. The wife, then, got pregnant and they had a baby boy. They were very happy.

The baby was extraordinary. He was very much different from other babies. He ate and drank a lot. Day after day he ate more and more. His body was getting bigger and bigger. And by the time he was a teenager, his body was as big as a buffalo. People then started to call him Kebo Iwa.

Because of his eating habit, Kebo Iwa’s parents spent a lot of money to buy his food in large amount. They finally went bankrupt. They gave up and asked the villagers to help them provide the food.

The villagers then worked together to cook and build a big house for Kebo Iwa. He was like a giant. He could not stay in his parents’ house anymore because of his big body. Sadly, after a few months, the villagers also could not afford to cook him the food. They then asked Kebo Iwa to cook his own food. The villagers just prepared the raw materials.

Kebo Iwa agreed and as an expression of his gratitude to the villagers, he built a dam, dug wells, and he also protected the villagers from animals and people who wanted to attack their village. He did those things by himself.

Meanwhile, the troops of Majapahit were planning to attack Bali. They knew about Kebo Iwa. And they also knew that they could not conquer Bali with Kebo Iwa there. Kebo Iwa was more powerful than they were.
Gajah Mada, the Maha Patih (Chief Minister) of Majapahit then planned something. They were pretending to invite Kebo Iwa to Majapahit to help them dig some wells. They said that Majapahit was suffering from a long dry season and needed much water. Kebo Iwa did not know the plan, so he went to Majapahit.

When Kebo Iwa was busy digging a very big well, the troops covered the well. Kebo Iwa had difficulty in breathing and buried alive. He died inside the well.

After the death of Kebo Iwa, Bali was conquered by Majapahit. Until now, people still remember Kebo Iwa because he had done a lot for Majapahit and Bali. The stone head of legendary Kebo Iwa can be found in Pura Gaduh temple in Blahbatuh.

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The Legend of Selat Bali - Bali old story about dragon

The Legend of Selat Bali

Once upon a time in Daha kingdom there lived a Brahmin named Sidi Mantra who was very famous. Guru Sanghyang Widya gave him gifts and presented him a beautiful wife. After many years of marriage, they had a son who they named Manik Angkeran. Although Manik Angkeran was handsome and intelligent young man but he had bed behavior, he like gambling. He often lost, so he had staked his parents’ wealth, even in debt to someone else. Because they could not pay the debt, Manik Angkeran’s father asking for help to do something.

Sidi Mantra prayed to the God. Suddenly he heard a voice, “Hi, Sidi Mantra, in the crater of Mount Agung there is a treasure guarded by a dragon, the Dragon named Basuki. Go there and ask that he would give a little fortune”. Sidi Mantra went to Mount Agung to overcome all of the problems. Arriving at the edge of Mount Agung, he sat cross-legged. As he rang the gentaand called the name of Naga Basuki. In a few moments the Naga Basuki was out. After hearing the purpose of Sidi Mantra, Naga Basuki gave him gold and diamonds. After saying thank you, Sidi Mantra went home. He gave all of the gold and diamonds to Manik Angkeran in hopes he would not gamble anymore. Of course not long after, the treasure was gone for a bet. Manik Angkeran once again enlist the help of his father. Sidi Mantra of course refused to help his son. Manik Angkeran heard from his friends that the gold and diamonds was obtained from Mount Agung. Manik Angkeran knew to get there he had to cast a spell, but he never learned about prayer and mantra. So, he just took the genta that was stolen from his father while he slept. As he arrived at the crater of Mount Agung, Manik Angkeran rang his “genta”. What a fright he saw Naga Basuki. Having heard the purpose of Manik Angkeran, he said, “I will give you treasures that asked for, but you must promise to change your behavior. Do not gamble anymore. Remember the law of karma”. Manik Angkeran stunned to see the gold, diamonds, and jewels in front of him. Suddenly there was malice in his heart that arised. Because he want to get more possessions, he cut the nail of Naga Basuki when he returned to the hive. Manik Angkeran immediately ran away and not overtaken by the Dragon. But because the miracle of the Dragon, Manik Angkeran burned to ashes during the dragon licked his tracks.

As he heard the death of his son, Sidi Mantra was grief and speechless. Soon he visited Naga Basuki and begged his son to be revived. The Dragon accepted it, otherwise, its tail origin can return to normal. With his power, Sidi Mantra could restore the dragon’s tail. After Manik Angkeran turned a life, he apologized and promised to be a good person. Sidi Mantra knew that his son had repented, but he also understood that they were no longer able to live together. “You have to start a new life but not here,” he said. In the blink of an eye he was gone. In the place where he stood there was a water source that grew larger that it became the ocean. With his cane, Sidi Mantra made a line that separated him with his son. Now the place is known as the line which is separating Java and Bali islands.

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Pan Balang Tamak - Kids balinese story

Kids Stories of Balinese: Pan Balang Tamak

This story of kids in English is explain about someone who was lazy but he was a clever, Pan Balang Tamak. You can see how this Balinese folk stories in English of cleverness Pan Balang Tamak in discussion form. This kids stories of Balinese of Pan Balang Tamak is folklore legends or myths from Bali-Indonesia.

This is the beginning Kids Stories of Balinese: Pan Balang Tamak

Pan Balang Tamak was a clever man who always had ideas to trick other people. He was also a lazy man and always had excuses for his laziness.

Farmer (bali travel life com)

One day the villagers asked to gather in order to have mutual resistance for cleaning up the village. The head of the village told the villagers to gather by the time the chickens woke up.

When the day came, everybody gathered in Bale Bunjur (Banjar is a place for the villagers to have meeting and discussion). The head of the village gave instructions to the villagers about their activity that morning. He also emphasized for those who did not come that morning would get a 'me and punishment. He did so in order to make the villagers discipline. Besides that he knew that Pan Balang Tamak would come late or even would not come that morning as he usually did.

In_. fact Pan Balang Tamak was late for a few hours. He came after the villagers had already finished their activities. He came with his innocent face as if lie did not make any mistakes. The head of the village smiled at him and thought, this time Pan Balang Tamak would get a fine and would be punish. Then the head of the village said, " Pan Balang Tamak you come late therefore you will be punished and get a fine."

"You cannot punish me and I will not pay the fine", said Pan Balang Tamak calmly.

"What did you say?" the head of the village became impatient, "Everybody was asked to gather by the time the chickens woke up but you come late thus you have to be punished."

"No... no... no... I also come by the time my hen woke up. You know I only have a hen", said Pan Balang Tamak

"Alright then but what time is it now? Everybody has already finished cleaning up the village", said the head of the village.

"Well I only have a hen and she was laying her eggs. I was waiting she woke up and got off." said Pan Balang Tamak

Beautiful of Balinese Dancer (o.travel)

"Excuses!" said the head of the village. He looked angry with Pan Balang Tamak.

"Calm down Sir. You said that we had to gather by the time chickens woke up and got off, didn't You? My hen is also a chicken, right", said Pan Balang Tamak.

"He is right, Sir", one of the villagers exclaimed.

The head of the village thought for a while. Finally he agreed that Pan Balang Tamak was right." Well Pan Balang Tamak, You are clever and You are not punished now but next time You will not have you^r fortune", said the head of the village.

"Well, I was born with fortunes", said Pan Balang Tamak

End of Story Pan Balang Tamak

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Valentine of Bali: The Legend of Jayaprana and Layonsari

Valentine of Bali: The Legend of Jayaprana and Layonsari

It’s Valentine’s day, one of a long live popular tradition celebrated by people around the world. Bali is no exception, as many travelers love to spend their romantic time, like a honeymoon in Bali with their beloved one in this beautiful island. But, have any of you heard a local story that suits for the day? Well, you might have read or heard the popular story from William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, which was well known as a romantic story and even a symbol of true love albeit its tragic ending. Here, in Bali, there’s a similar legend about a tragic true love story which is also believed to be truly happened some centuries ago. The story is often compared as the Balinese version of Romeo and Juliet.

It’s the story of Jayaprana. A boy who lived in a small kingdom named Kalianget (now, a village in Buleleng). Once upon a time, the entire kingdom was plagued by a deadly disease that killed people in the kingdom along with the king’s children. Jayaprana was then found and adopted by the King of Kalianget after he saw the boy mourned over the loss of his parents in the village. Long story short, he was raised as a king’s son, where he grew as an attractive adult. He was still very down to earth and befriended little people. On one lovely day, he met a beautiful girl who sells flowers at the local market, named Layonsari. He fell in love with her at the first sight, so did her. Soon after, in their burning romance, they decided to unite their love in a marriage. The King was happy and agreed. He threw a big and glorious wedding ceremony for his son.

It was totally unexpected that after the marriage of his son, the King was so besotted by the beauty of Layonsari that he realized he slowly fell in love with her. The feeling grew very strong, and it led to a vicious decision that the King had to get rid of Jayaprana to make a room for him to get Layonsari. With his scheming plan, the King then commanded Jayaprana to lead the troops to the forest near the sea to extrude some pirates who came to disturb the peace in the kingdom. He ordered Patih Sawung Galing to accompany him, whom the king secretly commanded to kill Jayaprana.

In the woods, Patih Sawung Galing tried to kill Jayaprana in a fight with every single possible way. But, Jayaprana was immune to any weapons and to every deadly effort that Patih Sawung Galing tried to do to him. Yet, Jayaprana still confused, then asked him as to why Patih Sawung Galing tried to kill him. Patih Sawung Galing finally told everything about the King’s plan to posses Layonsari in any possible way, which was the main reason that Patih Sawung Galing has to kill him, as per King’s order. Jayaprana was immediately shocked and sad that his father planned to betray and kill him. However, his loyalty to his father led Jayaprana to remove all the flowers in his head and also he gave up his weapon, a keris, to Patih Sawung Galing. Both were amulet and sacred weaponry that made him immune to any injuries. Patih Sawung Galing then stabbed him with the keris. Miraculously, the dead body of Jayaprana was spreading out a fragrant scent throughout the forest. It leads the entire living animal in the woods to cry and mourn over him. Except for a white lion which then angrily rushed and attacked Patih Sawung Galing to death.

The news of the King’s setup and the death of Jayaprana and Patih Sawung Galing were narrated by the remaining troops to Kalianget. Heard by Layonsari, she was suddenly felt terribly horrified and sick by the king’s betrayal to Jayaprana. The King still chased her and forced her to marry him, which Layonsari could not approve. She then decided to kill herself. Just like Jayaprana, her corpse also has a fragrant scent. The body was then sent to forest by the people of Kalianget who wanted to bury her near her true love and beloved husband, Jayaprana. Until today, the gravesite was known as a temple and familiarly known by Balinese as Pura Teluk Terima.

The story of Jayaprana and Layonsari is not just a story about romance, but also can be seen as a portrait of greed and betrayal that leads to a tragedy. The ironic loyalty that Jayaprana showed to his father and the faithfulness of Layonsari to her husband are also things that are interesting to be thought.

Trivia:
The original name of Layonsari was actually unknown. People named the Jayaprana’s wife as Layonsari after the word ‘layon’ which means ‘dead body’ and ‘sari’ which means ‘fragrant scent’. It referred to how her corpse spreads out fragrant scent when it was sent to the forest.

Factual evidence: Most of Balinese people believe that this is a true story although Balinese historians have not found any evidence to prove it, except the existence of the grave.

The kingdom: Kalianget is now a small village with mountain and beaches in the northern part of Bali, Buleleng Regency, where their livelihoods are mostly farmers (rice and grapes) and fisherman.

The gravesite: Teluk Terima, which means ‘The Bay of Acceptance’, is the place where the grave is located and has been visited by people. The gravesite has been used as a public temple for the last 20 years; with the main grave are the Jayaprana and Layonsari, and a temple dedicated to Patih Sawung Galing on the outside.

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