Have you ever seen a bamboo pelinggih placed in the corner of the yard when visiting temples, shopping centers, as well as Balinese homes? Yep, the Balinese call it sanggah surya. It’snot only functioned as decoration but has significance and an important role in the life of the Balinese, especially Hindus.

Sanggah Surya

The existence of sanggah surya pelinggih is one form of devotion of the Balinese Hindus to Dewa Surya. For Balinese Hindus, Dewa Surya is a source of livelihood. Because the sun that always shines in the morning gives spirit to the Balinese people to do their activities. Sunlight not only serves as a light, but also its warmth can soften a hard heart. This is one factor why Balinese are famous for their hospitality.

Usually, Balinese Hindus will worship Dewa Surya at Sanggah Surya every morning, precisely at sunrise and evening when the sun sets. Pelinggih will be filled with a variety of offerings specifically intended as offerings to the God. Usually, this pelinggih is placed in the yard of the house. The existence of solar countertop is believed to be very useful for maintaining stability and balance in the home.

The place of worship for Sang Hyang Shiva Raditya is made using bamboo with a square shape. Next, sanggah was given a thatch roof or a centipede. Sanggah is designed to have one room with a shape similar to a Sanggah Tawang. The size of the sanggah rumah (home sanggah), is usually made slightly higher than the waist of an adult. However, the objections used for religious ceremonies usually need to be taller, depending on the type of ceremony being performed.

Yes, sanggah surya is not only placed at home, but also used for religious ceremonies. The presence of sanggah surya in the ceremony is one form of Hindu belief that the solar god also attended the religious ceremony. This objection is also believed to be one form of the role of the Sun God as a witness of the religious ceremony that is being performed.

Since it has an important function, the placement of sanggah surya in religious ceremonies must be arranged in special rules. Sanggah should only be directed to the northeast. This is closely related to the concept of Asta Kosala Kosali which considers that the northeast direction is the point of the wind that leads to the Gods. The placement must be appropriate so that the intention to carry out the ceremony can be granted.

Well, does this article has already answered your curiosity about the sanggah surya?.