There is a saying that a dead clock shows the correct time twice a day. The saying is a little picture about the velocity of time in life. In the Balinese belief, time has a deep meaning. Time is a marker of separation, change and meeting.

The word kala is defined as time. In Balinese belief, when it has a tetenger or mark of certain events. The time marked by a terrible atmosphere is a form of Bhatara Kala. The figure is indeed depicted with a scary face like a giant. In mythology, Bhatara Kala was born during the meeting day and night. At dusk, the Kala Purana says that Bhatara Kala may prey on anyone who is still active at that time.

Ruler of time is one manifestation of Hyang Widhi. Kala also became the master of death, so it was called Kalagni. Death itself is described by fire that can destroy. Rules based on Hindu belief in Bali also use a time marker. Like the days that never held a ceremony of death, cremation and so forth. Good days have also been determined. This is called ala ayuning dewasa or the time dimension that marks both good and bad.

Time also marks all the processes of the movement of the universe, not only darkness but also harmony. The sun, moon and entire galaxies rotate harmoniously. If there is even one second of violation of natural rules, then damage will occur. Well, if it is in harmony with cosmic rules, a sense of peace and happiness will be felt.

Kala is one part of the natural world of life. Starting from Bhatara Shiva who wanted to create the universe and sent four manifestations or his son. However, the four sons of Bhatara Shiva failed. Then, he sent his last son, the Pretanjala. The Pretanjala begged to be assisted by his mother, Dewi Uma.

The Pretanjala and Goddess Uma succeeded in creating the earth, apah, bayu, teja, aksa, panca mahabhuta, and spirits. All these elements are named the Great Bhuwana. Goddess Uma then transformed into Goddess Durga and located in the middle of the wind with Panca Mahabhuta and the Pretanjala.

The direction of the compass is also an important marker in Hinduism in Bali. Manifestestation of the Creator is also marked by the direction of the wind. Like the five incarnations of Goddess Uma, occupying the east is Sri-Durgha, Dhari Durgha is located in the south, Suksmi-Durgha in the west, and Raji-Durgha in the north.

Philosophically, time and space are the origin of life processes. The universe is characterized by two cosmic things, whereas humans live in harmony within it. So, keep the harmony so it won’t violate the cosmic rules.