Dewi Sri Bhatara: A Reminder To Be Grateful

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  • Kintamani

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Dewi Sri Bhatara: A Reminder To Be Grateful.

Although it has entered life in the modern era, the Balinese people are still very attached to their tradition. Their traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. Some of them are applied in everyday life, and some are in the form of rituals. The local people of Bali indeed have a variety of rituals and ceremonies that are carried out regularly. One of them is Hari Bhatara Sri.

In the Hindu tradition, Bali in particular, Bhatara Sri Sedana is the Goddess of Welfare. She is the goddess who has given wealth and prosperity to humanity on earth. To praise her, the Hindu community in Bali celebrates piodalan for Bhatara Sri Sedana which is celebrated once in 210 days or exactly every six months. In the Balinese Saka calendar system, Dewi Bhatara Sri's day is held at Buda Cemeng Klawu or Buda Wage Klawu.

If examined from its name, "Sri" means rice and "Sedana" means money. For this reason, the celebration of Dewi Sri Bhatara Sedana's day was held in the household and temple in the traditional village. Markets in Bali also have pelinggih or Bhatari Melanting temples. Pelinggih is worshiped as the Goddess of Economy. So on Buda Cemeng Klawu day, people commemorate it as a form of gratitude for the fortune they receive. Not surprisingly, Buda Cemeng Klawu is an important holiday for Hindus in Bali.

Based on Hindu literature, Kekawin Nitisastra IV.7, money is a tool for humans, not a purpose in life. But in the Kaliyuga era, money was so powerful. Therefore, people in that era were reminded to be able to control themselves in terms of using and making money. Every Buda Cemeng Kelawu, we are aware that wealth is not everything. The one who rules over the world is not money, but the Creator.

On that day, Hindus in Bali were also reminded to manage their money wisely. In the book of Sarasamuscaya, it is written that wealth is about to be divided into three. One-third of it is used for living or karma, another third is for investment or arta, so it will continue to grow. Meanwhile, another one-third of the money has to be given to those who need or Dharma. Dharma has a broad meaning, not only for religious purposes but also to help others, such as funding the education of underprivileged children.

Every tradition on the island of Bali is full of deep meaning. For those who want to witness the traditions on Dewi Sri Bhatara Sedana day, make sure you find out first the schedule of the ceremony!