Padmasana (shrine)
APadmasanais ashrine(Balinese:palinggih) in the form of a tower, crowned with an empty throne to worshipIda Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa,a manifestation ofSupreme GodinBalinese Hindu belief.The termpadmasanais derived from theSanskrit,meaninglotus throne.[1]
A Padmasana shrine is usually located in theUtama Mandala,the holiest of holies of aBalinese templecompound, and is usually the focal point of worship insembahyangrituals.
Etymology
[edit]Padmasana is a Kawi (Old Javanese) word, originally derived from Sanskrit.Padmameans "lotus flower" or "center", andasanameans "being seated" or "guidance" or "advice". The lotus flower is commonly depicted as a seat for deities in Hindu-Buddhist art. According to one interpretation, it symbolises the (macrocosm) which is thestana(abode or resting place) of God.[2]
Symbolism
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A Padmasana is first described in thelontarscriptureDwijendra Tattwa,written by Dang Hyang Nirartha, the last major reformer of the Shiva-Buddha religion[clarification needed],who arrived in Bali from Java after the fall of theMajapahitempire.[2]Dang Hyang Nirarthaestablished and introduced the padmasana structure as a shrine to worship the supreme God (Parama Shiva) in Bali in the 16th century.
A Padmasana is a symbol of theuniverse(Balinese:Bhuana Agung), depicted as the towering throne (Balinese:stana) of the supreme God, Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.[1]A Padmasana is said to symbolise universal balance. It consists of three main parts, namelytepas(base),batur(body), andsancak(top).[3]
The symbolism on the Padmasana includes a sculpture of Bedawang Nala, a mythical turtle that was seen to support the universe, and sculptures of two sacredNagas(snake deities):AnantabogaandBasuki.[2]
According to Balinese mythology, Bedawang Nala's movements could causeearthquakes.Likewise, if the Anantaboga snake wags its tail, it can shake the earth. It is believed that Bedawang Nala is the symbol of magma in the bowels of the earth, while Anantabhoga symbolises the ground. The Basuki symbolises the water in the ocean. According to myth, the two snakes bound Bedawang Nala to ensure the stability and balance of the world.[3]
The top of a padmasana structure is crowned with an empty throne, often decorated with a gilded image ofAcintyaor a solarSwastika.
See also
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References
[edit]- ^abAnak Agung Seri Kusniarti."Mengenal Padmasana dan Berbagai Jenisnya dalam Hindu di Bali".Tribun-bali.com(in Indonesian).Retrieved2023-04-19.
- ^abc"The Metaphysics of Padmasana Shrines".Indosphere.2023-03-29.Retrieved2023-04-19.
- ^abArcana, Putu Fajar (2022-12-07)."Mengikat Dasar Bumi dengan Dua Naga".kompas.id(in Indonesian).Retrieved2023-04-19.