When penjors paraphernalia are erected throughout the island, they epitomize that Galungan festivity has come. Every single devotee is in blooming heart welcoming it with joy. This six monthly celebration in Balinese calendar encourages people to make earnest preparation whole day and night. It’s time to glorify God and ancestors.
Based on the mythology, Galungan delineates the triumph of dharma (truth) against adharma (untruth). According to Tatwa Mayadanawa transliterated by Made Gambar said that Bedaulu kingdom in Bali was once ruled by Mayadanawa. He was very powerful and proud of his power and feels to have more sovereign power than that of gods.
This arrogance until forbids all subjects to worship God together with the celebration to glorify all God’s manifestations. The non-existence of freedom to worship and other religious activities caused many subjects greatly suffered where diseases spread and harvests failed. Seeing this condition, Lord Mahadeva in heaven feels disappointed. Having organized an assembly session with other gods, it is decided to attack Mayadanawa. Under the leadership of Lord Indra, the target can be timely destroyed. In short, the troops of the gods won the battle. This does not only stand for the triumph of the gods, but also of the whole mankind on earth.
Afterwards, Galungan then can be re-celebrated after the triumph of Indra. Many subjects felt to regain their enlightenment as they were able to practice their religious life. This festivity lasts for ten days and ends in the day called Kuningan. Aside from paying homage at village temple, it is also intended to appreciate the ancestors at family shrine. Similarly, devotees thank for the prosperity bestowed and maintain the relationship with their ancestors. Though they have left for the beyond, hopefully they could illuminate their descendants.
Another version about Galungan is mentioned by the manuscript Jaya Kasunu. It is said that the king Jaya Kasunu (AD 1204), meditated (held dewa sraya) to invoke guidance. His problem was that not one of his predecessors could rule longer. Through his solemn meditation he was inspired that he should re-organize religious activities, such as Galungan.
No matter what the version is, the essence of these mythologies implies that a devotee or creation should maintain their persistent contact to his Creator. The âtman dwelling within the human self should maintain his contact to Brahman, the Creator. By doing so humans can continuously obtain the illumination to walk in the path of dharma.
As manifestation of gratitude, devotees express it through worship at temples, garden, rice field and so forth. Everything that has given prosperity is also offered an oblation, including the means of transportation. If you happen to take an excursion on that day you of course will rub up against many cars affixed with young coconut paraphernalia.
Hopefully, the festivity does not come to an end at the vibrant fiesta marked with grandiose oblation, assorted delicious food or luxurious paraphernalia. All the times it should help the spiritual development. Anything achieved in this life either tangible or intangible entities, should not make us arrogant. Sometimes, when having abundance of wealth or higher educational background, a human feels superior or more powerful than others. Even, it is not employed as a milestone to improve his devotion to God. It’s here where the achievement drags human to sluggish condition or gorge of destruction. Like Mayadanawa, he forgot that there is a vast sky above him. His power has led him to his dissolution. If we do not want to become the next Mayadanawa, consistent devotion must be established.
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