Indian Hinduism differs from Balinese Agama Hindu
At the moment 2 of Chris"s former room mates from London, Anil from England and Pria from Malaysia. Both are Hindu and it is interesting to see their reaction to the Balinese Agama Hindu.
I am no expert but having been to India I know that the ceremonies there are different. They can be absolutely massive and attract more than a million worshippers on occasion and also are less elaborate in terms of offerings and shrines. The Balinese have tied their animist beliefs, worshipping the mountains and giving offerings to please the gods and keep away evil spirits, with Hinduism. Both versions recognize Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva as the Creator, Protector and Destroyer. Yesterday I asked Pria if the Indians and Hindu Malaysians recognize one supreme deity and she said no. Here in Bali Sanghyang Widi Wasa is and Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are manifestations of him. In Balinese temples they have a throne-shrine called the padmasana that is left empty and is in the holiest place in the temple for him.
For Indian Hindu"s a visit to a Balinese temple ceremony will be an interesting experience.
By Nick | Permalink
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It must be kind of like a Catholic visiting an Orthodox church. Most things are the same, but there are some small differences and some aspects are completely different.
Of course that has in these two religions, these two forms of Hinduism have completely different architectural designs. Indian temples are way bigger and more elaborated, true wonders, wile Balinese could never be, they have their strength in numbers.