Bali Authentic Experiences

If we look at the form of Barong Landung in videos and photos, ancient stories that describe events in the past, we will find a different story but not too significant. But from this version we try to summarize it and make one belief for us,

This story is based on Purana Dalem Balingkang. King Sri Aji Jaya Pangus is a famous king, after the reign of King Sri Dharma Udayana Warmadewa who ascended the throne in 989 AD, married Queen Mahendradatta Gunapriya Dharmapatni and resided in Kahuripan (now Besakih).

At this time the Balinese government was alternated by his sons and daughters, until finally Sri Aji Jaya Pangus ascended the throne in 1181 AD. He chose a palace on Mount Panarajon (now Pucak Writing). This place was chosen because at that time it became the source of agriculture and the Balinese economy at that time, while the royal advisors were appointed Mpu Nirjanma, Mpu Siwa Gandhu and Mpu Lim. Mpu Lim has a maid of Chinese blood named Kang Ching Wei, the daughter of Subandar (Chinese merchant) from his marriage to Janger (girl) Bali. At that time, King Sri Aji Jaya Pangus already had a beautiful and wise consort named Sri Parameswari Induja Ketana, but he wanted and planned to marry Kang Ching Wei which was strongly opposed by the royal advisor Mpu Shiva Gandhu with the main reason being different religions, namely Hinduism and Buddhism. But the king’s decision was to marry Kang Ching Wei’s daughter, and it was done on a large scale. Mpu Shiva Gandhu became angry because his advice was not heeded and he went to the forest and begged the gods to rain for one month and seven days and drown and destroy the kingdom of Sri Aji Jaya Pangus in Panarajon. His request was granted and destroyed the Sri Aji Jaya Pangus Kingdom. and some of the people fled to save themselves. Meanwhile, those who were still loyal to accompany the King took refuge in the forest in the village of Jong Les, and penetrated the forest to build a new palace. The sacred building was named Pura Dalem Balingkang, while the palace was called Kuta Dalem. So the name Dalem Balingkang was taken from the words Kuta Dalem and Bali Ing Kang (from the name of his second wife, Kang Ching Wei). Thanks to his services in the welfare of the Balinese people, according to Goris (1974: 15 & 17) this king figure caused the most imagination in Balinese history and was given the title Jaya Pangus Arkaya-Cihna, meaning Son of Surya. For Goris Sri Aji Jaya Pangus can be equated with Hayam Wuruk in Majapahit, especially because of the important role of this figure he felt the need to ratify the edict of the king who was almost forgotten, regarding the fief area and village rights by issuing 39 inscriptions and 38 framed pieces. the same year, namely Saka 1103 or 1181 AD, and only one inscription dated Saka 1099 or 1177 AD which is now deviated in the village of Mantring (Gianyar). Probably because of that, his greatness which then after the death of this King was then worshiped by the people as protect themselves and their village and is manifested by Barong Landung. Of course there are many other versions in the historical story of the character, but all are based on a belief. We in Bali can’t just make ceremonies and festivals, all based on a good day, and with ceremonies that are not a bit time-consuming. But that is Bali, which is able to stun with the beauty of everything it has.