The Function and Typology of the Padmasana Tiga Architecture in Besakih Temple, Bali Indonesia

Abstract

Padmasana architecture is part of traditional Balinese architecture, it is a sacred building that functions as God's sthana (place/position). The existence of symbols as religious expressions is very thick coloring the realization of padmasana architecture, a very diverse typology, and there are still many meanings that need to be expressed. Padmasana tiga is one of the most important types of padmasana buildings, manifested from three Padmasana, standing tall on a rectangular base. Its unique shape, different from other padmasana buildings, gives rise to diverse interpretations, thereby increasing the attractiveness of this building for research. Padmasana tiga is located in the main and largest temple in Bali, Besakih Temple, on the slopes of Mount Agung, Karangasem Regency, Bali Province. The purpose of this study is to reveal the padmasana tiga functions and their typology which are closely related to the teachings of Shiva Siddhanta, so that they can be better understood by the Hindu community in Bali and the wider community. In order to express its function and typology, a descriptive qualitative method was used, by observing, documenting and interviewing Hindu priests, intellectuals who understood the Shiva Siddhanta concept, and undagi (traditional Balinese craftsman). Padmasana tiga is the embodiment of the great soul of the universe, a vertical representation of God, a God in three different realms called 'Tri Purusa'. Judging from its layout which is in the middle of the mandala (zone) facing the entrance and at its peak there are 3 rongs (empty throne), this padmasana belongs to the type of padmasana kurung (brackets). Judging from the number of rongs and the number of palih (level), which amounted to 7, padmasana tiga including the type of padmasana anglayang.

Interpretation of the Bedawang Nala ornament located on the base of Pura Pabean in Buleleng Regency Indonesia

“…This stated that the basis of the Sanghyang Maha Meru (Mount Mahameru) was Bhadawang Anala (with a horse-shaped head), where Anantabhoga Dragon wrapped around its neck and tail. Based on the interpretation of the Padmasana sacred building, Idedhyana et al (2020) also concluded that when Bedawang is wrapped on the Padmasana, the serpent involved is known as Basuki, the king of the Dragons. This indicated that the dragons wrapping the tortoise were either Anantabhoga or Basuki, depending on the location.…”

“…It was also the earth's core or magma fire, covered by the crust symbolized by Naga Anantabhoga. This was subsequently covered with water, depicted by Naga Basuki, surrounded by Naga Taksaka as a manifestation of the atmosphere (Idedhyana et al 2020).…”