The Story of Batara Kala

Greetings Traveler!

In this edition of our newsletter, we will explore the fascinating story of Batara Kala, the god of time and destruction in Javanese and Balinese mythology. Batara Kala is also the creator of light and the earth, and the ruler of the underworld. He is related to the Hindu concept of Kala, or time, and he is depicted as a fearsome ogre who devours unlucky people.

How did Batara Kala come into existence? According to one legend, he was born from the lustful act of Batara Guru (the Javanese version of Shiva) and Dewi Uma (Parvati). Batara Guru forced himself on Dewi Uma on top of his divine cow Nandi, which shamed Uma and made her curse both of them to appear as ugly ogres. From this union, Batara Kala was born with an insatiable appetite and a rude demeanor.

Another legend says that he was conceived when a drop of Shiva’s semen was swallowed by a fish. He then emerged from the ocean as a giant who asked for his parents. He was told by Brahma and Vishnu that Shiva and Uma were his parents, but he had to cut his long fangs first to see them clearly. He did so and was blessed by Shiva, who gave him the title of Batara Kala and the permission to eat anyone who was born on Tumpek Wayang (a sacred day for puppeteers) or who walked outside at noon on that day

One of his potential victims was his younger brother, Dewa Kumara, who was also born on Tumpek Wayang. However, Shiva tricked Batara Kala by making Dewa Kumara stay young forever, so he could never eat him. Batara Kala eventually found out and chased Dewa Kumara, but he also encountered Shiva and Uma, who offered themselves as his food. However, they gave him a riddle that he had to solve before sunset, or he would lose his chance. Batara Kala failed to answer the riddle and missed his opportunity to devour his family

Batara Kala is also the cause of eclipses in Javanese mythology. As the god of darkness and the underworld, he is the enemy of the god of the sun, Batara Surya, and the god of the moon, Batara Candra. Sometimes he tries to eat them, causing an eclipse. When this happens, people try to save them by offering sacrifices and making noise to make Batara Kala vomit them out.

Batara Kala symbolizes the negative effects of having sexual relations in a fit of passion. He also represents the inevitable fate of all beings who are subject to karma and time. He is feared but also respected by Javanese and Balinese people, who try to appease him with ceremonies and offerings

We hope you enjoyed learning about this fascinating figure from Javanese and Balinese mythology. Stay tuned for more stories from different cultures and traditions in our next newsletter.

Thank you for reading!

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Until then, may your own journeys be filled with wonder and discovery🙏
H.
Pesona Indonesia