Bhairava, Durga, and Left-Handed Tantra in Balinese Traditions: Galungan Reflections

Galungan is widely known as the Balinese celebration of dharma’s victory over adharma, yet its deeper esoteric roots are intimately connected to the worship of Goddess Durga and Bhairava—the divine forces of destruction, transformation, and transcendence. Often overlooked, Galungan originates as Goddess Durga’s instruction for the purification of the island. This festival is not merely a symbolic victory of dharma over adharma but a deeply esoteric ritual cycle.

In this talk, we will explore the historical and mystical traces of Left-Handed Tantra in Bali, revealing its presence in esoteric traditions such as léyak (Balinese occult practices), ritual blood offerings, liquor sacrifices, and cremation ground rites. These seemingly transgressive elements, often associated with Balinese black magic, are in fact deeply rooted in Tantric philosophy, where breaking societal taboos serves as a path to spiritual liberation.

This talk will challenge conventional perspectives on Balinese Hinduism by shedding light on the often-misunderstood dimensions of Tantra, revealing how the interplay of shadow and light shapes the island’s mystical heritage. Whether you are a practitioner, a scholar, or a seeker of deeper wisdom, this discussion will offer rare insights into the untamed and transformative power of Bhairava, Durga, and the Left-Handed Path in Balinese traditions.

About Putu Yudiantara:

Founder of the Bali Wisdom Foundation and author of various books that highlight Bali’s rich spiritual heritage rooted in yoga and Tantra, such as Ilmu Tantra Bali (3 volumes), Tantric Meditasi Tantra, and many more. Also manages an educational center dedicated to ancient Balinese spiritual traditions on the website www.baliwisdom.com (Bahasa Indonesia) and www.balineseyoga.org (for English speaking audiences).

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