Introduction
Religion in Bali is one of the most fascinating aspects of this beautiful Indonesian island. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, which is mostly Muslim, Bali is home to a unique form of Hinduism that has been practiced for over 2,000 years. About 87% of Balinese people follow this special religion, which mixes Hindu beliefs with Buddhist ideas and ancient local traditions.
When you explore Bali, you’ll see colourful temples everywhere, hear the sounds of daily prayers, and witness amazing festivals throughout the year.
The island’s spiritual culture is deeply connected to nature, with people believing that gods and spirits live in mountains, rivers, and trees. This makes Bali a truly magical place where religion is part of everyday life.
Whether you’re planning Bali holiday packages or just curious about this island’s culture, understanding religion in Bali will help you appreciate why this destination is so special and attracts tourists worldwide.
What Is The Major Religion In Bali?
The main religion in Bali is called Balinese Hinduism. It’s a special mix of Hindu beliefs, Buddhist ideas, and local traditions that have been practiced for hundreds of years. About 87% of people in Bali follow this religion, which makes Bali very different from the rest of Indonesia, where most people are Muslim.
How Bali’s Religion Started?
Hindu traders from India first brought their religion to Bali around 2,000 years ago. The religion grew and changed over time, mixing with local beliefs and customs.
When Indonesia became independent, the government made a rule that all religions had to believe in one god. This was a problem for Balinese Hinduism because it traditionally worshipped many gods.
To keep their religion legal, the Balinese people had to make changes. They said all their gods were actually different forms of one supreme god called Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.
The Gods Of Balinese People
Even though they now say there’s one main god, Balinese people still honour many different gods:
- Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva (the three main gods)
- Ibu Pertiwi (Mother Earth)
- Surya (the Sun god)
- Semara (the god of love)
- Indra (the god of rain)
These gods show how important nature is in Bali culture and religion.
Core Beliefs Of Bali’s Religion
Bali main religion, Balinese Hinduism, is a unique mix of different spiritual beliefs. It combines Hindu teachings with Buddhist ideas and animism (the belief that spirits live in nature). This special blend makes Bali’s religion very different from other places.
In Bali’s religion, people believe that spirits and gods live everywhere in nature – in mountains, rivers, trees, and waterfalls. This isn’t just about respecting nature; they truly believe these places are alive with spiritual beings.
The 6 Main Beliefs Of Balinese Hinduism
- Karma & Being Born Again: Like other Hindu religions, Balinese people believe that when you die, you’re born again in a new life. How you act in this life affects what happens in your next life.
- Moksha (Freedom): The main goal is to eventually break free from the cycle of being born over and over again. People try to achieve this by being good, devoted, and wise.
- Tri Hita Karana (Balance): This is the heart of Bali culture and religion. It’s about keeping everything in harmony with the gods, with other people, and with nature.
- Honouring Ancestors: Balinese people believe their dead relatives’ spirits still influence their lives. They make daily offerings called “canang sari” (small baskets with flowers and rice) to keep these spirits happy.
- Temple Ceremonies: Temples called “pura” are very important. Throughout the year, people hold special ceremonies and rituals to keep the world in balance.
- Caring For Nature: Because of Tri Hita Karana, taking care of the environment is a religious duty. People believe protecting nature helps maintain life’s balance.
6 Main Temples Of Bali
In Bali culture and religion, Hindu temples are called “Pura,” which are holy places, big and small, simple and fancy, and each one has a special job.
- Family Temples In Every Home
Every traditional Balinese family has their small temple right in their house compound. These don’t have to be big or expensive, but they must be built in the corner that’s closest to Mount Agung.
Why? Because Mount Agung is considered the most sacred mountain in Bali, it’s believed to be the closest place to heaven.
- Village Temples For Community
Bigger temples serve whole villages and neighbourhoods. These are where local people come together for prayers and ceremonies. People visit these temples three times a day – morning, lunch, and evening – to pray and make offerings.
Most villages have three temples dedicated to the three main gods, and these temples are where all the big festivals and celebrations of Bali culture & religion begin.
The Six Holiest Temples
The most sacred temples in Bali are called “Sad Kahyangan” – there are six of them spread across the island.
- Besakih Temple
- Lempuyang Temple
- Uluwatu Temple
- Goa Lawah
- Lahur Batukaru
- Pusering Jagat
When you take a Bali Tour with Gili and Nusa Penida, you’ll have the chance to visit some of these amazing temples and experience the spiritual heart of Balinese life.
Festivals In Bali Main Religion
Bali’s main religion celebrates many special holidays throughout the year. These festivals are full of beautiful ceremonies, colourful parades, and big community meals where everyone comes together. The celebrations show how important spirituality is in daily Balinese life:
- Melasti – The Cleaning Ceremony
A few days before the Balinese New Year, people take sacred objects from their temples to the ocean to be cleaned and purified. This ceremony helps prepare everyone for the new year by washing away bad energy.
- Nyepi – The Day Of Silence
This is called the “Day of Silence” because the entire island of Bali becomes completely quiet for 24 hours. No one goes outside, no lights are turned on, and there’s no noise at all. People spend the day thinking, fasting, and meditating. The day after Nyepi is the start of the Balinese New Year.
- Galungan – Good Wins Over Evil
This is the biggest and most important festival in Bali main religion. It’s a 10-day celebration that happens when good defeats evil.
During Galungan, you’ll see tall bamboo poles called “Penjor” decorated with offerings hanging from them. These poles represent good luck and prosperity. Galungan happens about every 7 months according to the Balinese calendar.
- Kuningan – Saying Goodbye to Ancestors
Ten days after Galungan starts, Kuningan marks the day when the spirits of dead family members return to heaven after visiting Earth. It’s a time to say goodbye to these ancestor spirits until they visit again.
- Saraswati – Celebrating Knowledge
This festival honours Saraswati, the goddess of learning and wisdom. On this day, people make special offerings to books and pray for intelligence and knowledge. Students and teachers especially celebrate this day, which happens every 210 days.
Essential Guidelines When Visiting Bali Temples
When you visit Bali temples, it’s important to follow these simple rules to show respect:
Do’s:
- Take off your shoes before going into any temple building
- Keep your voice quiet and be respectful
- Give a small donation to say thank you for visiting
- Ask before taking photos of people
- Be ready to pay if locals agree to pose for pictures
Don’ts:
- Don’t stand higher than the priest during ceremonies
- Never point your feet toward the altar (this is very rude)
- Don’t go in if you’re menstruating or have open cuts
- Never use a camera flash during prayers or ceremonies
- Don’t interrupt religious services just to take social media photos