In the heart of every Galungan celebration in Bali stands a beautifully crafted penjor—an arched bamboo pole adorned with symbolic offerings. More than just a festive ornament, the penjor carries profound spiritual meaning rooted in Balinese Hindu beliefs. It symbolizes prosperity, harmony, and the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil).
Traditionally, penjors are installed on Penampahan Galungan, the day before Galungan. This day marks a symbolic inner battle where individuals strive to overcome impure thoughts, negative tendencies, and ego. The act of raising the penjor represents a personal victory over these internal struggles and a declaration of spiritual readiness to welcome the sacred day of Galungan.
According to Putu Eka Guna Yasa, a Balinese language academic and lontar manuscript researcher from Udayana University, the penjor is more than an offering—it is a spiritual symbol of Bhatara Mahadewa, a deity believed to reside on Mount Agung and considered a manifestation of Bhatara Siwa. In this context, the penjor is a sacred extension of the Dewa Yadnya ritual, an offering of nature’s bounty to the divine.
Each component of the penjor has deep symbolic significance:
- Bamboo represents the spiritual force of Dewa Brahma
- Coconut symbolizes the essence of Dewa Rudra
- Yellow and white cloths, along with young coconut leaves (janur), reflect the presence of Dewa Sangkara and Dewa Iswara
- Root crops (pala bungkah), fruits (pala gantung), and grains (palawija) are offerings to Dewa Wisnu and Dewi Sri
- Sugarcane and rice signify the blessings of Dewa Sambu and Dewi Sri
- A small shrine (sanggah) at the base represents Dewa Siwa
- The complete set of offerings is dedicated to Dewa Sradha Siwa and Parama Siwa
Balinese Hindus recognize two types of penjor: sacred and decorative. The sacred penjor is used during religious ceremonies such as Galungan or temple anniversaries. In contrast, the decorative penjor serves a non-religious purpose, often used in art festivals, village competitions, or public celebrations.
Installing the penjor on Penampahan is not just tradition—it has both practical and spiritual reasons. From a practical standpoint, it ensures the penjor looks fresh and vibrant during Galungan. Spiritually, the freshness is a form of respect and sincerity, especially as ancestral spirits are believed to visit family shrines on Galungan.
The dominant colors of the penjor—yellow and white—also have symbolic importance. They represent the light of truth and purity. In the Ramayana epic, a piece of white cloth was used by Rama to mark Sugriwa’s tail, distinguishing him from Subali. This makes the white ambu a powerful symbol of truth and moral clarity.
Even the structure of the penjor teaches a spiritual lesson. The upright bamboo that curves at the top reflects the idea that those who rise in wisdom and status must remain humble. The Jnana Siddhanta scripture likens bamboo’s hollow interior to the human soul (atman), which constantly seeks union with the Supreme Soul (paramatman).
In essence, the penjor is not merely a festive decoration—it is a profound symbol of devotion, spiritual balance, humility, and gratitude. It stands as a physical reminder of the eternal struggle between light and darkness, and the timeless values that guide Balinese Hindu life. (BT)
Image source: shridaubud.com
