“What is that?”, I heard a child ask, pointing towards the towering structure before us. That is a Padmasana. It is a unique and holy shrine. Padmasanas are found throughout Bali. The Padmasana we see here is a special place.
Padmasana shrines are not just any structure. They are a symbol of the universe itself. The word Padmasana comes from ancient Javanese. Padma means lotus flower or center. Asana means being seated or guidance. Thus, Padmasana means the seat of the lotus. It is the place of the holy God Almighty.
The Padmasana serves as a throne for the supreme God. Balinese Hindus call this God Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. The lotus flower is commonly a seat for deities in Hindu-Buddhist art. It symbolizes the macrocosm. It is the stana, the abode of God.
Look closely at the base of the Padmasana. You will see a turtle sculpture. This is Bedawang Nala. According to Balinese myth, Bedawang Nala supports the world. Notice the two snakes as well. These are Anantaboga and Basuki. Anantaboga symbolizes the ground. Basuki represents the water. These snakes bind Bedawang Nala. They ensure balance and stability.
Dang Hyang Nirartha introduced the Padmasana in the 16th century. He was a reformer of the Shiva-Buddha religion. He came to Bali from Java. Nirartha established the Padmasana to worship the supreme God.
Padmasanas are usually in the holiest part of a Balinese temple. This is the Utama Mandala. It is often the focal point of worship. The top of the Padmasana has an empty throne. Often, it is decorated with a gilded image. This image is of Acintya. Sometimes a solar swastika is used.
The Padmasana has three parts. These parts represent the universe. The base is called tepas. The body is batur. The top is sancak. Together, they symbolize universal balance.
The enormous Padmasana here in Denpasar is centrally located. It reminds us of the universe. It also highlights the importance of balance.
Remember the story of the lotus and the turtle as you continue your journey. Think of the Padmasana as a reminder of the supreme God. This supreme God maintains balance in the world. This beautiful shrine connects us to the divine. It connects us to the universe.