Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lumbung
Barn used for storing rice, raised high on stilts above a platform, and with a distinctive bonnet-shaped
roof.
Mahabharata
Lengthy Hindu epic describing the battles between representatives of good and evil, and focusing on
the exploits of the Pandawa brothers.
mandi
Traditional scoop-and-slosh method of showering, sometimes in open-roofed bathrooms.
meru
Multitiered Hindu shrine with an odd number of thatched roofs (from one to eleven), which symbolizes the
cosmic Mount Meru.
moksa
Spiritual liberation for Hindus.
naga
Mythological underwater deity, a cross between a snake and a dragon.
nusa
Island.
odalan
Individual temple festival held to mark the anniversary of the founding of every temple on Bali.
ojek
Motorcycle taxi.
padmasana
The empty throne that tops the shrine-tower, found in every temple and dedicated to the supreme god
Sanghyang Widi Wasa.
paduraksa (or kori agung)
Temple gateway to the inner sanctuary, like the
candi bentar
, but joined together rather
than split.
Pancasila
The five principles of the Indonesian constitution: belief in one supreme god; the unity of the Indonesian
nation; guided democracy; social justice and humanitarianism; and a civilized and prosperous society. Symbolized
by an eagle bearing a five-part crest.
paras
Soft, grey volcanic tuff used for carving.
pasar
Market.
pasar seni
“Art market” selling fabrics and non-foodstuffs, and sometimes artefacts and souvenirs.
pawukon
See
wuku
.
peci
Black felt or velvet hat worn by Muslim men.
pedanda
High priest of the Brahman caste.
pemangku
Village priest.
perada
Traditional gold, screen-printed material used for ceremonial garb and temple
umbas
.
prahu
Traditional wooden fishing boat.
prasasti
Ancient bronze inscriptions.
pulau
Island.
puputan
Suicidal fight to the death.
pura
Hindu temple.
pura dalem
Temple of the dead.
pura desa
Village temple.
pura puseh
Temple of origin.
puri
Raja's palace, or the home of a wealthy nobleman.
raksasa
Mythical Hindu demon-giant with long teeth and a large club, often used to guard temple entrances.
Rama
Hero of the Ramayana and an avatar of the god Wisnu.