Anna Amelia Meizalin

X MIA 4

The Balinese worship Dewi (’goddess’) Sri as the goddess of rice and prosperity. They even devote special places of
worship for her and dedicate a special day for her each month called ‘Hari Bhatari Sri’, which falls on the ‘Sukra
Umanis’ Fridays of each month of the Balinese calendar.The history of agriculture started since ancient times as
humans sought after a better living subsequent to nomadic hunting and gathering. They decided to stay put in an
area that deemed to provide sustenance, and started to tend lands and harvest.
Rice then became the single plant that has now become the staple diet among the societies across the archipelago,
including Bali. Food and nourishment are fundamental necessities, thus agriculture is in a very important position
as it is depended upon by many people. A successful harvest becomes a determinant for the life sustainability of
the surrounding societies. Balinese societies believe that a great force aides them in achieving good harvests. As
though they believe that it is such power that created the rice stalk for their lives. And that great power is manifest
in Dewi Sri the goddess of rice and fertility. Dewi Sri is embodied in the culture and prevails through the
generations.
In the beginning the Balinese only knew of sugar cane. Dewa (’god’) Wisnu, known as the affectionate and
protecting god, wanted to create a better food for his human subjects. His marriage with Sang Hyang Pertiwi
(Mother Earth) gave birth to the rice which took over as the staple food. The God Indra then taught the humans
how to sow rice and harvest.

This legend holds a very deep meaning, indispensable from the local genius of the Balinese who never forget to
devote and make use of symbols to express their spiritual dedication.
God Wisnu is personified as water, while Pertiwi is earth. Fertility and prosperity will only happen if the two unite
harmoniously. If Pertiwi is present without Wisnu, then there would be drought. If Wisnu were to be present alone
then there would be floods. Both would spell an unsuccessful harvest.
Dewi Sri is personified as rice emerges through the blend between water and earth. Life would only exist on earth
if there was fertility.
Dewi Sri fills a significant position in Bali. Bali is agrarian — even up until now while tourism sweeps and spreads
rapidly in Bali – most is still for agricultural use. Half of the demography also deals in the agricultural sector.
The Balinese worship Dewi Sri as a motherly figure. At home there are always flower offerings placed at the rice
barn or rice container. Farmers worship her by erecting small shrines amidst their green rice terraces. Traditional
irrigational organizations in Bali known as Subak also have a dedicated temple for Dewi Sri known as the Pura
Subak.

In the rice fields, Dewi Sri is also referred to as Nini Pantun.

Farmers make a Nini Pantun from two ties of rice stalks. These two represent the two general opposites in nature
– male and female, north and south, positive and negative. The principle is that prosperity is only achieved once
two elements are combined. The two ties are bound together on a length of wood which is stuck into a cleft near
the primary irrigational channel. Then, the harvest commences.
In this ritual, besides making offerings, farmers also make decorations that symbolize Dewi Sri, which are called
Cili. Cili are made of lontar or palmyra palm leaves and is shaped in the form of a female figure.
The word Cili probably evolved from the word Cilik that means small or petite. In the ever expanding creative
process, Cili has been used for many purposes and decorations and has become somewhat of an icon for Bali.

Dewi Sri not only is worshipped in her function as the goddess of rice but also prosperity. Merchants in the
traditional markets worship her by the name Dewi Melanting (daughter of the goddess of rice and fertility).
The traditional Javanese have a special place in their homes for Dewi Sri, who is frequently connected to the field
snake. In agrarian societies, snakes that enter the house compound are not shooed away as it is believed to signify
an impending successful harvest, instead it is given offerings. No wonder, as field snakes prey on rodents, the
farmer’s biggest nemesis.
There are also tales that Dewi Sri is the daughter of a king who sacrificed himself in order to save his people from
drought. The exact place he committed the sacrifice grew the plant as we know now – the rice. The princess is
highly revered until present time and is referred to as Dewi Sri.
Hinduism and strong traditions perpetuate her worship among the main deities of the Balinese. It is no mere tale
passed down through generations but something that Balinese Hindus hold as an obligation that must be lived by.
One of the simplest forms of devotion is when parents always teach their children to not waste rice by eating up
the whole plate. Besides being a way to show appreciation to Dewi Sri, it is a sign of gratitude and appreciation to
the farmers who have become the mediums for the subsistence of the people.