Lord Baruna: The Guardian of the Balance of the Ocean

Once upon a time, there lived a god known as Dewa Baruna, the ruler of the ocean and all its contents. Dewa Baruna not only governed the vast waters of the sea, but also watched over everything living in it fish, coral reefs, and all other sea creatures. He was regarded as a wise god, but also full of power, ready to provide protection to those who respected the sea, while also delivering punishment to those who disrupted the balance of nature in the ocean.  Under his rule, the ocean was filled with harmonious life. Fish swam freely, coral reefs glowed with vibrant colors, and the ocean currents flowed peacefully, creating a balance in nature. However, for humans, the sea was not only a source of wealth but also a mysterious and dangerous place. Fishermen and sailors always prayed to Dewa Baruna before heading out to sea, asking for protection and blessings so they could return safely and with abundant catches.

The Condition of Tirta Amarta Village (Source: Personal Collection)

In a coastal village called Tirta Amarta, life depended entirely on the sea. Every day, the village fishermen set out with their small boats, braving the waves and winds to fish in the vast waters. The village thrived thanks to the rich sea, and the people faithfully made offerings to Dewa Baruna as a sign of gratitude. However, the prosperity made some villagers greedy.

Made Preparing to Catch Fish in the Sea (Source: Personal Collection)

A young man named Made, known as the bravest fisherman in Tirta Amarta, believed that honoring Dewa Baruna was mere superstition. "We are the ones who work hard, not Dewa Baruna who gives us the fish!" he exclaimed. With courage that often turned into arrogance, Made decided to catch more fish than necessary, even when the sea had already provided enough for the village. He refused to follow the customs that honored the sea. One night, when Made went out to sea with his large boat, the sky was cloudy and the wind was blowing hard. The villagers warned him not to go out, as the sea seemed dangerous, but Made didn’t listen. However, when Made was in the middle of the ocean, the wind turned into a storm. The once calm waves grew larger, crashing into his boat from all directions. In the darkness of the night, Made realized his mistake, but it was too late.

The Emergence of the God Baruna (Source: Personal Collection)

From the dark ocean depths, a large figure with glowing sharp eyes appeared it was Dewa Baruna. The sea instantly fell silent, and the storm stopped. Made stood frozen, terrified by the magnificence of the god. With a deep and thunderous voice, Dewa Baruna spoke, "O arrogant human, you have forgotten that this sea does not belong to you. You have disrupted the balance that I maintain."

Made Kneels to the God Baruna (Source: Personal Collection)

Made, who was usually brave, fell to his knees before Dewa Baruna. "Forgive me, O God. I was blinded by greed and forgot that this sea is yours," he pleaded for forgiveness. Dewa Baruna looked at him with piercing eyes, but in the stillness, the sea began to ripple peacefully again. "I will give you a chance to correct your mistakes, but remember, if you forget this balance again, the sea will devour you without mercy," Dewa Baruna said. After that event, Made returned to the village with a heart full of regret. He shared his experience with the villagers, and from that moment on, he became the most faithful in honoring Dewa Baruna. Made taught the younger generation to always maintain the balance of the sea, to catch only what was necessary, and not to be greedy with the sea's bounty. The village of Tirta Amarta once again lived in harmony with the ocean, maintaining a balance between human needs and nature's sustainability. For years after that encounter, the sea around Tirta Amarta remained calm and blessed with abundance. Every time a storm came, the villagers always remembered it as a reminder from Dewa Baruna.

The Temple of Worship for Dewa Baruna on the Beach (Source: Personal Collection)

On the beach, they built a small temple for Dewa Baruna, where they prayed and made offerings as a sign of gratitude for his protection. Dewa Baruna continued to watch over the ocean and all its contents, maintaining the balance of nature with his wisdom and strength. For those who respected the sea and cared for nature, Dewa Baruna would always offer protection. However, for those who were greedy and disrupted the balance, the power of the ocean could become an inescapable wrath.