Goddess Danu and The Blessing of The Golden Jug: The Origins of Lake Batur
Dewi Danu, the ruler of Lake Batur, poured sacred water from her golden jug to bring life to the land of Bali. Lake Batur became a symbol of life, with its power sustaining existence. The Balinese people seek her blessings through rituals, reminding them of the importance of harmony between humans and nature.
In the distant past, when the island of Bali was still full of wonders and the gods walked among humans, there was a peaceful little village called Desa Batur. This village was located at the foot of the sacred Mount Batur, a towering peak surrounded by dense forests where mystical beings and deities resided. However, the tranquility of Desa Batur did not last forever. One day, a prolonged drought struck the village. Rain did not fall for months, springs dried up, and the rivers flowing from Mount Batur slowly began to recede. The once fertile soil turned dry and cracked, and the plants that were once green began to wither.
In their desperation, the people of Desa Batur gathered at their small temple to pray. They implored the gods and goddesses to send rain and save them from this disaster. Their hopeful prayers echoed within the temple, while the fragrant smoke of incense enveloped the sacred space. The villagers (pleadingly): "Oh gods who dwell on Mount Batur, listen to our prayers. Send us rain so that life in our village may return to its former state. We are willing to do whatever you ask, as long as our village is saved."
Hearing his people's cries, King Batur, a wise and compassionate leader, decided to take action. He commanded his soldiers to seek a solution on Mount Batur, the mountain believed to be the dwelling place of the gods and goddesses. He knew that only by consulting the sacred beings could they find an answer to the disaster. King Batur (in a firm voice): "My soldiers, go to the summit of Mount Batur and seek guidance from the gods. We cannot allow our village to be destroyed by this drought. Bring back their message to me, whatever it may be." The soldiers began their arduous journey to the summit of Mount Batur. They traversed dense forests, scaled steep cliffs, and crossed thick mists that seemed to conceal the secrets of nature. Along the way, they sensed the presence of mystical beings who watched over the mountain.
Ilustration Goddess Danu pours water from a jug (Source: Private Collection)
After a long and exhausting journey, the soldiers reached the summit of Mount Batur. There, they were greeted by Goddess Danu, the goddess who reigns over the waters of lakes and rivers. Her face radiated a gentle light, and her voice flowed softly like the calming waters of a river. Goddess Danu (in a soft yet firm voice): "I have heard your people's prayers, King Batur. They are filled with desperation, but also with hope. I will grant them water to revive the land, but they must promise to care for and protect the lake that will form with their whole hearts." With a gentle touch from Goddess Danu, water began to flow from her golden jug, flooding the valley at the foot of the mountain and forming a vast and beautiful lake. The lake became a new source of life for the village and all the creatures around it. Its waters were clear and sparkling, as if they held the sunlight within.
Ilustration Villagers Thank Goddess Danu (Source: Private Collection)
The people of Desa Batur gathered by the edge of the beautiful new lake, expressing their gratitude to Goddess Danu for this extraordinary gift. They vowed to protect and nurture the lake with all their hearts, as the goddess had requested. The villagers (in unison, with heartfelt gratitude): "Oh Goddess Danu, we promise to care for this lake with all our hearts. We will tend to it as we would our own children. This lake is our life, and we will ensure that its waters remain clear and pure." Goddess Danu (with a gentle and blessing-filled voice): "Remember this promise, for as long as you care for the lake, you will live in prosperity and peace. However, if you betray this promise, the water will leave you, and this land will become dry and barren once more."
Once the water filled the valley and Lake Batur was formed, life in Desa Batur began to flourish again. Rain started to fall, plants grew lush and green once more, and the rivers flowed clear. Desa Batur transformed into a place brimming with life and happiness. Before Goddess Danu returned to her realm, she gave one final message to the people of Desa Batur. This message became their guide in caring for the lake and their surroundings. Goddess Danu (with a gentle yet cautionary tone): "My children, remember that water is the source of life. By preserving the water, you preserve life itself. Always respect nature and never be greedy in taking what is given. If you forget this message, you will lose everything."
Ilustration The Return of the Goddess Danu to the Magical Realm (Source: Private Collection)
After delivering her final message, Dewi Danu slowly faded back into the mystical realm from which she came. The people of Desa Batur watched with hearts full of gratitude and hope, knowing that they had been blessed by the presence of the goddess. To this day, Lake Batur remains a silent witness to the legend of Goddess Danu. The villagers continue to care for and nurture the lake in honor of the goddess who gave them life. The lake has become a source of life, inspiration, and wisdom for all who approach it. And the legend of Goddess Danu, the ruler of water, lives on in every drop of water flowing across the land of Bali. And thus, the legend of Goddess Danu, the guardian of Lake Batur, remains eternal in the hearts of every Balinese. Lake Batur, with its unparalleled beauty, is not only a source of life but also a symbol of the profound connection between humans and nature, and the power of the gods.
