Mount Agung Legend: the Balancing force Between Bali and Java
Bhatara Hyang Paçupati moved the peak of Mount Mahameru from India to bring balance to Java and Bali. However, when Bali remained unsteady, he created Mount Agung. Its eruption brought profound changes, and the gods took their place on the mountain peaks. Yet, the question remains: has the island truly found its balance?
Long ago, before Mount Agung existed in Bali, the islands of Java and Bali were unstable, drifting like rudderless boats. To stabilize them, Bhatara Hyang Paçupati brought the peak of Mount Mahameru from India to serve as an anchor.
Bhatara Hyang Pacupati ordered the gods. (source : Personal Collection)
Seeing the condition of Java and Bali at that time, Bhatara Hyang Paçupati felt deep concern and ordered the gods to help move Mount Mahameru to the island of Java. Various gods came to aid Bhatara Hyang Paçupati in the effort to transport Mount Mahameru.
Lord Vishnu was tasked with transforming into a dragon to churn the mountain. Lord Brahma changed into a giant turtle to serve as the base supporting the mountain. Meanwhile, Lord Bayu, the god of strength, together with the other gods, sages, giants, celestial beings, and various demigods, lifted Mount Mahameru.
The process of moving Mount Mahameru. (source : Personal Collection)
After some time, the gods finally arrived on the island of Java. They placed Mount Mahameru in the western part of the island. However, this caused Java to become unbalanced—the western side sank while the eastern side rose. As a result, earthquakes and fissures disrupted the land, throwing the island of Java into chaos.To restore balance to the island of Java and improve the situation, Bhatara Hyang Paçupati then cut off the top of Mount Mahameru and moved it to the east. Meanwhile, the mountain's base remained in the west, becoming what is now Mount Kelasa.
As the peak of Mount Mahameru was carried to the east, fragments of the mountain scattered along the way. These scattered pieces transformed into mountains as well. The first fragment became Mount Katong, the second Mount Wilis, the third Mount Kampud, the fourth Mount Kawi, the fifth Mount Arjuna, and the sixth Mount Kumukus.
The dragons moved Mount Semeru. (source : Personal Collection)
To stabilize Bali, Bhatara Hyang Paçupati cut off the peak of Mount Semeru in East Java. He ordered Sang Bhadawangnala to become the foundation of the earth, while Naga Ananthabhoga and Sang Bhasukih were tasked with binding it in place. Sang Naga Taksaka was then assigned the duty of carrying the peak of Mount Semeru through the air.
The peak of Mount Semeru was brought to Bali on Wraspati Umanis, Wara Merakih, Panglong Ping 15, Sasih Karo, Tenggek 1, Rah 1, Candra Sangkala Eka Tang Bhumi, in the year 11 of the Śaka calendar (August 89 AD). During the journey, some parts of Mount Semeru scattered along the way. The smaller fragments became Mount Lebah, now known as Mount Batur, located in Kintamani, Bangli. The larger pieces formed Mount Tohlangkir, which is now known as Mount Agung in Karangasem. With the addition of these two mountains, Bali came to be known as the land of Sad Pralinggagiri, the "six sacred mountains."
After 70 years, on a Friday (Sukra) Keliwon, Wara Tolu, Sasih Kelima, Penanggal Ping 3, Rah Tenggek 13 (November), a torrential rainstorm accompanied by a series of powerful earthquakes lasted for 2 years. In the year Içaka 113 (119 AD), Mount Agung erupted.
To calm the island of Bali, Bhatara Hyang Paçupati instructed his three children to reside in the mountains of Bali. The first was Bhatara Hyang Putrajaya, also known as Bhatara Hyang Mahadewa, who settled at Besakih.
Bhatara Hyang Pacupati commanded his children to go to Bali. (source : Personal Collection)
His younger sibling, Bhatara Hyang Dewi Dhanuh, resided at Hulundanu, or Mount Batur. Bhatara Hyang Gnijaya settled at Mount Lampuyang. Together, they are known as Bhatara Hyang Tri Purusa, the three deities who preside over Bali's sacred mountains. Afterward, other sons of Bhatara Hyang Paçupati also took their places: Bhatara Hyang Tumuwuh at Mount Batukaru, Bhatara Hyang Manik Gumawang at Mount Beratan, Bhatara Manik Galang at Pejeng, and Bhatara Hyang Tugu at Mount Andakasa. Together, they are known as the Sapta Bhatara, the seven great deities of Bali.
From that time on, Bali became known for the presence of the Sapta Lingga Sari. Eventually, the islands of Java and Bali were stabilized and no longer drifted aimlessly across the vast ocean. Life flourished, and people could live in safety and comfort.
