The Sacred Brahmin with Mystical Powers Who Split the Islands

Ida Dang Hyang Sidhi Mantra as Brahmin (source: Personal Collection)

Ida Dang Hyang Sidhi Mantra came from a highly respected Brahmin family. His father was a Brahmin revered not only for his deep religious knowledge but also for his wisdom in advising kings and the community. Since childhood, Ida Dang Hyang Sidhi Mantra was raised in an environment deeply immersed in spiritual teachings. His daily life was filled with lessons on the Vedas, sacred mantras, and Hindu philosophy. He learned not only through ancient texts but also from direct experience in rituals and meditation. From a young age, he showed extraordinary talent in understanding religious teachings, leading his teachers to believe that he would become a great spiritual figure in the future.As a Brahmin, Danghyang Sidhi Mantra was known as someone who always helped others selflessly. His presence became a symbol of wisdom and spirituality. Many kings and nobles came to seek his counsel, but he was never bound by worldly power. He lived simply and dedicated his life to truth.

One day, Sidhi Mantra received a revelation from the gods that he must embark on a journey around the island of Bali. At that time, Bali was a place filled with dark energy and negative forces due to the oppressive rule of tyrannical kings. The people of Bali suffered under heavy taxes, injustice, and authoritarian rule. The gods asked Danghyang Sidhi Mantra to bring spiritual light and peace to the island. Danghyang Sidhi Mantra began traveling through villages, teaching wisdom and the values of Hinduism. He always emphasized the importance of a harmonious life, a connection with nature, and virtue. His presence in Bali soon attracted the attention of many, as every time he prayed or performed ceremonies, the place would be filled with an aura of peace and well-being.

Naga Basuki as a powerfull dragon that guarding Bali's natural Treasure (source: Personal Collection)

However, Danghyang Sidhi Mantra knew that a great challenge awaited him. The greatest negative force he had to face was Naga Basuki, a giant, powerful dragon guarding Bali's natural treasures. Naga Basuki symbolized the island’s natural wealth, but its power had been misused by the King of Bali. The king used Naga Basuki's power to oppress the people, exploit Bali's natural resources, and strengthen his reign. The people lived in fear of the king's power and the dragon that ruled the island. Danghyang Sidhi Mantra realized he had to calm Naga Basuki and restore balance. 

With full conviction, Siddhi Mantra went to the sacred place on Mount Agung, where Naga Basuki resided in a deep cave. During this journey, Siddhi Mantra prayed and meditated for days, seeking strength and guidance from the gods. He knew he could not confront Naga Basuki with force, as the dragon possessed immense power. Instead, he chose to use wisdom and a spiritual approach. In his meditation, he prayed to the gods to send rain so that crops could grow again and the people could be freed from famine. After performing sacred rituals, heavy rain fell, bringing fertility back to Bali's land.

Ida Dang Hyang Sidhi Mantra met Naga Basuki (source: Personal Collection)

After a long preparation, Danghyang Sidhi Mantra finally met Naga Basuki. The giant dragon emerged from the cave, its large scaly body gleaming, eyes glowing with fiery light, and its breath reeking of sulfur. Naga Basuki thundered,

"Who dares to come before me? What do you seek, human?"

Sidhi Mantra calmly replied, "I have not come to challenge you, O Basuki. I have come to remind you of the true duty entrusted to you by the gods. You are a protector, not a destroyer. You are the guardian of nature's balance, not a tool of oppression."

Hearing Sidhi Mantra’s words, Naga Basuki fell silent. Never before had anyone spoken to him with such calmness and wisdom. Usually, all who came before him were filled with fear or desire for power. But Sidhi Mantra's words reminded him of his sacred duty. Naga Basuki realized that he had been used by the tyrant king, and he felt ashamed of his actions.

After a long discussion, Naga Basuki agreed to help Sidhi Mantra. Together, they stood against the king's rule. Using his immense spiritual power, Sidhi Mantra unleashed great energy, and with Naga Basuki by his side, they destroyed the negative forces that had dominated Bali. The tyrant king lost his power, and the people of Bali were finally freed from oppression. After successfully bringing peace to Bali, Danghyang Sidhi Mantra lived on the island for several years. He continued teaching spiritual teachings to the people and strengthened the connection between humans, nature, and the gods. He had a son through a fire ritual he performed, and the boy was named Manik Angkeran. Although Sidhi Mantra was a wise Brahmin, Manik Angkeran grew into a young man filled with greed and selfishness. He was always tempted by wealth and worldly power.

Ida Dang Hyang Sidhi Mantra revived Manik Angkeran (source: Personal Collection)

One day, Manik Angkeran learned about the treasure guarded by Naga Basuki. With a strong desire to possess the wealth, he secretly went to Mount Agung and attempted to steal the treasure protected by Naga Basuki. When Naga Basuki realized this, he became very angry. In his rage, Naga Basuki burned Manik Angkeran with a burst of magical fire. Manik Angkeran died instantly. Danghyang Sidhi Mantra, who knew what had happened, was deeply saddened. He was struck by the death of his son, but he also understood that justice must be upheld. Nonetheless, he could not bear to see his son die under such circumstances. With his spiritual power, Sidhi Mantra pleaded with Naga Basuki to bring Manik Angkeran back to life. Naga Basuki, who had witnessed Sidhi Mantra's wisdom all along, agreed with one condition: Manik Angkeran must abandon his worldly, greedy life and live virtuously. Sidhi Mantra agreed to this condition.

Manik Angkeran was then revived. After experiencing death and coming back to life, he felt deep remorse for his actions. He promised his father and Naga Basuki that he would lead a righteous and virtuous life. Following this, Sidhi Mantra split the island of Bali from Java so that Manik Angkeran could dedicate his life to helping others, following his father's teachings, and bringing peace to himself and others.

Ida Danghyang Sidhi Mantra return to the spiritual realm (source: Personal Collection)

After completing his spiritual duties in Bali, Danghyang Siddhi Mantra felt that his time in the world had come to an end. He decided to return to the spiritual realm and end his life as a human. However, before he departed, he left behind sacred teachings and spiritual guidance that continue to be passed down in Hindu traditions and ceremonies in Bali to this day.