The History of the Sang Kala Trisemaya Statue: A Symbol of Earth’s Guardian in the Heart of Denpasar City

The island of Bali is rich in history and traditions. One of the stories from Bali is that of Sang Kala Trisemaya, which has been brought to life in the form of statues in the heart of Denpasar City.

The Sang Kala Trisemaya statues are among the historical landmarks of Bali, located specifically in North Denpasar District. These statues are a three-dimensional representation of the story found in the ancient Lontar Siwagama manuscripts. Positioned along the sides of Gajah Mada Street, the statues appear as guardians watching over those who pass by. The story of Sang Kala Trisemaya is deeply connected to Hindu culture.

Front View of the Sang Kala Trisemaya Statue (Source: Private Collection)

The Sang Kala Trisemaya statues are a pair of giant statues located along Gajah Mada Street, near the Tukad Badung bridge and in front of Pasar Badung. Each statue stands approximately 5.7 meters tall and weighs nearly 3.3 tons. These statues are a three-dimensional manifestation of the Lontar Siwagama, which tells the story of Sanghyang Trisemaya's concern for Sanghyang Dharmajaya.

In the Lontar Siwagama, it is told that Hyang Batara Guru performed yoga, during which his mind split in two, giving birth to a young priest named Sanghyang Dharmajaya, also known as Sang Resi Sidhiwasitadewa. Sanghyang Dharmajaya followed in the footsteps of Hyang Batara Guru by practicing deep meditation (Yoga Semadi). His energy became extraordinary through his worship of the Fire God, rendering him untouchable and unaffected by day or night, without the need for food or drink.

Rear View of the Sang Kala Trisemaya Statue (Source : Private Collection)

The extraordinary power of Sanghyang Dharmajaya caused concern for Sanghyang Trisemaya (Brahma, Vishnu, and Iswara), as they believed Sanghyang Dharmajaya might destroy the world. In response, Sanghyang Trisemaya manifested terrifying forms: Sang Kalarudra (Brahma), Sang Kalasambhu (Vishnu), and Sang Kalamaya (Iswara), collectively known as Sang Kala Tiga. Sang Kala Tiga was then tasked by Sanghyang Trisemaya to eliminate Sanghyang Dharmajaya.

A fierce battle ensued, with Sang Kala Tiga attacking Sanghyang Dharmajaya like a hungry lion. Despite their relentless assault, Sanghyang Dharmajaya remained undaunted, and Sang Kala Tiga began to struggle. Seeing this, Sanghyang Trisemaya also unleashed their power, but even then, they could not defeat Sanghyang Dharmajaya.

Close-Up View of the Sang Kala Trisemaya Statue (Source : Private Collection)

Sanghyang Trisemaya at the last approached Hyang Bhatara Guru and requested him to eliminate Sanghyang Dharmajaya. Hyang Bhatara Guru explained that Sanghyang Dharmajaya is a manifestation of himself and therefore cannot be destroyed by Sanghyang Trisemaya. However, to quell Sanghyang Trisemaya’s anger, Bhatara Guru agreed to reclaim Sanghyang Dharmajaya’s life on the condition that Sang Kala Tiga must also be eliminated. Sang Kala Tiga was then defeated by Sanghyang Trisemaya, and their ashes became Mount Wiyanggama.

In short, it is said that the soul of Sang Kala Tiga out from the mountain and worshiped Hyang Bhatara Guru. Sang Kala Tiga requested permission to dominate the world from Bhatara Guru. Hyang Bhatara Guru granted Sang Kala Tiga the blessing to rule during Kali Yuga, the age of destruction.

A Pair of Sang Kala Trisemaya Statues on Gajah Mada Street (Source : Private Collection)

Sang Kala Tiga or Sang Kala Trisemaya, performed meditation, resulting in the birth of several giants or various parts of himself. Those who emerged from Sang Kala Trisemaya are a blessing from Bhatara Guru, intended to infiltrate the world and monitor human actions. The behaviors being watched include wrongdoings, inappropriate speech, and deceit.

Based on this story, a symbol was created in the form of the Sang Kala Trisemaya statue, serving as a visual representation of Sang Kala Tiga. The purpose of the Sang Kala Trisemaya statue is to symbolize the surveillance of human actions, such as misdeeds, improper conversations, or lies. This statue is placed on either side of the street to effectively oversee the movements of vehicles and people passing by.