Bhoma is a mythical creature from Balinese mythology. According to the legend, Bhoma is the son of Dewa Wisnu and Dewi Pertiwi, the god of rain and the goddess of earth. Bhoma is revered as the guardian of buildings and the protector against evil forces. His presence can be found in temples and main gateways, symbolizing protection and warding off malevolent energies.
Bhoma is believed to be the offspring of Mother Earth and Vishnu. In the mythological traditions of Bali, he is the king of the spirits, leader of the hosts of good, and enemy of Rangda, the demon queen and mother of all spirit guarders. Bhoma is a panther-like creature that is often depicted with a fierce expression and sharp fangs. He is known for his protective nature and ability to dispel evil forces.
Bhoma is a significant figure in Balinese culture and is often depicted in traditional art and dance performances. His image can be found in various architectural structures, including temple gates and building entrances. Bhoma’s role as a protector and guardian has made him an important part of Balinese mythology and culture.
Origins of Bhoma
Bhoma is a mythical creature in Balinese mythology. According to the legend, Bhoma is the son of Dewa Wisnu and Dewi Pertiwi. Dewa Wisnu is the god of rain, while Dewi Pertiwi is the goddess of earth.
Cultural Significance
Bhoma is an important part of Balinese culture and is believed to be the protector of buildings. His frightening visage is said to ward off evil spirits and protect the temples and shrines from demons. Bhoma is also known as a judge who decides the fate of those who enter the temples.
Historical References
Historically, Bhoma’s origins can be traced back to the Hindu religion. In Hinduism, Varaha is the avatar of the god Vishnu, who is depicted as a wild boar. According to the legend, when Varaha was digging the earth, he encountered Dewi Pertiwi, who was so beautiful that he fell in love with her. The union between Dewa Wisnu and Dewi Pertiwi gave birth to Bhoma.
Bhoma’s origins are deeply rooted in Balinese mythology and Hinduism. He is an important part of Balinese culture and is believed to protect the temples and shrines from evil spirits.
Physical Description
Common Features
Bhoma is a mythical creature that is commonly found in Hindu and Buddhist mythology. It is a deity that is believed to protect the temples and the surrounding areas. Bhoma is often depicted as a giant head with a gaping mouth and bulging eyes. Its face is usually surrounded by leaves and vines, which symbolize the forest. The creature is also depicted with sharp teeth and long hair, which give it a fierce appearance.
Variations Across Cultures
The physical appearance of Bhoma varies across different cultures and regions. In Balinese mythology, Bhoma is depicted as a giant head with a protruding tongue and sharp fangs. The creature is often depicted with a crown of leaves and flowers, which symbolize the forest. In Hindu mythology, Bhoma is depicted as a giant head with a third eye in the center of its forehead. The creature is also depicted with a snake around its neck, which symbolizes its power over nature.
Overall, Bhoma is a fascinating creature that has been a part of many cultures for centuries. Its physical appearance may vary, but its role as a protector of the temples and the surrounding areas remains constant.
Bhoma in Literature
Ancient Texts
Bhoma, a mythical creature in Balinese mythology, has been a popular subject in ancient texts. In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Bhoma is described as a demon who was defeated by Lord Krishna. In the ancient Javanese poem, Bhomantaka, also known as The Death of Bhoma, the creature is portrayed as a demon who was defeated by King Kresna and his minions in a monumental battle. The poem is written in Old Javanese and is a product of the sophisticated literary tradition of early Java.
Modern Interpretations
In modern literature, Bhoma has been interpreted in various ways. In the book “The Death of Bhoma” by author M.C. Ricklefs, the creature is portrayed as a demon who is defeated by King Kresna and his minions. The book is a retelling of the ancient Javanese poem and is written in English. In the book “Bhoma: The Mythical Creature” by author Ida Bagus Made, the creature is described as a protector of the earth. The book is written in Indonesian and is a popular children’s book in Bali.
Bhoma has also been featured in modern art and media. In the video game “Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey,” Bhoma is portrayed as a mythical creature that the player can defeat. In the television series “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” Bhoma is portrayed as a spirit that protects the earth. These modern interpretations of Bhoma have helped to keep the myth of the creature alive and relevant in popular culture.
Symbolism and Representation
Religious Contexts
In Balinese Hinduism, Bhoma is a mythical creature that represents the boundary between the sacred and the profane. Bhoma is often depicted as a giant face with bulging eyes, a wide-open mouth, and sharp teeth. It is believed that Bhoma guards the entrance to the temple and protects the worshippers from evil spirits. Bhoma is also associated with the forest, which is considered a sacred space in Balinese Hinduism.
Artistic Depictions
Bhoma is a popular subject in Balinese art, where it is often depicted as a fierce and powerful creature. In traditional Balinese paintings, Bhoma is shown as a large head with a gaping mouth, surrounded by intricate patterns and symbols. Bhoma is also a common motif in Balinese architecture, where it is carved into the base of temple shrines. In these depictions, Bhoma is often shown with other mythical creatures such as dragons, lions, and garudas.
Overall, Bhoma is a powerful and important mythical creature in Balinese Hinduism. Its symbolism and representation have played a significant role in the religious and artistic traditions of Bali.
Encounters and Legends
Famous Tales
Bhoma is a popular figure in Balinese mythology. According to the legend, Bhoma is the son of Dewa Wisnu and Dewi Pertiwi. When Wisnu was digging the earth in the form of Varaha, his avatar in the form of a wild boar, he encountered a beautiful earth goddess named Dewi Pertiwi. The encounter leads to a union between Wisnu and Pertiwi, which produces a terrifying son, Bhoma. Despite his appearance, Bhoma was blessed to protect Temples and Shrines from Demons. His frightening visage aids him in this occupation.
Alleged Sightings
There are no known alleged sightings of Bhoma, as he is a mythical creature. However, many people in Bali believe in his existence and honor him through various rituals. Bhoma is often depicted in Balinese art, such as paintings, sculptures, and carvings. These depictions are believed to protect the people and their homes from evil spirits. The Balinese also celebrate Bhoma’s birthday every year, which is known as the Bhoma Ceremony. During this ceremony, the Balinese offer various offerings and prayers to Bhoma, asking for his protection and blessings.
In conclusion, Bhoma is a fascinating mythical creature that has captured the hearts and minds of many people in Bali. While there are no known sightings of Bhoma, his legend lives on through various stories, rituals, and art.
Comparative Mythology
Bhoma is a mythical creature that has been part of Balinese culture for centuries. However, Bhoma is not the only mythical creature that has been part of different cultures around the world. Comparative mythology is the study of comparing myths from different cultures to identify common themes and characteristics. Here are some interesting facts about Bhoma and its comparison to other mythical creatures from different cultures.
Similar Creatures in Other Cultures
Bhoma is similar to other mythical creatures from different cultures. For example, in Hindu mythology, there is a creature called Yaksha, which is also known as a nature spirit. Yaksha is believed to be a guardian of the natural world and is often depicted as a tree spirit or a nature deity. Similarly, in Greek mythology, there is a creature called Satyr, which is half-man and half-goat. Satyrs are known for their love of wine and music and are often depicted as mischievous creatures.
Influence on Global Myth
The concept of Bhoma and other similar creatures has influenced global mythology. For example, the idea of a nature spirit has been incorporated into different cultures around the world, including Native American culture and African culture. Similarly, the concept of a half-human, half-animal creature has been depicted in different cultures, such as the Egyptian god Anubis, who is depicted as a man with a jackal’s head.
In conclusion, Bhoma is just one example of a mythical creature that has been part of different cultures around the world. Comparative mythology helps to identify common themes and characteristics in different myths, which can help us better understand the human experience.