The Story of Kalarahu

A long time ago when an eclipse occurred in Bali, people all hit drums or any other object which could make a noise. People feared that the giant Kalarahu who had great magical power, would try and eat the Goddess of the Moon. According to an ancient tale, a group of giants fought for holy water (tirta amerta) against the Gods as this holy water gave eternal life.
Kalarahu was determined to steal the holy water from its secret place. He waited until it was a very dark night and hid himself amongst bushes and coarse grass (Imperata cylindrica). He then took the water and put it under his shirt. Kalarahu felt happy when he opened the case holding the holy water, imaginging himself as the most magically powerful giant in the world. He could even have other giants as his servants. He knew however that the goddess of the moon would see his act and warn the Gods of his actions.
When the message reached them, the Gods were furious. Consequently some of them went on a mission to capture Kalarahu and prevent him from drinking the sacred water.
Arriving at Kalarahu’s hiding place, the Gods were horrified to see the giant begin to drink the tirta amerta. Seeing this, one of the Gods shot an arrow at the giant’s neck and managed to slice off his head from his body. Kalarahu’s body died but his head remained alive, this was because he had drunk the holy water and it had reached his throat. His head was floating in the air and he called to the Goddess of the Moon. “Hey, just because of you I failed to become the most sacred giant!” he cursed her severely. “I will eat you…!” he said as he left them.
Since that time, whenever there is an eclipse, Kalarahu tries to eat the Goddess of the Moon, so everyone in Bali must strike drums or any object capable of producing sound, this is to hopefully scare away Kalarahu so that she remains safe. Retold by Gung Man

Balineselife
Translations of Lontar Manuscripts

Before paper was commonly used to write on, Balinese people wrote on palm leaves (lontar). At that time writing skills were already well developed, as can be seen by reading old inscriptions and lontar manuscripts. However the number of lontar manuscripts are very limited, as the writers never made more than a single copy. To copy such manuscripts takes a long time since it is still done manually with simple tools. In these modern times, where information networks have no border, distributing information about lontar can no longer be avoided. Other than copying the lontar, there is a way of translating the manuscript, which enables the manuscript to be copied hundreds or even thousands of times.

Recently it has been possible to buy some translated books of lontar in bookstores. They discuss Hindu philosophy, ethics and rites, and also the history of Bali and Balinese architecture. Mostly they are translated from Balinese to Latin. At the same time Balinese has been included in the school curriculum starting from elementary school. At least this effort will help to preserve the Balinese language for the next generation.One of these translations is I Made Gambar’s Asta Kosala Kosali Umah miwah Wadah. It informs us about the architecture of houses and bade. Bade is a means of transporting dead bodies for the Ngaben or Cremation ceremony. The manuscript discusses the different ways of collecting the timber for the material, choices of measurement and the unseen impact for the owner of the house if he does not follow these measurements. The writer finishes his manuscript by writing of bebantenan or offerings for the inauguration rite of the house or bade. (Punia)