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"Penjor"
(Pole) on the "Galungan" Festivity
The
Galungan festivity is invariably marked
with the installation of a pole -‘penjor’-
in front of the entrance gate of the house
compound. Installation of this pole (‘penjor’)
is meant to represent the reverence to the
Almighty God along with His Ishta-Devata
(Deities becoming the object of one’s
special pious attention) abode at Besakih
Temple. As a matter of fact, all Hindus
in Bali will present offerings on this Galungan
to Besakih Temple. However, due to carefulness
and efficiency considerations, the maharishi
in the past created the culture of ‘penjor’
–pole, that made it into a medium (uparengga)
of the Hindu’s devotion to God along
with His manifestation at Besakih Temple.
 The
word penjor (pole) is derived from a Balinese
word peenyor meaning pengajum or pengastawa
or devotion. Accordingly, the meaning of
penjor is a medium of devotion to the Lord
Shiva along with His manifestation at Besakih
Temple. On that account, making ‘penjor’-
pole on the Galungan day requires particular
requirements as it does not reveal merely
an ornament. Elements of penjor are composed
of: white fabric (symbol of Ishvara’s
power); bamboo (of Mahesora); cakes (of
Brahma); coconut (of Rudra); young coconut
leaf (of Mahadeva); assorted leaves (of
Sankara); tubers or fruits (of Vishnu);
sugar cane (of Sambu); Ardha Candra shrine
(of Shiva) and oblation (of Sadhashiva and
Paramashiva). Penjor - pole for the sake
of ritual interest can be distinguished
from its shrine employed, namely taking
the form of ardha candra (literally half
moon) representing the sovereignty of Lord
Shiva. However, confusion on installing
the shrine of this penjor still occurs many
times. Some install it facing the road,
while the rest do it the other way around,
mostly based on the interpretation of the
one who installs it. However, according
to some references, they suggest to install
it facing the road. This interpretation
tells that the bamboo shrine of the penjor
pole functions as its ‘mouth’.
(BTN/Gus Primarta)
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