The padmasana, whose name means lotus seat, is the tall stone shrine dedicated to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the supreme God. It stands in the holiest courtyard of many temples and is a focus of prayer. Unlike most shrines it has no roof, and at its top is an empty throne, open to the sky, because the supreme God is understood to be beyond any form.
Tradition credits the priest Dang Hyang Nirartha, who came to Bali from Java around the end of the 15th century, with introducing the padmasana, and many shrines were raised at coastal temples along his travels. The structure is a model of the cosmos. At its base lies Bedawang Nala, the world turtle, bound by two sacred serpents, Antaboga and Basuki, who keep the world stable. Above rise the levels of the world to the empty throne.
Look closely and the details come alive. The turtle and serpents coil around the base, sometimes with the face of Bhoma, son of the earth, carved above them. The back of the throne often bears a gilded figure of Acintya, the inconceivable God, or a sun symbol. During ceremonies the throne is dressed with cloth and offerings, and worshippers kneel facing it as they pray.
Highlights
- The empty throne open to the sky
- World turtle Bedawang Nala at the base
- Serpents Antaboga and Basuki
- Gilded Acintya figures
Good to know
- Start at the base and read the shrine upward, from turtle and serpents to the empty throne.
- Do not stand between worshippers and the padmasana while they pray.
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