Balinese Shrines

Many believe that, the existence of Balinese evolve around their shrines. Every house comes with at least a family shrine located within the compound. Every small community has a community shrine and every village has its own village shrine. The district or precinct shrine plays a very important role in the Balinese ritual and daily lives. It is where the Banjar and the head of the community council gather and have their meetings, discussions and spiritual processions and prayers.

Banjar is a council, which the members are among the elders and wise married men. They hold the position of determining the forms of taxes and collections from the villagers and entrepreneurs who live and work within their vicinity.

The taxes and collections or donations are their source of income. Nevertheless, a portion of the fund is allocated for maintenance works and social affairs for the needy.

Family shrine is unique and different from one to another. It is more personal with distinctive figure and decorative elements. This extraordinary feature has becomes the spice that made this Island of The Thousand Gods is incomparable and at the same time exquisite in its special way.