Barong Landung, one of Bali’s most iconic cultural symbols, carries deep-rooted significance in its anthropomorphic figures. Unlike Bali’s other Barongs, often depicted as mythical creatures, Barong Landung represents human characters tied to the dramatic legend of King Sri Jaya Pangus and Kang Cing Wie, a Chinese merchant’s daughter. This poignant tale intertwines love, betrayal, and cultural integration, reflecting Bali’s multi-ethnic history and the fusion of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
This poignant tale intertwines love, betrayal, and cultural integration, reflecting Bali’s multi-ethnic history and the fusion of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
The Reign of King Jaya Pangus
The story of Barong Landung traces back to the 12th century when King Jaya Pangus ruled the Balingkang Kingdom, located in the lush highlands of Kintamani. Known for his wisdom and dedication to his people, the King was a prominent figure in Balinese history. His reign was marked by prosperity, the rise of Hinduism, and notable achievements, including 43 inscriptions written within just three years.
During this time, Bali was a vibrant hub for trade, attracting merchants from distant lands, including China. Among them was Kang Cing Wie, the beautiful daughter of a Chinese merchant. Her delicate features and glowing white complexion mesmerized King Jaya Pangus. Ignoring objections from his Hindu priests, who disapproved of their differing religions, the King married Kang Cing Wie, making her the Chinese Queen of Bali.
The Curse of Unfulfilled Desires
Despite their union, happiness eluded the couple. Kang Cing Wie was unable to bear a child, earning the cruel nickname “Dewi Mandul” (the barren goddess). Desperate for an heir, King Jaya Pangus sought spiritual guidance through meditation at Mount Batur, the sacred home of Dewi Danu, the goddess of the lake.
At Mount Batur, the King encountered Dewi Danu, whose divine beauty captivated him. Falsely claiming he was single, he entered into a secret relationship with the goddess, resulting in the birth of a son named Mayadenawa. Dewi Danu, unaware of the King’s deceit, welcomed him into her life, blissfully unaware of his first marriage.
The Tragic Confrontation
Meanwhile, Kang Cing Wie, concerned by her husband’s prolonged absence, journeyed to Mount Batur in search of him. Upon discovering his betrayal, both the Queen and Dewi Danu were devastated. The confrontation escalated into divine wrath as Dewi Danu unleashed her anger upon the couple. In some versions, her mother, Batari Batur, intervened, cursing the King and Queen for their deceit. They were transformed into statues, immortalized in their moment of conflict.
The Legacy of Barong Landung
The Balingkang people, mourning the loss of their King and Queen, created the Barong Landung effigies to honor their memory. The male Barong, with its dark complexion and exaggerated features, represents King Jaya Pangus, while the female Barong, with a fair complexion and delicate features, symbolizes Kang Cing Wie.
Barong Landung plays a significant role during the Galungan festival, held every six months. These towering figures, standing nearly three meters tall, are paraded through villages to cleanse and exorcise negative energies. Their performances, often comedic or educational, bring the legendary figures to life, offering entertainment and spiritual reflection.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Beyond their role in rituals, Barong Landung embodies the cultural fusion that defines Bali. The pair’s contrasting appearances—dark-skinned King Jaya Pangus and fair-skinned Kang Cing Wie—highlight Bali’s historical connections with India and China. The fusion of Hindu and Buddhist elements in Balinese culture, evident in temples and rituals, reflects this multi-ethnic heritage.
One such example is Pura Penataran Agung Dalem Balingkang, a temple in Kintamani dedicated to the royal couple. The temple, combining the words “Bali” and “Kang,” symbolizes their union and serves as a reminder of religious tolerance. Inside, a Chinese shrine stands alongside Hindu altars, illustrating the harmonious coexistence of different faiths.
Chinese influences in Bali extend beyond temples. The use of Chinese coins, or kepeng, in Balinese ceremonies is a testament to this enduring relationship. These coins, believed to embody the five elements (panca datu), play a vital role in rituals like the consecration of temples.
Multiple Versions of the Ending
The story of Barong Landung varies across retellings, each offering unique interpretations. In one version, Kang Cing Wie forgives Dewi Danu and establishes conditions for coexistence, including the introduction of Chinese currency and shrines in Balinese temples. This narrative underscores the cultural integration that followed their union.
Another version portrays the story as a cautionary tale against interfaith marriages, focusing on the Queen’s inability to bear children. A more neutral account attributes their transformation to divine punishment for deceit and jealousy, emphasizing the moral consequences of their actions.
Barong Landung transcends its mythological roots, symbolizing Bali’s identity as a cultural melting pot. Its origins also highlight Bali’s acceptance of diversity, with the effigies celebrating the island’s Chinese heritage. The legacy of Barong Landung endures as a reminder of the importance of tolerance and unity in a multi-ethnic society.
