- Balinese Family Compound

Author By Bali Daily

Bali’s heart of culture life is in their family compound. The compound is build to follow the concept of Tri Hita Karana, the central creed of the Balinese cosmos. It demands that the harmony of the universe always be preserved between man and God, between Man and the physical world, and between man and man.

For example, the house shrine is always in the kaja-kangin (north-east), the pigsty is at kelod (south) or the seaward part of the compound. In between are the pavilions for ceremonies, sleeping, and daily activities.

Bali Family Compound
Picture by Bruce G.

Here is the description of each number from the picture above:

1. Family Temple.
The house temple called Sanggah or Merajan, is the place to worship the ancestor and the Hyang Guru.

2. Sleeping Pavilion.
This building usually a large eight-post structure on a high base. A terrace usually attached for receiving guests at family ceremony.

3. West Pavilion
The west pavilion or Bale dauh, is the workhouse of the compound. Serving the variety of purposes, from gathering place to sleeping quarters.

4. Ceremonial Pavilion
The east pavilion, or bale dangin is the ceremonial pavilion. The place is where the life rites and death rituals occur.

5. Sakenam
The guest pavilion for relatives and children varies in size and number according to the needs.

6. Granary
Or the lumbung or jineng is the storage area for rice.

7. Kitchen
Or paon is in the south because of the association with Brahma (the god of fire) whose place in the south.

8. Protective Wall
Or aling-aling, most behind the gates to deflect the malign influences.