The Gelgel Period (Circa 1400 -1700)

In the 14th century, a Javanese settlement was first established at Samprangan, Karangasem Regency, at the foot of G. Agung, then a capital was founded on the south coast at Gelgel, KlungkungRegency. Here, for two centuries, the kings of Bali (the Dewa Agung) - resided, developed unique Bali-Hindu customs and institutions, welding together the traditions of East Java and old Bali. Complex death rituals, offerings, and high ceremonial language were all probably introduced during this period. The palaces flourished with performances of plays, masked dances, and clangorous gamelan orchestras. For about 50 years after the invasion, Bali was a dependency of Majapahit but by degrees Bali's feudal lords grew independent of any centralized political power, ruling over their petty kingdoms into which Bali was divided. Members of the royal family acted as civil governors (predecessors of the later punggawas), generals, and members of the high court. As Majapahit continued to eclipse, Bali's Gelgel Dynasty came under its greatest ruler, Dalem Batu Renggong, who was distinguished by the semi divine title of Dewa Agung.
Under the rule of the Dewa Agung Bali was united; its princes prospered and soon expanded their influence east by conquering and setting up new colonies on Lombok and Sumbawa, and westward to the Blambangan Peninsula of East Java. Court artisans, carvers, men of letters, painters, architects, and gold- and silversmiths created the lavish trappings of royalty. Under Batu Renggong's. rule, theater associations and orchestras sprang up, folk art flourished. The saka calendar of Hindu Java and 30-week Balinese wuku calendar were combined into the intricate schedule of religious

For more Bali hotels Bali activities information and reservation

Bali hotels in Bali hotel Bali accommodation Travel | bali hotels | Bali Golf Bali Spa Bali Diving Bali Rafting

in Bali we must point out a very important distinction which the Balinese make between two clearly separate groups of ancestors. The first of these groups consists of the dead who are riot yet completely purified. This group is in turn subdivided in pirata, those riot yet cremated, and pitara, those already cremated. The former are still completely impure; the latter have been purified, but are still considered as distinct, individual souls. The second group consists of the completely purified ancestors who are considered as divine.
No contact is sought with the pirata, the dead who have not yet been cremated. Oil the contrary they are dangerous, Offerings must however be made for the redemption of their souls.

Everything Bali Indonesia