Nawa Sanga Conspiracy: Secrets Behind Ancient Balinese Emblem of Unity

Abstract

Abstract-The aims of the study were (1) to track the origin of Nawa Sanga symbolism in ancient Balinese society, (2) to discover the history behind the usage of Nawa Sanga symbolism, and (3) to analyze the actual philosophy of Nawa Sanga symbolism to the ancient Balinese. The research design used was descriptive-qualitative with ethnographic method which mainly involved the analysis of cultural aspects in ancient Balinese religious texts and chronicles. Data range involved prominent Balinese ancient religious texts and babad (chronicle texts). Data collecting techniques used were document analysis and observation. The result of the study showed that (1) the Nawa Sanga symbolism in ancient Balinese society came from the Saivite teachings dating in the same period as Majapahit Empire fell down, (2) the Nawa Sanga symbolism was formulated during the Waturenggong period to politically unify the Balinese society, and (3) the actual philosophy behind Nawa Sanga symbolism was not religious, but political.