Some of Types of Holy Men in Bali
In Bali, the spiritual world isn’t just a belief—it’s the backbone of everyday life.
Ceremonies, offerings, temple rituals—they all connect the seen and the unseen. And at the center of this ancient balance are the holy men, the spiritual guides and guardians of the island’s soul.
But not all holy men serve the same role. Here’s a breakdown of the main ones you’ll find (or be found by) in Bali:
1. Pedanda – The High Priest
The Pedanda is at the top of the Balinese spiritual hierarchy. Usually from the Brahmana (priest) caste, they are deeply trained in rituals, mantras, and ancient texts.
- Leads big ceremonies and temple rituals
- Speaks Kawi (ancient Javanese-Sanskrit) during prayers
- Known for purity, discipline, and spiritual power
- Rare and deeply respected—think: Balinese pope meets mystical sage
They don’t just perform rituals—they become the channel through which gods are invited into ceremony.
2. Pemangku – The Temple Priest
The Pemangku is a local priest who serves at community temples and family shrines.
They’re not necessarily from a priestly caste, but they’re chosen by spiritual calling or lineage.
- Handles regular ceremonies and daily offerings
- Cleanses spaces, blesses people, and leads Odalan (temple anniversary) rituals
- Often balances spiritual duties with regular life—farmer by day, priest by night
The Pemangku is the bridge between the gods and the people, on the ground, close to the community.
3. Balian – The Spiritual Healer
The Balian is not a priest, but a traditional healer—someone who works with unseen energies, spirits, ancestors, and the soul.
There are several kinds of Balian:
- Balian Usada – uses ancient medicinal knowledge, herbs, and healing texts
- Balian Manak – receives divine messages through dreams or trance
- Balian Tenung – acts as a psychic or seer, interpreting signs and spirit messages
They might work through touch, ritual, trance, or prayer. Many won’t accept money, only offerings or donations.
Important: Not all Balians are safe or ethical—some can misuse their power. Always go with local recommendations.
4. Jero – The Initiated One
“Jero” means someone who has been initiated into spiritual service. You’ll see it as a title before names: Jero Gede, Jero Mangku, etc.
They may have been chosen through dreams, possession, or an intense personal calling. A Jero might become:
- A trance medium (speaking for spirits during ceremonies)
- A temple guardian
- A ritual assistant or energy worker
Their role often involves serving the balance between the sekala (seen world) and niskala (unseen world).
5. Ratu / Ida Ratu – Possessed Medium or Spirit Channel
These individuals serve as human vessels for high spirits or deities during specific rituals. When in trance, they take on another identity entirely.
- Voice and face may change
- Deliver messages, warnings, or blessings from the spirit world
- Often serve during large temple ceremonies or personal consultations
This is intense energy work—powerful, sacred, and not for tourists to treat like a show.
Final Thought:
Spirituality in Bali isn’t for sale.
It’s passed down through dreams, bloodlines, initiations, and service.
Whether you meet a Pedanda chanting over sacred water or a Balian healing by moonlight, approach with humility, curiosity, and gratitude. These holy men aren’t here to impress—they’re here to protect the island’s soul.
