GEOGRAPHICAL
Bali is a province, part of the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. Situated between the islands of Java and Lombok islands. Formerly known as the Sunda Kecil islands. Geographically located at 08.03 '40 "- 8:50" 48 "south latitude and 114.25 '53" - 115.42 '40 "east longitude.
The boundaries of the island of Bali are:
north : Bali sea
south : Oceanic Indonesia
western : Bali Strait / Jawa Timur Province
east : Lombok Strait / Nusa Tenggara Barat province
In topography, Bali consists of an island surrounded by smaller islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan Island, Serangan Island, and Gili Menjangan. Bali is located on the mountain paths and trails Austronesian fire ring, so the island is mountainous and has two mountains that are still active. Mount Agung at an altitude of 3142 m and Mount Batur with altitude 1717 m.
With the condition of the mountain range splitting from west to east, as if Bali is divided into two parts, namely north Bali and south Bali. Because Indonesia is located on the path to the equator then the area is an area of tropical Bali. It lets residents of agriculture as a major land bali. Bali also has four lakes in mountainous areas are Lake Beratan, Lake Bulian, Lake Tamblingan and Lake Batur. These lakes are keeping the main water supply for the plains region.
RELIGION
Bali's population of around four million people, most of the Hindu religion. Hindu religion in Bali is more influenced by the flow of Siwa. Historically the island of Bali is the last bastion of the development of Hinduism in Indonesia, as a result of the spread of Christianity and Islam. Hindu religion in Bali is developed by MPU-MPU from java like Mpu Markandeya, Mpu Kuturan, Mpu Agastya , MPU Dwijendra and several others that provide color and variety to the spiritual life and a big influence on the customs that lasted until now. In Hindu Bali, Siwa sidanta is the most impact. The worship of the god Siwa as the three main parts Siwa, Sada Siwa and Parama Siwa. During its development, mpu Kuturan contributed an enormous system of government and religious systems that exist today in Bali. MPU Kuturan develop spatial systems and procedures for making buildings, either to create a place of worship / temple, or building a house according to the Asta Kosala-kosali. Services of the MPU Kuturan once cherished by his followers, so he was after his death and moksha, is given a place of worship at the shrine every family / Merajan.
Place of worship of Hindus in Bali have differences with the prayer of Hindus in India. However it has similarities to the primary purpose of being consecrated to the ancestors and God. Places of worship in Bali is better known by the name of Pura / temple. The temple is divided into three types: Temple to the family / merajan , Pura Sad Kahyangan, and Pura Kahyangan Jagat. The difference lies in the Holy Spirit who was worshiped in each temple.
The concept of the teachings of Siwa in bali, placing tri murti as a manifestation of God. Tri murti is the main god Brahma as the creator, Wisnu as a custodian and Siwa / Iswara as a fuser. In the teachings of Hindu Bali, Siwa is considered the supreme god, and he was tangible in every corner of the wind as Dewa Nawa Sanga.