The Philosophical and Magical Meanings of Plant Layout in a Traditional Balinese Garden

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The allure of the traditional Balinese garden extends beyond the island of Bali, captivating people throughout Indonesia and even in other countries. These gardens are a common feature in resorts, particularly those embracing ethnic and exotic themes, where they evoke a sense of place. However, appreciation of their beauty often overshadows a deeper understanding: the rich philosophical meanings imbued within the plants themselves.  

A traditional Balinese garden is more than just visually appealing. Its design is rooted in profound principles. Landscape architects designing these spaces must consider three core concepts: Satyam (truth), Siwam (purity, glory, and hygiene), and Sundaram (beauty and harmony). These are further informed by four components:

• Ardha Chandra (the crescent): This refers to the hard, structural, and aesthetic elements of the garden.  

   

• Kayu Kasta Gumani: These are the plants, the elements that provide life. This concept gave rise to Panca Wriksa (the five life-giving trees): Ficus, Bodhi, Banana, Fishtail Palm, and Tiger’s Claw. According to Puranic sources, Panca Wriksa originated from the vegetation of the Garden of Nandhana (Indraloka Palace), which included Wandira (Ficus), Parijataka (Tiger’s Claw Tree), Dewandaru (Harichandanaka), Kalpataru, and Vilva (Maja).  

   

   

   

• Tirta Kamandalu: This is the water element, essential for coolness, life, and the natural environment. 

   

• Goddess Lakshmi: Representing beauty, this element encompasses harmony, peace, and environmental balance.  

   

These components illustrate that the Balinese landscape, from its plants to its structural elements, embodies a grand philosophical concept, integrating the microcosm and the macrocosm.

Let’s explore the plants (“soft elements”) of a traditional Balinese garden, from the entrance area (angkul-angkul) to the inner courtyard (natah).  

• Ficus tree (Ficus Benjamina L.): Providing shade and symbolizing peace, the Ficus tree is a common feature. However, it’s important to note that in traditional Balinese gardens, the Ficus tree is not planted in the inner courtyard (natah). This is because it is believed to be a dwelling place for Satan Banaspati, which could negatively affect the residents.  

   

   

• Bodhi/Ancak tree (Hemandia pellata): This tree has religious significance as a place for meditation and seeking peace with God.  

   

• Banana tree (Musa sapientum L.): As a food-producing tree, it symbolizes sustenance and life.  

   

• Fishtail Palm (Caryota mitis): This palm has religious and symbolic importance as a place to receive inspiration and guidance.

   

• Drymophloeus Palm (Drymophloeus ovilivacouncis Mart): In religious and magical contexts, this palm is used for worship and to praise God.

   

• Cactus (Pachycereus Sp): In traditional Balinese gardens, cactus is considered a protective plant, believed to repel evil intentions. Therefore, it’s typically planted on the right side of the entrance to the yard. It can also be planted in the courtyard near the house entrance or around the kitchen.  

   

   

   

• Tiger’s Claw/Indian Coral/Sunshine Tree (Erythrina variegata): This red-flowering tree is also believed to counteract evil intentions and deter malicious people. It is usually planted on the left side of the entrance to the courtyard, paired with cactus.  

   

   

• Rhapis Tree (Raphis excelsa): Believed to neutralize strong negative forces, it is often planted just inside the yard entrance.                                                               

• Moringa Tree (Moringa oleifera): In traditional Balinese gardens, this small, oval-leaved tree serves as a final deterrent against evil influences. Consequently, it’s typically planted near the kitchen area.

• White Frangipani/Jepun Petak (Plumeria acuminata) and Red Frangipani/Sudamala (Plumeria rubra): These plants share the philosophical meaning of cleansing and purification for those entering the main dwelling or sacred areas. They are commonly planted at the main entrance.

   

   

• Seligi/Phyllanthus (Phyllanthus buxifolius Muell. Arg): In Indonesian traditional medicine, this plant is used to treat dislocated joints. Symbolically, it is believed to repel evil thoughts, ensuring that only those with good intentions enter the house. It is usually planted around the main entrance. 

   

   

   

• Ceylon Ironwood/Indian Rose Chestnut/Cobra’s Saffron (Mesua Ferrea L.): This woody tree, belonging to the Garcinieae tribe, is believed to be favored by gods and goddesses due to its pure, clean, and cool aura. Therefore, it’s typically planted inside the main yard, beyond the main entrance.  

   

   

• Scented flowering plants: Flowers like roses, frangipani, ylang-ylang, tiger’s claw, and gardenia are commonly planted throughout the yard, from the entrance (angkul-angkul) to the inner courtyard (natah). They are believed to promote purity and beauty, and their fragrance is thought to aid concentration during worship. As such, they are often planted near sacred buildings and used in religious ceremonies.  

   

   

• Fruit trees: Trees such as mangosteen and star fruit are ideally planted near the kitchen and outside the natah area.

   

• Medori Flower/White Widuri (Calotropis gigantea): These large shrubs with white or purple waxy flowers (white flowers are preferred in traditional Balinese gardens) symbolize Sang Hyang Iswara (the ruler of the east/God of the east). Consequently, they are planted on the east side of the yard. 

   

   

• Tunjung Flower/White Lotus (Nymphaea lotus) and Moon Coconut (Cocos nucifera L. “Bulan”): These plants also symbolize Sang Hyang Iswara and are planted in the eastern part of the yard.  

   

• Areca Nut tree (Areca catechu): Depicted in the relief of Sukuh Temple in Java as growing in the middle of the Pasetran Gondomayit area (the palace of Goddess Durga, the goddess of death), this tree symbolizes Sang Hyang Brahma (the ruler of the south/God of the south) in Balinese tradition. Therefore, it is planted in the southern part of the yard.  

   

   

• Red Lotus flower (Nymphaea rubra): Revered in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, this flower also symbolizes Sang Hyang Brahma in Balinese culture. It is planted in the southern part of the yard.

   

   

• Shrimp Coconut (Cocos nucifera L. “Udang”): This is also planted in the southern part of the yard.

   

• Chinese Perfume Tree (Aglaia odorata Lour), Gading Coconut (Cocos nucifera L. varieties eburnea) and Yellow Lotus (Nymphaea mexicana): These symbolize Lord Mahadeva, the ruler of the west/God of the west. They are planted in the western part of the yard.

   

   

• Butterfly Pea/Asian Pigeonwings (Clitoria ternatea), Gadang Coconut (Cocos nucifera L. “Gadang”) and Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea): These symbolize Sang Hyang Vishnu, the ruler of the north/God of the north. Accordingly, they are planted in the northern part of the yard.

   

   

• Pancawarna Lotus Flower (five-colored lotus) and Sudamala Coconut: These represent Lord Shiva and are planted in the center of the yard.  

   

• Ratna Flower or Globe Amaranth (Gomphrena globosa L.): This plant features rounded, purplish-pink flowers. In the story of Adiparwa, this flower was used to create the beautiful princess Tilotama, who was tasked with seducing two meditating giants. This flower serves as an aesthetic element in the yard and is used in many Balinese religious ceremonies. It also has medicinal properties and can be used to treat various ailments.  

   

   

   

   

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Plants to Avoid in the inner courtyard (natah)

According to traditional Balinese landscape concepts, plants with segmented stems, such as coconut (Cocos nucifera), castor (Ricinus communis), sugar cane (Saccharum sp.), and bamboo (Bambusoideae), are believed to disrupt sustenance and life. Therefore, they are not planted in the natah area.  

Plants and Their Symbolic/Religious Orientation

The following plants, used in symbolic and religious worship, are typically planted according to the directional layout of the yard:  

• Eastern part of the yard: Candlenut (Aleurites moluccana), Star Gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus Skeels), Durian (Durio zibethinus Mere), and White Jade Orchid Tree (Magnolia alba).  

   

• Southern part of the yard: Corn (Zea mays L), Salak (Salacca edulis BL), Betel Nut (Areca catechu L), Mangosteen (Garcinia mangosta L.), Red Rose (Rosa hybrida), Ixora (Ixora javanica), Oleander (Nerium oleander), and Zinnia (Zinnia elegans).

   

• Western part of the yard: Coconut (Cocos nucifera L), Corn (Zea mays L.), Langsat (Lansium domesticum Jack), Champak (Michelia champaca), Yellow Flower, and Allamanda (Allamanda cathartica).  

   

• Northern part of the yard: Sorghum (Sorghum vulgare Pers), Mangosteen (Garcinia mangosta L), Pangium/Kepayang/Keluwak (Pangium edule Reinw), Mango (Mangifera indica), and Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata).

   
   

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Reference:

Gelebet, I Nyoman. Dkk. Arsitektur Tradisional Daerah Bali. Denpasar. Departemen P dan K. 1986.

http://www.parissweethome.com/bali/cultural_my.php?id=11

http://www.babadbali.com/pura/plan/dalem-swargan-5.htm

http://www.balipost.co.id/balipostcetak/2005/9/29/pr1.htm

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