Batara Kala: The Evil Giant in Indonesian Mythology

Batara Kala is a prominent figure in Indonesian mythology. He is often depicted as an evil giant who brings destruction and chaos. In this article, we will explore the story of Batara Kala and his role in Indonesian folklore. According to the legends, Batara Kala had a penchant for killing people. He would roam the land, seeking out his victims and taking pleasure in their demise. His actions were fueled by his anger and resentment towards the gods. One day, Batara Guru, the supreme god in Indonesian mythology, decided to invite Batara Kala to paradise. He believed that by offering Batara Kala a place among the gods, he could tame his destructive nature. However, this decision would have dire consequences. Batara Kala accepted the invitation and entered paradise. But instead of finding peace and redemption, he became even more enraged. He felt betrayed by the gods and sought revenge on Batara Surya, the god of the moon, and Batara Chandra, the god of the sun. In his fury, Batara Kala vowed to swallow Batara Surya and Batara Chandra, plunging the world into eternal darkness. He believed that by extinguishing their light, he could assert his dominance over the gods. To prevent this catastrophe, Batara Visnu, the preserver god, took his weapon, the cakra, and shot it towards Batara Kala. The cakra pierced through Batara Kala's body, incapacitating him and saving the world from his wrath. The story of Batara Kala serves as a myth explaining the occurrence of eclipses. It is believed that during an eclipse, Batara Kala attempts to swallow Batara Surya and Batara Chandra, but is thwarted by the gods. In conclusion, Batara Kala is a fascinating character in Indonesian mythology. His evil nature and desire for revenge make him a captivating figure. The story of Batara Kala not only entertains but also provides an explanation for natural phenomena. It reminds us of the power of the gods and the consequences of anger and resentment.