Who is Rangda ?
Rangda is a very important character in Balinese mythology and healing traditions. She is the dramatic manifestation of the underworld goddess, Durga, and is the demon queen of the Leyaks. The Balinese believe that there are two opposing forces that are necessary to maintain universal balance. This is the concept of Rwa Bhineda (which means: two opposites). Rwa Bhineda (qui signifie : deux opposés).
The concept of Rwa Bhineda explains that the universe, created by the Almighty, comes in pairs with contradictory characteristics that unfold harmoniously. This concept of balance is embodied in the mythological relationship between Barong and Rangda. If there is good, evil must exist to bring balance. Birth balances death, young balances old, positive balances negative, joy balances sorrow, and so on.
The word " Rangda " in ancient Balinese and also in Kawi (ancient Javanese) means a widow. This goddess embodies the divine negative energy. Rangda is the queen of the demons Leyaks Leyak according to traditional Balinese mythology. A terrifying Rangdachild-eater, Rangda leads an army of evil witches against the leader of the forces of good, Barong.
Although Rangda and Barong represent the opposite energies as negative and positive, the conflict between Rangda and Barong is far beyond a simple battle of good and evil, as they are inseparable forces and could not be isolated from each other. Rangda can heal as well as destroy, and Barong's protective power Barong can also be misused. The battle between positive and negative energy is a constant struggle, from which there is no winner.
Why did I choose Rangda ?
After reading different articles about Rangda, I am attracted by her story. Who is she before becoming the queen of demons?
According to another different interpretation, Rangda was Mahendradattaan 11th century Javanese princess, sister of Dharmawangsa (who was the last king of the Kingdom of Mataram, who ruled from 990 to 1016 AD). She was the queen consort of the Balinese king Udayana, a position without power but with the duty to produce heirs and the marriage was a strategic arrangement between the kingdom of Java and Bali. King Udayana, before marrying another woman, condemned and exiled Mahendradatta for allegedly practicing witchcraft and black magic. Rejected, widowed, hurt and humiliated, she sought revenge on her ex-husband's court and his entire kingdom.
Despite the bad turn of events, I appreciate some of Mahendradatta's personality traits. MahendradattaShe was devoted to Durga, who is associated with protection, strength, motherhood, destruction and wars. Durga, with her 10 arms clutching weapons, riding a tiger, inspires a fierce warrior, a strong woman. Mahendradatta craved power, she wants to be strong. So she decided to seek the power that is forbidden to her. She learned sorcery and mastered demon control, then took revenge on those who wronged her. She sought justice against oppression in the only way available to her.
Même de nos jours, les femmes sont souvent perçues comme des êtres faibles. Les femmes ne sont pas autorisées à faire du sport, à soulever des poids (lourds) et sont désapprouvées ou moquées lorsqu’elles ont des muscles.
More and more women have joined the fight for the right to take care of their own health by exercising regularly and thus having a muscular posture. We seek to be strong not only for our own sake but also to take care of our loved ones.
I still see this struggle as similar to Rangda's. RangdaRage is not always a bad thing, rage can push us to break through social perception that was otherwise forbidden.
Read more:
https://volunteerprogramsbali.org/rwa-bhineda-the-philosophy-of-balance/
https://www.aly-abbara.com/voyages_personnels/indonesie/Bali/rangda.html
https://www.thenotsoinnocentsabroad.com/blog/the-legend-of-rangda-balis-queen-of-the-demons
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