Kala Rau, Balinese mythology on Lunar Eclipse

Two days there was a lunar eclipse that can be seen from Indonesia. And the eclipse happened during a full moon, which makes it more interesting. I don't have a chance to see it directly, as I have to join the monthly meeting in one of the temple which is done every full moon.

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Since it was a lunar eclipse, so let's talk about it in Balinese Hindu Mythology. We believe that during the lunar eclipse there is a body-less deity monster trying to swallow the moon.

The monster is called Kala Rau, while the moon in Balinese Mythology is called Dewi Ratih one of the goddesses. The folklore is believed to derive from Adi Parwa the first chapter in Mahabrata Story. Kala Rau when disguising as one of the good and want to drink the Holy Water of Eternity.

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The Dewi Ratih saw it and told Vishnu God, which then shot Kalarau with His Bow. The shot from Vishnu God hit him in the next and cuts off his head. Unfortunately, as he already drank the Holy water until his throat, it makes him eternal but only in his head part.

Because of that Kala Rau is seeking revenge on Dewi Ratih, and tried to swallow her. And that believes what happens during the Lunar eclipse, Kala Rau manages to catch and swallow Dewi Ratih, but since he has no body, Dewi Ratih comes right out after passing his throat. That is when the Lunar Eclipse finishes.

What is your Local Folklore about the lunar eclipse?

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