The evil witch Rangda: Part of Balinese culture

Anyone who has attend a Balinese temple dance will of seen, Rangda the witch-like character appearing in ritual good vs. evil dance with the Barong and other characters. Rangda is represented in Balinese culture and can be seen on batiks, masks, carvings as well as the dances. Rangda is designed to represent evil and her scary appearance includes long dangling fingernails, flames coming from her head and course long hair. Add to that the freaky bulging eyes, oversizes fangs and a tongue that hangs down almost to the floor and you have a proper Balinese nightmare.

Important to Rangda’s appearance are the stripey pants and top and the long white cloth which wraps her waist. Representing the Goddess of death and destruction Durga, Rangda appears in a selection of dramas most commonly the barong and calonarang, during which time she communicates in the old Javanese language, Kawi. A microphone hangs down from the ceiling allowing actors to talk during the animated performance. Rangda continues her witch-like activities by issuing loud cackles and whines.

Some source believe Rangda is based on Mahendratta, an ancient Javanese princess who married the Balinese Prince Udayana. The couple had a son name Erlangga in 1001AD. Mahendratta was exiled in the forest because of her witch craft activities, continuing to haunt Erlangga long after his father’s death. Now taking the identity of Rangda, the witch caused a plague to come down and almost detroy the Erlangga’s kingdom.

Rangda was nimble enough to repel a garrison of soldiers sent by Erlangga to kill her, forcing him to send a holy man named Empu Bharadah. During his visit on of his assisistants managed to steal Rangda’s magic book, giving them the powers to aid her victims and use the magic to put an end to Rangda herself.

Balinese people believe that the dance dramas themselves carry supernatural powers and special prayers are offered to protect those involved. Once again the powers of evil must be placated as well as the representatives of good. Check out a dance drama at one of the popular temples in Bali such as the Royal palace in Ubud, where nightlify performances start around 7pm.