The Kakawin Siwaratrikalpa by Mpu Tanakun: Saivistic Orthodoxy and Orthopraxis
International Proceeding On Religion Culture Law Education And Hindu Studies July 13, 2026 W.A. Sindhu Gitananda
This article examines the Siva-centric discourse in Mpu Tanakun's Kakawin Siwaratrikalpa, a Balinese Hindu literary work. Using qualitative hermeneutic and comparative methods, it contrasts literary orthodoxy with ritual orthopraxis. The analysis contends that the protagonist Lubdhaka's quest culminates in forgiveness through a simple, meditative Saivistic path, achieving full awareness on the darkest night and moving toward Siva. The Kakawin Siwaratrikalpa thus offers an alternative, more meditative path via the Siwaratri ritual, which is orthopraxis in nature yet preserves the meaning and value of Siva-ness.