The Kakawin Siwaratrikalpa by Mpu Tanakun: Saivistic Orthodoxy and Orthopraxis

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Mpu Tanakun’s Kakawin Siwaratrikalpa is a fascinating text to explore further to gain insight into the religious phenomena of Balinese Hinduism. This article focuses on the Siva-centric discourse found within this literary work. The research method employed is qualitative, utilizing a hermeneutic and comparative perspective between literature as a form of orthodoxy and religious rituals as a manifestation of orthopraxis. The findings reveal that the pursuit of Lubdhaka culminates in forgiveness within a simple and meditative Saivistic path, thereby achieving full awareness in the darkest night, leading toward the light—or Siva himself. Therefore, the Kakawin Siwaratrikalpa offers another alternative path, primarily through the Siwaratri ritual, which is orthopraxis in nature, without losing the meaning and value of Siva-ness itself yet is more meditative.