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List of local attraction
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Address:
Batuan Village, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali
Located in the village of Batuan that was once a center for high caste Brahman families of Siwa and Buddhist sects, the area’s main temple was constructed on what was considered a cursed site for centuries, the Palace of the Balinese demon giant, Jero Gede Mecaling who resided there until he was driven away to Nusa Penida.
The demon, Jero Gede Mecaling, was a Tusked Giant. He entered
South Bali in the form of a Barong. His followers went ahead creating a lot
of havoc and destruction. The people grew alarmed and consulted a priest who
told them they must create another Barong like Jero Gede Mecaling; who alone
would have the power to get rid of the demon. So they made a big Barong and
succeeded in frightening the giant back to Nusa. Since then, the Barong has
been used for driving away illness and evil spirits.
This folktale is the origin of the Barong Landung (”tall” Barong), a name given
to two giant puppets, a male and a female who are believed to have the power to
keep away the harmful influences during times of distress. These puppets are
considered sacred and, like the other Barongs are kept in a special bale in the
temple. Together they enact a comic opera sung in Balinese. Jero Gede, the male
puppet, is a burly, black giant with puffed cheeks and ruby red lips, resembling
the legendary Tusked Giant of Nusa Penida. His consort, Jero Luh, dressed all
in white, has a protruding forehead and chin, and a loud, husky voice (that of
a man) that she doesn’t hesitate to use to its fullest extent.
In many villages of South Bali, puppets with smaller masks, which play the parts of princes and princesses, accompany the enormous couple. Often. Jero Gede and Jero Luh act as clowns, rocking about in the most unpredictable fashion to the low resonant drums and shimmering flute.