Rerajahan: Sacred Art Combining Script and Cosmic Symbols

What is Rerajahan?

Rerajahan (or rajah) are sacred drawings in Balinese Hindu tradition combining Balinese script, geometric symbols, and cosmological figures — equivalent to yantra in Indian Hindu tradition.

Functions

• Protection — Protecting homes, villages, or individuals from evil spirits
• Healing — Used in traditional Balinese medicine (usada)
• Ceremonies — Used in special religious rituals
• Amulets — Written on cloth or paper to be carried as talismans

Script in Rerajahan

The most common script element is the sacred Ong (ᬒᬁ) — representing the cosmic sound AUM/OM.

Rerajahan and Lontar

Thousands of rerajahan are preserved in usada and tutur lontar manuscripts, accessible only to trained pemangku and balian.

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