The Symbolic Meaning of the Banyan Plant in Hindu Rituals

Abstract

The philosophical meaning contained in each upakara plant is the most important thing that must be known and expressed again, so that Hindus have clear guidance and guidance in offering their yadnya. Without knowing clearly and definitely about the philosophical meaning contained in the upakara plant, it is suspected that over time there will be deviations in the implementation of Hindu religious rituals. Starting from the problem above, this study have question :  (1) What is the form, classification and description of the banyan plant in Hindu religious rituals? (2) What are the uses/benefits of the banyan plant in Hindu religious rituals? (3) What is the mythology of the banyan plant used in Hindu religious rituals? (4) What is the philosophical meaning of the banyan plant used in Hindu religious rituals? Based on study, the following conclusions are drawn. (1) The use of plants as a means of ceremonial ceremonies will continue and be sustainable if the traditions that characterize Balinese society and culture are large traditions that are based on the implementation of various types of ceremonies, of which the yadnya ceremony is an important aspect of the Hindu religious belief system. (2) On the other hand, there is a point of view, if Balinese Hindus deepen their philosophy, then all types of ceremonies will fade or at least decrease, because their essence is known. Thus, it is suspected that the use of plants as ceremonial facilities will decrease as the implementation of various types of ceremonies fades or decreases. (3) Apart from the two views above, the use of plants, whether for carrying out ceremonies or to support the continuity of the cycles of the universe, provides a mandate to remind humans to protect plants of whatever type so that they do not experience degradation or even extinction. (4) Based on a literature search, not much has been revealed regarding the philosophical meaning of the upakara plant, and efforts in this direction need to be made.