Indonesian Mythology

The Gods and Spirits of Indonesia

BATARA GURU

Batak, Bugis and Javanese Creator God

Also known as Batara Gura, Bathara Guru, Bhattara Guru

A creator deity of Indonesia

The son of supreme God Mula Jadi Na Bolon, he decided his growth was dependent on solids so he started to add soil to the all-encompassing oceans to create solid land.

This upset Naga-Padoha the nasty Underworld Serpent who liked everything wet wet wet. This caused an epic battle situation. Even Batara Guru’s daughter Si Boru Deak Parujar got involved. As you walk on solid land, you should be able to figure out who won.

In Java Batara Guru is more or less regarded as Shiva. However, at this stage in his career Shiva didn’t know who he was, which is no help to us at all.

Accounts of his family life vary across Indonesia, but we have at least managed to pin down Batara Kala as one of his sons.

Batara Guru Facts and Figures

Name: Batara Guru
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Batara Gura, Bathara Guru, Bhattara Guru

Gender: Male
Type: God
Area or people: Batak, Bugis and Javanese people of Indonesia
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Creating
Area of expertise: Creation

Good/Evil Rating: NEUTRAL, may not care
Popularity index: 7993

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Article last revised on May 11, 2019 by the Godchecker data dwarves.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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