Bhatara

Bhatara is a term with significance in some Southeast Asian cultures, particularly in Javanese and Balinese traditions. It is often used as a title or a respectful term of address for deities, gods, or ancestral spirits. The concept of Bhatara can be complex and encompasses a range of divine beings within a polytheistic or animistic framework. It is not a single, monolithic deity but rather a category of elevated spiritual entities.

In Javanese Hinduism, Bhatara is frequently associated with the supreme deity, Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, or can refer to specific gods like Bhatara Guru, who is often identified with Shiva. These divine figures are believed to influence the natural world, human affairs, and the spiritual realm. Offerings and rituals are often performed to honor and appease the Bhatara, seeking blessings, protection, and guidance. The understanding and specific application of the term Bhatara can vary between different communities and philosophical interpretations within the region.