Office Temple and Business Shrine
The rapid development of industry and economic activities in Bali not just bring a new dynamic to Balinese daily life but also contribute a new nuance to Balinese religion. The establishment of offices, governmental offices, banks, factories, malls, restaurants, shops, etc is usually followed by the establishment of a shrine in front of the shops or a small temple in the vicinity of the offices, factories, malls, etc especially on the northeastern area of the locale.
Small enterprises such as shops or boutiques or small offices usually build only a small Padmasana (Seat of God) shrines which are dedicated to god but in some areas they are dedicated to the goddess of fortune and trader (Dewi Melanting). These shrines have no anniversary date so no anniversary rituals are presented only small daily offerings, only in auspicious days such as full moon or new moon bigger and more elaborate offerings are presented. These shrines are maintained by the owner of the enterprises or by the land owners.
For bigger enterprises such as factories, bigger offices, hotels, etc are equipped with small temples which are usually consist of a Padmasana shrine, a Taksu (God of Talent and Profession) shrine, a Ratu Ngurah (Secretary of God) shrine, and a small offering pavilion (piyasan). This small temple has a specific anniversary date which is occur once every 210 days so anniversary offerings are needed. The temple is maintained by the owner of the enterprise; sometimes the employees donate some money for temple anniversary or maintenance of the temple. The employees usually offer a small offering and pray in this temple every morning before the working hour begins. Besides anniversaries and other periodic rituals at business and government office temples, there are other important contexts for using these temples. Some offices require employees to take an oath at the Padmasana shrine so that they will not steal.
The establishment of this office or business temple shows a strong connection between the religion and the life of Balinese especially in economic aspect.
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