Asu

Asu is an Oceanic name from Bali (Indonesia). The lintang of asu is found in intersection of Anggara (Tuesday, in saptawara) and Pon (in pancawara) in a series of palelintangan. Lintang asu means a dog constellation.

Etymology and History

Asu (IPA: /ˈasu/ [ˈa.su]) is derived from Proto-Malayo-Polynesian and Proto-Austronesian, means dog. This word is used in Alune, Bakumpai, Balinese, Banda, Banggai, Bilba, Brunei Bisaya, Buginese, Bunun, Dupaningan Agta, Eritai, Galoli, Gayo, Higaonon, Iban, Indonesian, Iranun, Javanese, Kampangan, Kemak, Lampung Api, Leti, Limos Kalingga, Lubuagan Kalinga, Maguindanao, Makasar, Mandar, Matigsalug Manobo, Nias, Old Javanese, Pamona, Paulohi, Sangir, Sasak, Simeulue, Siraya, Sumbawa, Tae', Tagal Murut, Tetum, Toba Batak, Tontemboan, Uab Meto, Western Bukidnon Manobo, Yakan, and Yamdena. Thus, most of tribes in Indonesia use this word that refers to a dog.

Spelling Variants

• hasu
• asu adjak
• asu ajak
• asu adjag
• asu ajag
• anjing (Indonesian term)

Origin of Constellation

Asu itself refers to dogs. In some literatures, this lintang also refers to asu adjak, ajak, adjag, or ajag. Ajak or ajag is the other name of wild dog or Indonesian dhole, with latin Cuon alpinus.

Dogs in Bali have been part of Balinese society since ancient times. A Study in 2005 shows the relationship of Bali Street Dog (asu adjag) to other dogs are highly heterogeneous and related to populations of East Asian origin. Their results indicated that a viable and diverse population of dogs existed on the island of Bali prior to its geographic isolation approximately 12,000 years ago and has been little influenced by domesticated European dogs since that time.

In the International Seminar held by the Dharma Program on March 31, 2017, Benjamin Sacks from the University of California, Davis, USA discussed the uniqueness of Balinese dogs and the genetic origins of Balinese dogs. Ben Sack said that Balinese dogs are the oldest dogs and contain information about the past in their genes, physiology, and behavior. Balinese dogs are proto-dogs, meaning they are the forerunners of today's purebred dogs. As such, they possess pure genes, making the process of identifying their origins relatively easy. In the world, there are only three dog breeds that have this condition, namely the Australian Dingos (Australia), the Singing Dog (Papua New Guinea), and the Balinese Dog (Bali Street Dog).

The marriage between Balinese dogs and purebred dogs has now caused the uniqueness of Balinese dogs to begin to diminish. In addition, since Rabies attacked Bali in 2008, Balinese dogs have been accused and made "scapegoats" as animals that transmit Rabies. This has caused mass elimination of Balinese dogs, even though all types of dogs, both purebred and mixed dogs, can transmit Rabies.

In addition, Balinese dog breeds are divided into Kintamani dogs and peanut dogs. Based on the proto-dog explanation, the Balinese dog in question is the peanut dog type. Because the DNA test results show that the peanut dog is one of the oldest dogs in the world, with genes that are closest to the gray wolf, although not exactly the same. This type is referred to as a descendant of the Ajak dog.

Mythology / Religion

Asu Belang Bungkem / Asu Bang Bungkem

Hindus in Bali believe that to maintain the balance of nature, it can be done by holding a Bhuta yadnya ceremony called caru. Asu Bang Bungkem consists of the words Asu, Bang, and Bungkem. Asu means dog, while Bang means red, and Bungkem means silent. So, Asu Bang Bungkem means a dog that is red on its body, but its snout, mouth and tail are black.

Caru Anjing Bang Bungkem is a symbol of Bhuta Kala which is under the power of the God Rudra. In fact, in the Lontar Bhama Kertih the use of Asu Bang Bungkem as the main medium in caru Panca Sanak and Caru Rsi Gana is intended to balance Bhuta Ulu Kuda which is located in the southwest so that it returns to being Sang Hyang Rudra. The use of Asu Bang Bungkem is food (tetadahan) for Bhuta Ulu Kuda. It is called tetadahan because in practice humans have many limitations in creating a harmonious nature, so a substitute is used, namely Asu Bang Bungkem.

In the pacaruan ceremony, what is important from the caru Asu Bang Bungkem is the head that is still attached to its skin (bones). While the meat is processed into urab barak, urab putih, sate calon as many as 33, arranged into three tanding, based on the Lontar Bhuta Yadnya.

A unique dog with specific characteristics that is believed to have sacred powers. In addition to its spiritual power, Asu Bang Bungkem also has deep symbolism in Balinese Hindu philosophy. The black color on its mouth symbolizes the power of Lord Vishnu, while the red color on its body represents Lord Brahma. In this ritual, not all kinds of animals could be used. The requirements are:

1. Dogs with special colors. Only dogs that have the characteristics of a red body with a black muzzle and tail, can be used in the ritual
2. Dogs must be placed in the southwest direction in the ritual to neutralize negative energy
3. Must not be replaced with other animals or other types of dogs
4. The chosen dog must be an adult and not have children, because its power is believed to be greater, thus maximizing the purification effect
5. Certain body parts that are processed into offerings. The intact head of the Asu Bang Bungkem is prioritized and processed into offerings in the form of red and white urab and special satay

Barong

In addition to Leak, Barong is another Balinese mythological creature that is also quite popular. Although it looks scary, Barong is a symbol of virtue and is considered the leader of the army of good. He is also a spiritual protector for the Balinese people. They believe that Barong can increase the aura of positive energy for humans.

This creature is often depicted in the form of various animals, such as lions, tigers, elephants, buffalo, wild boars or dogs. In many art performances such as the Barongan and Calonarang dances, this figure often appears against Rangda, the leader of the evil army.

In addition to art performances, the Barong figure also often appears on Galungan. People usually bring Barong to ngelawang or dance around the village.

Yudhisthira and his loyal dog

This story tells of Yudhisthira who did not want to go to heaven if he was not with his dog. But the God Indra did not allow the dog to enter heaven at all. Because Yudhisthira was not allowed to enter heaven with his dog, Yudhisthira explained to the God Indra: "In the teachings of truth (Dharma) it has been explained that underestimating loyalty is the same sin as killing a Brahman. Until finally Yudhisthira was allowed to go to heaven with his dog. This story is part of the famous Mahabharata epic. A story about the loyalty of a dog to its master and vice versa the loyalty of the master to always wanting to be with and protect his dog.

The story of Yudistira with a dog entering heaven is well-known in Bali. This story is etched in the hearts of the Balinese people, and until now, they still believe that dogs are animals that must be given respect and affection.

Asu Gaplong

Asu Gaplong is a Balinese mythological creature, which is one of two dogs owned by the God Yama Dipati, the other is called Asu Yaksa, both serve as guardian dogs of the afterlife, it is said that they are the first to be met by the spirits of the dead when entering the afterlife.

Asu Gaplong and Asu Yaksa are very large dogs, have four eyes, and are striped. In India, these two dogs are called Sharvara and Shabala, they are the children of Sarama, a mighty female dog kept by the God Indra, therefore they are also known by the nickname Sarameya which means children of Sarama.

The main task of Asu Gaplong and Asu Yaksa is to guide the spirits to Yama Loka, precisely to the Court of the Dead, which will then be judged by the God Yama, they are also tasked with torturing the spirits of sinners in hell by tearing their bodies apart. In the Atma Prasangsa palm leaf manuscript, Asu Gaplong and Asu Yaksa are encountered by the spirits when crossing Marga Sanga (nine paths to the afterlife).

Just like Lord Yama, Asu Gaplong and Asu Yaksa can change their form, if they bring the spirit of a holy person, they will take the form of a dog with a glowing body that guides the spirit to meet Lord Yama. However, if the spirit of a sinner is brought, they will take the form of a giant dog with sharp teeth, fire all over their body, dripping saliva that can blister the skin, and a long chain around their neck, they drag the spirit with the chain to hell.

In addition to being called a hell dog, Asu Gaplong is also a nickname for a supernatural creature that guards Setra or graves in the form of a very scary skinny dog, he serves as the mount of Goddess Durga, unlike Yama's Asu Gaplong, this version of Asu Gaplong is often identified with the science of Leak Cambra Berag or Leak Skinny Dog.

In the pecalonarangan play "Diah Cempaka Gadang", a student of Cempaka Gadang who is very powerful and has mastered the science of Leak Cambra Berag calls herself Nyai Asu Gaplong.

Cultural Beliefs

Numerology (Neptu/Urip)

Anggara (Tuesday, in saptawara) has a value of 3 and Pon (in pancawara) has a value of 7. Thus, the total urip on this lintang is 10.

Astrological Characteristics

knightly soul and very suitable to be a soldier. Great people love them, have many servants, and are liked by people. They are very generous to people who are suitable and have the same ideas, are careful, but unfortunately involved with excessive jealousy until disappointed in the future.

Matching Gemstones

Nila (sapphire), Narigangga (Chrysoberyl cat’s eye).

References

• References (general)