Water (Apah)
In Bali there are three categories of water. Water is so important that the Balinese people once debated to name their religion not Hinduism but the Religion of Holy Water (Agama Tirta). The water of daily life is the most important. It is believed that the mountain crater lakes are the ultimate source that feed rice terraces, gardens and villages. Next, there is water ritually collected from sacred springs. It is charged with sacred power by meditating high priests and used to bless, cleanse and protect [collection no. 16].
Lastly, there are the awesome oceans which surround the island and into which all land water ultimately flows. The sea is seen as ambiguous because it is both a source of food, such as fish, but also the abode of unknown monsters who lurk within the depths.