Ngaben Ceremony

NGABEN ( BALINESE CREMATION CEREMONY )

Ngaben is a highly significant and complex cremation ceremony in Balinese Hinduism, Indonesia. It is not merely a funeral, but a sacred ritual full of profound meaning to help the soul (atma) of the deceased return to its origin and reincarnate.

What is Ngaben?

Ngaben is part of the Pitra Yadnya ceremony (rituals dedicated to ancestors or the deceased). For Balinese Hindus, death is not the end of everything, but rather a transition of the soul to a higher realm to achieve moksha (liberation from the cycle of reincarnation) or to be reborn. Fire is a sacred element believed to be the embodiment of Lord Brahma, possessing the power to purify and release the soul from worldly attachments.

How is it Performed?

The Ngaben process can vary greatly in scale and grandeur, depending on the caste, social status, financial capability of the family, and customary village agreements. However, generally, the main stages include:

1. Preparation of the Deceased:

• If the deceased has recently passed away, a purification ritual will be performed (bathing the body with holy water, dressing it in traditional attire). Sometimes, the body is preserved with traditional herbs or formaldehyde if the ceremony is to be postponed.
• If the body has already been buried (Ngaben Asti Wedana), a ritual of exhuming the bones (ngagah) will be performed, after which they are cleaned.
• While the deceased is still at home, the family often treats them as if they are merely sleeping, without tears, as it is believed the departed is simply resting before continuing their spiritual journey.

2. Creation of Ceremonial Facilities:

• Bade (Funeral Tower): An ornate, multi-tiered tower that serves as the platform to carry the deceased to the cremation site. Its tiers reflect the social status of the deceased.
• Lembu/Petulangan (Animal-shaped Sarcophagus/Coffin): The deceased will be placed inside a coffin shaped like an animal (e.g., a bull for men, a cow for women, a lion, or an elephant). This symbolizes a vehicle for the soul to reach heaven.

3. Ngaben Procession:

• The peak day of the Ngaben ceremony is determined by a priest based on the complex Balinese calendar.
• The deceased (in the Bade) and the Lembu/Petulangan will be paraded in a lively procession from the deceased's home to the cremation ground (setra or cemetery).
• This procession is often accompanied by gamelan music, dances, and followed by thousands of people (family, relatives, neighbors, and even tourists).
• The Bade is often spun around at crossroads or paraded in a non-linear fashion, the purpose of which is to confuse evil spirits so they do not follow the deceased back home.

4. Cremation:

• Upon arrival at the cremation ground, the deceased is transferred from the Bade into the Lembu/Petulangan, which has been placed on a pile of firewood (pajenengan).
• The priest will lead prayers and bless the deceased with holy water.
• The fire is then lit, burning the Lembu/Petulangan along with the deceased inside. This process is deeply emotional but also celebrated with joy, as it is believed the soul has been released.

5. Nganyut (Scattering of Ashes):

• After the cremation is complete and the fire has died down, the remaining ashes and bones are collected.
• The ashes are then cast (scattered) into the sea or a sacred river. This symbolizes the return of the bodily elements to the universe (Panca Maha Bhuta: pertiwi/earth, apah/water, teja/fire, bayu/air, akasa/ether).

Meaning of the Ngaben Ceremony:

Ngaben holds a very profound meaning for Balinese Hindus:

• Purification of the Soul: Fire is believed to purify the spirit from all stains and sins accumulated during earthly life, allowing the soul to reach a higher realm (heaven) or be ready for reincarnation.
• Release from Worldly Attachments: By burning the body, the soul is believed to be freed from material and worldly bonds that tie it to the physical form.
• Return of Elemental Components: The cremation process returns the five basic elements that form the human body (Panca Maha Bhuta) to their origin in the universe.
• Family Responsibility: Performing Ngaben is an act of devotion and a sacred duty of the family towards their ancestors. Thus, the bereaved family feels they have fulfilled their last duty to the deceased.
• Celebration, Not Sadness: Although associated with death, Ngaben is often celebrated with joy and festivity. There are no tears of sorrow, as it is believed that the soul is merely 'sleeping' and will continue its spiritual journey towards happiness or a better reincarnation. It is a moment to liberate the soul, not to mourn its departure.
• Community Unity: The Ngaben ceremony often involves the entire village community (banjar), who cooperatively assist in the preparation and execution, strengthening social bonds and togetherness.

Overall, Ngaben is a celebration of life and the cycle of existence, where death is viewed as an inseparable part of the spiritual journey towards perfection.

Tripcova Team

Content Writer, Tripcova

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