Ngaben, also known as Pitra Yadnya, Pelebon, or Cremation Ceremony, is the most elaborate and grandest ritual in Balinese Hindu culture. It is conducted to send the deceased to the next life, where the body is cremated and the soul is freed to reincarnate or reach moksha (the ultimate liberation).
The origin of Ngaben in Bali is intertwined with the introduction of Hinduism to the island, which occurred around the 1st century AD. However, the practice of cremation itself may predate Hindu influences, with evidence of cremation practices found in archaeological sites across Southeast Asia. The current form of Ngaben in Balinese society is a unique combination of Hindu philosophy, local beliefs, and ancestral worship.
The term “Ngaben” comes from the word “Ngabu,” which means “turn to ash.” The ceremony represents the final cleansing of the soul and its liberation from the physical body to ascend to heaven, where it waits to be reincarnated.
The Ngaben process can be quite complex and expensive, involving the entire community. Preparations include constructing a Wadah (a large tower made of bamboo, cloth, and paper where the body is placed) and a Lembu or Bade (a sarcophagus, often in the shape of a bull for higher caste members).
The ceremony begins with a procession, where family members carry the Wadah to the cremation site. The procession is not straight because it is believed that evil spirits follow a straight path, so the detours are meant to confuse them. After reaching the cremation ground, the body is transferred to the Lembu or Bade and then cremated. A priest presides over the rituals, ensuring the soul’s proper journey.
After the cremation, the ashes are collected, and on an auspicious day, they are taken to the sea, believed to be the source of all life, thus completing the cycle of life and death.
In recent times, due to the high cost and elaborate preparation needed for individual Ngaben ceremonies, mass or group ceremonies have become more common. This way, costs can be shared, and the ceremony becomes more affordable for the families involved.
Despite modernization and changes over time, the Ngaben ceremony continues to hold a vital place in Balinese society. It remains a vivid testament to the Balinese belief in reincarnation and the spiritual journey of the soul, offering a unique insight into the island’s rich cultural and religious tapestry.
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