To the sounds of gamelan in a serene rainforest, pilgrims climb to Batukaru Temple.
9 September 2016 19:13
Brilio.net/en - Every seven months, Hindu people in Bali markGalungan, a holiday celebrating the victory of good (dharma) over evil (adharma). It is a sacred day when the spirits of ancestors pay a visit to the Earth, along with their blessings.
During this day, Balinese flock to the island's temples, praying for a happy and prosperous life.
As one of the Sad Khayangan, six most sacred temples in Bali, Batukaru Temple in Tabanan has become a prominent place for people to celebrate Galungan as well as Piodalan, a ceremony to celebrate the temples anniversary. The biannual is used toshow gratitude to the godsand pray for the welfare of humanity.
Galungan is celebrated on the210th day of the Balinese calendar (7 months in the Gregorian calendar). It ismentioned in the Lontar Kusuma Dewa, Batukaru wasbuilt before the 11th Century, but the exact date and who built it remain a mystery.
Pilgrims trekking through rainforest to reach the temple.
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Before entering the gate, make sure you have a sarong on.
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Pilgrims atPura Batukaru.
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
The Piodalan coincides with Galungan, with pilgrims from adjacent villages and the rest of the island swarming the temple on the slopes of Mount Batukaru. This years Piodalan fellon September 7 until September 9, 2016. Religious ceremonies and prayers were held during the day, and it closed with various traditional entertainment and performances until late at night.
The gods return to heaven after seven days, markedwith theKuningan.
On a sunny September 7 this year, pilgrims came through thethe middle of a lush rainforest, to the temple, which sits with the majestic Mount Batukaru inthe background. Bamboo poles decorated with coconut leaves called penjor were everywhere, lining the road fromWangaya Gede Village. From there, the journey is only by foot.
People carry offerings.
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Everyone entering the temple must dress appropriately, typically with a sarong.Some people can't enter the temple, including women who are pregnant or on their period, women whose child has yet to get itsfirst teeth, childrenwho still have all their baby teethand those inmourning for adeceased family member.
After entering the main gate, pilgrims were splashed with holy water for purification before entering the jeroan (the inner parts of the temple). There is a lakeside shrine atBatukaru,where people come to pray.
During this procession, women bringbeautifully-decorated offerings in colorful baskets made from woven pandan leaves on their heads.
The offering contains a cup filled with clean water to be placed on the worshipping altar, a small bowl filled with fragrant rice, incense and colorful flowers. During the prayer, pilgrims burn incense and chant their prayers.
Woman prepares her offerings.
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Pilgrims pray at jeroan pura (the temple interior).
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Gamelan at the temple.
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Pilgrims dressed in traditional attire.
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
Even the statues follow the dress code.
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
One day after Galungan day, Balinese are visiting their family and going out for a holiday
2016 brilio.net/Retno Wulandari
ABalinese gamelanplays, the soundtrack to an endless flow of pilgrims tothe temple, under the mists and shadow of the mighty mountain behind. The celebration lasts for three days.
