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Tirta Kamandalu: taking a nectar of life in the middle of the ocean

• 03 September 2023
• Traditional
• Jembrana

JEMBRANA, NETIZENBALI.com - A number of residents the Pulukan customary village have carried out the "Mendak Tirta Kamandalu" ritual to Tenganing Segara in the Pekutatan Beach area, Jembrana on Saturday, Sept.2, 202, it about 9am local time.

Mendak Tirta is a ceremony that is performed to sanctify the symbol of God by bringing it to a certain water source, such as a lake, river, or spring. The event is also called Melasti and it usually precedes other major ceremonies.

Tirta Kamandalu is a Balinese Hindu term that means “holy water from the bottom of the ocean that becomes the source of life”. Another aspect of Tirta Kamandalu is the presence of a freshwater spring in the middle of the sea (Tenganing Segara), which is considered sacred by the locals.

The ritual also have a Pakelem is a traditional Balinese Hindu ritual that involves the sacrifice of live animals by throwing them into the sea led by a Priests.

The participants wear traditional Balinese clothing and carry glass pots or containers to hold the holy water.

Two units of "Jukung" or a small wooden outrigger were involved from the local fishermen nearby the famous resort in Pekutatan beach. It is a traditional boat that has a colorful and decorated appearance.

Mendak tirta at this time performed due to "Karya Ngenteg Linggih" is a ceremony in Pulukan village, Bali that is performed to consecrate and sanctify the newly built or renovated temples or shrines.

It is also a way of expressing gratitude and reverence to the gods, ancestors, and nature for their blessings and protection. Karya Ngenteg Linggih is usually held once in 30 years or more, depending on the condition and need of the temple or shrine.

The ceremony involves various rituals and offerings, such as paruman (deliberation), mupuk pedagingan (installation of sacred objects), mepedudusan agung (grand purification), tawur walik sumpah (sacrificial rites), and menawa ratna (jewel offering).

The ceremony also requires the participation and cooperation of the whole community, who contribute their time, money, and energy to make the ceremony successful.

Karya Ngenteg Linggih is one of the most important and sacred ceremonies in Bali, as it symbolizes the harmony and balance between humans, gods, and nature.

It also reflects the rich and diverse culture of Bali, which is based on Hinduism and animism. By performing Karya Ngenteg Linggih, the Balinese people hope to maintain their spiritual connection with the divine and preserve their cultural heritage. (NB)