Coronation of Ida Cokorda XIII: History and Sacredness at Puri Mengwi
Under the skies of Mengwi, Anak Agung Gde Agung walked with deep emotion toward the throne of Ida Cokorda Mengwi XIII, weaving history, prayers, and the people’s euphoria into a sacred harmony seemingly blessed by the universe.
Mengwi, 7 July 2025 — Today marks a historic and profoundly sacred moment for the people of Mengwi. In a solemn atmosphere, Anak Agung Gde Agung was officially inaugurated as Ida Cokorda, the 13th “King” of Mengwi, a noble title that, in the eyes of the local community, evokes the presence of a royal figure of Mengwi in the modern era.
The enthronement ceremony took place at Puri Mengwi, a historic royal palace situated near the sacred complex of Pura Taman Ayun, one of Bali’s significant cultural and spiritual heritage sites. The highlight of the coronation was the Mejaya-jaya ritual, symbolizing the consecration and affirmation of Ida Cokorda’s position both in the skala (physical realm) and niskala (spiritual realm). The ritual was led directly by Bhagawanta Puri Mengwi and witnessed by hundreds of residents who were deeply moved by the sacred and emotional atmosphere.
Ida Cokorda Mengwi XIII and the Queen Consort
As the final phase of the ceremonial procession, there was also a profoundly meaningful ritual in which Ida Cokorda and the Queen Consort performed the buffalo "Napak" ritual. This ritual symbolizes a plea for blessings from Sanghyang Ibu Pertiwi (the Divine Mother Earth), seeking strength and protection so that Ida Cokorda may successfully fulfill his great mission of maintaining balance and harmony for both society and the universe.
Ida Cokorda's Procession of Performing the Buffalo "Napak" Ritual
Although times have changed, Anak Agung Gde Agung, with great humility, emphasized that this coronation does not mean he is now a king in the sense of absolute rule as in the olden days. Yet, it cannot be denied that there is palpable euphoria among the people of Mengwi, as if the glory of the Mengwi Kingdom has returned through the figure of a leader who becomes the focal point of their hopes and pride.
Interestingly, nature itself seemed to grant its blessing. After days of heavy rain pouring over the Mengwi area, the weather on the day of the coronation was exceptionally favorable — clear skies and cool breezes accompanied every stage of the ceremony, as if signaling a good omen for the journey of Ida Cokorda Mengwi XIII in carrying out his noble mandate.
With this coronation, a great hope has blossomed in the hearts of the people of Mengwi, that the leadership of Ida Cokorda Anak Agung Gde Agung will preserve cultural heritage, strengthen social harmony, and bring prosperity and peace to Mengwi and Bali as a whole.
