Dug Dug Mong: The Sacred Heritage of Batuyang That Saved Thousands of Lives
The Dug Dug Mong tradition was born out of a great calamity that struck Batuyang Village in the 17th century. A mysterious plague was halted through the Mecaru ritual led by King Cokorda Raka, accompanied by the sacred presence of Barong and Rangda. Since then, the ritual accompanied by the distinctive gamelan sounds of “Dug” and “Mong” has become an annual cultural heritage. This tradition not only saved the villagers but also symbolizes spiritual harmony and the sacred identity of the Batuyang community.
Sesuhunan Ratu Sakti, Pura Penataran Batuyang (Source: Personal Collection)
From Calamity to Sacred Ritual
In the 17th century, Batubulan Kangin, also known as Batuyang Traditional Village, was struck by a mysterious plague. Villagers fell ill without clear cause, and many lost their lives. Amid this turmoil, King Cokorda Raka received divine guidance from Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa: to stop the plague, the community had to perform the Mecaru ritual at every crossroads and junction. With unwavering faith, the king led the villagers in carrying out the ceremony. The procession was accompanied by the descent of the sacred Barong and Rangda from Pura Penataran Batuyang, believed to be the manifestation of the kingdom’s ancestors. Their presence symbolized the eternal struggle between dharma (good) and adharma (evil).