Matelung Otonan at Puri Agung Pahang Sanur: Embracing the Sacred Human Yadnya Ritual

On Tuesday, October 22 2024, a solemn atmosphere enveloped Puri Agung Pahang in Sanur as the family gathered to celebrate Matelung Otonan, a sacred ritual in Balinese tradition marking a child’s life journey. The ceremony was held when the child reached 630 days old as a symbol of self-purification and celebration of birth. The family’s presence, along with the pemangku who leads the prayers, adds a profound spiritual element, emphasizing hopes for a life filled with blessings and purity of heart. This ritual is not merely a cultural ceremony, but also reinforces the connection between family and the universe and clears away past life’s karma.

Family Prayers on the Beach Sand (Source: Personal Photo)

The series of ceremonies begins with the mesakap ke pasib procession, held in the morning, around 10:00 AM WITA. During this procession, the family visits various sacred spots at Puri Agung Pahang to make offerings. Through mesakap ke pasib, the family expresses gratitude to the ancestors and Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (God Almighty). This serene and solemn moment fosters reflection for all attendees. During this ceremony, offerings of food, flowers, and incense are presented at sacred altars, symbolizing the family’s respect and hopes for the child’s health and happiness.

As part of the ceremony, the family members wear traditional Balinese attire, symbolizing respect for their culture and beliefs. They bring offerings arranged meticulously with various foods, floral decorations, and incense. This ceremony not only serves as a ritual act but also strengthens family bonds as they gather to celebrate this significant milestone. This moment of hope illustrates the importance of support from loved ones for the newborn child.

Pemangku Leads Prayers for the Child's Spiritual Purification (Source: Personal Photo)

Following the mesakap ke pasib ceremony, the worship continues at Pura Segara, where the pemangku conducts prayers and ritual purification. At around 12:00 PM WITA, the temple becomes even more solemn as the pemangku performs purification rituals. The prayers are meant to invoke protection and safety for the child, purifying the soul from any negative influences. Family members reverently listen to each prayer, reflecting on the meaning behind each plea.

This ceremony highlights the significant role of the pemangku in preserving tradition and maintaining spiritual values within the Balinese community. The pemangku not only serves as the ceremonial leader but also as a symbolic connection between humanity and higher spiritual forces. The family feels God’s presence in every step of the ceremony, creating a deep spiritual bond between them and the universe.

After the mesakap ke pasib procession and worship at Pura Segara, the climax of the ceremony, known as tigang oton, takes place around 3:00 PM WITA. During this time, the pemangku leads prayers and offerings dedicated to the child being celebrated. Tigang oton functions to purify the child’s soul and ensure protection from negative influences, bringing health and happiness throughout their life. Joy and hope are evident on the faces of family and relatives, showing support and best wishes for the child.

Atmosphere of Tigang Oton as Prayers Are Offered for the Child (Source: Personal Photo)

During this ritual, everyone’s eyes are focused on the child resting peacefully in the parents' arms. Each prayer carries a hope that the child will grow to be a strong, wise, and blessed individual. This ritual is a deeply meaningful moment, where every hope expressed is a symbol of love and care from the family.

At the end of the series of ceremonies, everyone gathers to enjoy the food that has been offered as part of the ritual. This is a precious time where family and relatives unite, share stories, and celebrate joy together. The warm and cheerful atmosphere is the perfect complement to the profound ritual that has just taken place. This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of family bonds and social support in each individual’s life journey.

Matelung Otonan at Puri Agung Pahang is a reflection of the Balinese community’s belief in the importance of spirituality in life. This ritual is not merely a ceremony, but a symbol of hope, protection, and purification. Through each stage, from mesakap ke pasib to tigang oton, the family conveys their prayers and wishes for the child to grow with blessings and happiness. Thus, Matelung Otonan becomes an unforgettable moment, strengthening the bonds between family, community, and the universe as they celebrate the sacred new life.

This ceremony reminds us that each culture holds values that enrich our lives, and Matelung Otonan is one example of how the Balinese people uphold tradition and spirituality in every step of their lives. This ritual not only brings meaning to the celebrating family but also to the whole community as they mutually support and pray for each other’s well-being.