Metulak: The Ritual of Banishing Evil Spirits in Trunyan, Full of Symbolism and Mystery

The Metulak ritual in Trunyan Village is performed to ward off evil spirits and maintain environmental balance. Led by a spiritual leader, this ritual involves prayers, offerings, and special chants to cleanse the village from negative influences. Metulak reflects the belief of the Trunyan community in maintaining a harmonious relationship with their ancestors and nature. Additionally, this ritual is believed to be a form of respect towards the village’s guardian spirits, who are considered protectors against disasters or misfortunes. Through Metulak, the community also strengthens values of unity and spirituality passed down from generation to generation, preserving the balance between the physical and spiritual worlds so that the village remains blessed with peace.

The Metulak Processing (Image Source: Personal Collection)

Origins and Local Beliefs

The people of Trunyan have a deep connection with nature and spirituality. One of the village’s most iconic natural elements is the legendary Taru Menyan tree, which is said to absorb the stench of corpses laid above the ground. This tree is central to their belief that nature has mystical powers that help preserve balance between the physical and spiritual realms. The Metulak ritual emerged as a means of restoring harmony after disruptive events like sudden deaths or natural disasters, which are believed to provoke the anger of spirits.

Condition of the Skulls Under the Taru Menyan Tree (Image Source: Personal Collection)

The Ritual Process and Sacred Symbolism

The Metulak ceremony begins with a purification of sacred sites within the village, using natural materials such as leaves and flowers, which are believed to hold protective magic. Offerings are also placed at specific locations to appease the spirits that may have been disturbed. Every element of the ritual, from the actions performed to the materials used, is steeped in symbolism. These elements are carefully chosen to allow positive energy to flow freely while warding off any negative forces that could bring misfortune.

Continuity and Mystery of Metulak

Although rarely witnessed by tourists, the Metulak ritual continues to be a vital practice for the people of Trunyan as they preserve their ancestral traditions. According to local belief, the success of Metulak is seen in the village's return to peace after the ritual is completed. The restored harmony signifies that the malevolent spirits have been successfully driven away, allowing the village to live in tranquility without interference from the unseen world.

The Unique Location and Mystical Aura of Trunyan Village

Trunyan Village, located on the eastern side of Lake Batur in Kintamani, Bangli, Bali, has a unique charm and mystical aura due to its secluded location, accessible only by boat. One of the main traditions that define this village is its unusual burial practice, where bodies are laid on the ground in the Seme Wayah burial area, directly beneath a sacred tree called Taru Menyan. This tree is believed by locals to possess magical abilities to neutralize the odor of the corpses, so despite the bodies not being buried, the burial area remains free of disturbing smells. The name "Trunyan" comes from the words "Taru," meaning tree, and "Menyan," meaning fragrant, reflecting the tree's role as a natural guardian that maintains the balance between humans and nature. The mystical aura is further enhanced by the burial ground's location, hidden within a forest and far from the village, creating a peaceful and magical atmosphere that harmoniously connects tradition, spirituality, and nature.

Comparing with Other Traditions

The Metulak ritual shares similarities with other spirit-banishing ceremonies across Bali, such as the Bhuta Yadnya rituals, which are more widely observed in the Balinese ritual calendar. However, Metulak is unique to the Trunyan community, with a specific focus on their relationship with nature and the Taru Menyan tree. In comparison, other rituals in Bali may emphasize fire or symbols from broader Hindu Balinese teachings, while Trunyan’s traditions are deeply rooted in the use of natural elements as integral to their spiritual practices.

When compared to the Pangruwatan ritual in Java, Metulak is more focused on community-level spirit banishment rather than cleansing individuals who are spiritually “impure.” This highlights the holistic view of the Trunyan people, who prioritize the spiritual well-being of the entire community over individual concerns.

Thus, the Metulak tradition stands out not only because of its mysterious location but also because of its profound belief in the power of nature and ancestors, making it one of the most important rituals that helps maintain harmony in the village of Trunyan.