Nyengker Setra: Protecting Energy Balance and Preventing Disruptions During Major Ceremonies

Nyengker Setra is a ritual rich in meaning and deeply connected to the smooth execution, peace, and sanctity of the Karya Agung Ngenteg Linggih, Ngusabha Desa, and Mapahayu Nini ceremonies at Pura Desa Puseh, Desa Adat Mengwitani. The term "Nyengker Setra" in Balinese comes from the words "sengker" and "setra." Literally, "sengker" means "to create a boundary," and "setra" means "cemetery" or "burial ground." Thus, "Nyengker Setra" literally means "to create a boundary around the cemetery" or "to encircle the cemetery with a boundary."

In the context of the "Nyengker Setra" ritual, creating a boundary does not involve adding a physical fence or actual structure around the cemetery area. Instead, this process is carried out through the power of mantras (puja) and spiritual rituals involving the use of special prayers and religious ceremonies. The ritual aims to establish a metaphysical or spiritual boundary around the cemetery, which is believed to protect and preserve the place from disturbances and ensure the harmony of energy around the ceremony site.

The primary goal of the Nyengker Setra ritual is to maintain balance and safety during the ceremony procession. First, the ritual aims to ensure that sarwa prani, specifically SIKMA or ISIN SEMA, which are non-physical entities residing in the cemetery, do not leave the area and disturb people both inside and outside the temple. By keeping them within the cemetery, it is hoped that there will be no disruptions to human activities during the sacred rites. Second, the ritual also seeks to request that Dewa Yama Raja and Bhatara at Praja Pati prevent any deaths among the community throughout the entire ceremony. This is typically manifested in the community by prohibiting the Pitra Yadnya ceremonies during the major rites.

Prosesi Nyengker Setra di Setra Pupuan Mengwitani

Masyarakat Br. Panca Dharma yang bertugas menjalankan prosesi Nyengker Setra di Setra Pupuan Mengwitani

The Nyengker Setra ritual for the major ceremonies at Pura Desa and Puseh Desa Adat Mengwitani is performed at four different cemeteries: Setra Pupuan, Setra Gunung Sari, Setra Lebah, and Setra Nyuh Gading. Each of these sites is a specific location traditionally used for cremations. Among these, the central ceremony involving significant rituals takes place at Setra Pupuan, where the ritual is led by Ida Pedanda Gede Pasuruan Manuaba from Griya Magelung Sangeh.

Prosesi Nyengker Setra di Setra Gunung Sari Mengwitani

Prosesi Nyengker setra di Setra Lebah Mengwitani

Prosesi Nyengker Setra di Setra Nyuh Gading Mengwitani

The Nyengker Setra ceremony is conducted during major ceremonies typically marked by the Padudusan Agung ritual and the presence of upasaksi Sanggar Tawang Meruang (Rong) 3 with the "Catur Muka" offering, as part of the Karya Agung Ngenteg Linggih, Ngusabha Desa, and Mapahayu Nini ceremonies held at Pura Desa and Puseh, Desa Adat Mengwitani.