Pancoran Taman Beji Cengana: Healing Rituals and Protection of Five Beautiful Angels

Pancoran Taman Beji Cengana has long been known as a place for seeking peace and spiritual rest. Since ancient times, it has been used for melukat rituals, a spiritual cleansing ceremony aimed at removing negative influences, illnesses, and other misfortunes.

Historically, Pancoran Taman Beji Cengana is closely tied to local folklore and sacred figures believed to guard the area. According to local legend, a village elder in Desa Darmasaba once wanted to build a house and sought construction materials, including paras stone. While digging by the riverbank, he accidentally discovered a source of holy water (Tirta) and created a water fountain using a bamboo pipe.

At that time, Darmasaba was led by Ki Bendesa, who enjoyed fishing and setting traps (bubu) in the river. However, each time he checked his traps, he found pandan leaves instead of fish. Intrigued, Ki Bendesa spied on the river and saw five beautiful maidens (Dedari) bathing at the fountain. He stole one of their scarves (selendang) and married one of the maidens.

After marrying her, Ki Bendesa became wealthy and was always able to provide for his guests. However, his wife gave him one condition: he must never open her rice-cooking vessel. Driven by curiosity, Ki Bendesa broke this rule and found only a grain of rice and a chicken feather inside. Following this event, his fortune began to diminish.

Eventually, his wife's scarf was discovered beneath a stone and some black sticky rice (ketan hitam), prompting her to return to the heavens. Before leaving, she told her child to look for her in a well. Tragically, the child fell into the well and died. That well was later transformed into a shrine called Ratu Alit, located at Jeroan Mangku Dalem, Desa Adat Darmasaba.

Taman Beji Cengana Temple (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Pancoran Taman Beji Cengana not only highlights its spiritual significance but also showcases the beauty of its architecture and the surrounding natural environment. The temples in the area are built in a traditional Balinese style, adorned with intricate stone carvings and statues of deities that embellish every corner. Surrounded by lush trees and vibrant greenery, this place creates a cool and peaceful atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience inner tranquility while praying or simply reflecting.

On certain holy days, Pancoran Taman Beji Cengana attracts both local villagers and visitors from outside the village who come to perform the melukat ritual. This ceremony involves washing the face, head, and body under the flowing sacred water. Typically led by a pemangku (a religious ceremony leader), the melukat ritual provides spiritual guidance throughout the process. It is believed that melukat can cleanse negative auras, offer protection from spiritual disturbances, and bring tranquility and inner peace to those who participate.

The Beauty and Peacefulness of Pancoran Taman Beji Cengana (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Pancoran Taman Beji Cengana serves not only as a spiritual site, but also as a vital part of Bali's rich traditions and culture. Here, local rituals and beliefs are preserved and passed down through generations, making the Pancoran a living cultural heritage that continues to evolve amidst the changes of modern times.

Visiting Pancoran Taman Beji Cengana offers an experience that goes beyond just participating in rituals. Visitors can experience the harmony between man, nature, and God, which is the essence of Balinese spirituality. The existence of this Pancoran Taman Beji Cengana shows that Balinese traditions and culture remain relevant and valued by the community, attracting anyone who wants to explore the spiritual and cultural richness of the Island of the Gods.