The glorious time of kings in Nusantara has been passed years ago, but their charisma remains amongst their supporters? life. Bali society is one of those believers? communities. They still consider the heir of puri, kingdom, as a role mode in social life, culture, even religion. People of Ubud in Gianyar, Bali, are the perfect example of true king?s supporters.
A glimpse of Balinese kings? glorious time showed in Ubud. Last grand service, in Bali called as palebon, is performed for the heir of last king of Ubud and his two relatives.
Tjokorda Agung Suyasa, born July 14th 1941, died March 28th 2008, is the head of Puri Ubud family as well as chairman of Ubud community. He has become community?s role mode for decades. He also plays an important role in religion as well as religious ceremonies in some pura within Ubud and surrounds.
The grand service also given for other two relatives of Puri Ubud, Tjokorda Gde Raka of Puri Anyar Ubud, died March 21st 2008, and Desak Raka (Gung Niang Raka). Tjokorda Gde Raka retirement of Denpasar Police Department, while Desak Raka (Gung Niang Raka) is the first wife of late Tjokorda Raka of Puri Kaleran Belusung, Ubud.
Palebon is a ritual of royal cremation. It is aimed to purify the soul of the death so it can be united with the Almighty, Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. The ceremony is performed by families or relatives in order to pay honour to the ancestors.
People from Ubud and surroundings came to Ubud with enthusiasm. Some are puri?s supporters who helped in preparing the ceremony willingly. They see this as an opportunity to serve the king and his family. Others are just wandering around to fulfil their fantasy on how glorious the king was, as well as observe the greatest royal cremation that ever held in three decades.
The last journey of the king?s heir is accompanied by 68 bodies of his people. Four banjar (Balinese social community) put their member who has passed away on this grand cremation. They feel very proud as they become follower to the other life.
On Tuesday, July 15th 2008, genta sound and holly spells casted by Hindu priest remark the starting of grand ceremony. Pennons, royal umbrellas, traditional troops lead the way as gamelan played along. Behind them, a 28,5 metres height bade (tower where the body is put), other smaller bade, two lembu puppets, and a naga bandha (holly dragon) carried by hundreds of supporters walk in grace in to the setra (cemetery). Carry the souls of the deaths in to the hand of the God.
With all the crowds on both sides of the way, the grand cremation then change in to cultural event, in which people from six continents as wetness?. No wonder that the ceremony itself became tourist interest in conjunction with supporting Visit Indonesian Year 2008.
As the sun sets, the royal cremation reaches its end. Flames get higher, sending the body in to ashes. No more tears, no more sadness as the body turn in to ashes for it means freedom for the soul of the deaths. Those souls are now on the way in to god?s hand. Live in eternity and peace. Family and supporters gather around in relief. One stage has passed. They have paid their debt to their ancestors in form the royal cremation.
Photo/Story : Ismar Patrizki
