Melasti Ritual at Parangkusumo

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A. Overview

Melasti ritual or usually called Labuhan Suci is a religious ritual held by the Hindu people three or four days before the Day of Silence. Hindu people in Bali, and those all over the archipelago, hold Melasti at sea-coast. In Yogyakarta, there are two places regularly used to hold this ritual, namely Ngobaran Beach in Gunungkidul and Parangkusumo Beach in Bantul.

Melasti ritual at Parangkusumo is usually followed by more people compared to the one at Ngobaran Beach, because Parangkusumo is located closer to Yogyakarta downtown. In Hindu teaching, Melasti ritual aims at delivering all worldly sorrow and lewdness and taking the pure water of life in the middle of human being. The ritual process involves self purification, Bhuwana Alit and Bhuwana Agung. Melasti is the time when Hindu people reinforce themselves before celebrating Tawur Agung Kasanga and the Day of Silence.

To symbolize the vanished human and world bad nature, people float offerings to the sea and at the same time wash the arca, pramita, nyasa, pralingga as the actualization (sthana) of Ida Sang Hyang Widi with all his manifestations. The bad natures that must be delivered are the six enemies or Sad Ripu, namely kama (lust), lobha (greed), krodha (anger), madha (crapulence), moha (confusion), ang matsarya (envy).

B. Features

Watching Hindu people praying at the yard of Prambanan Temple maybe something usual, but in Melasti ritual, you will see hundreds if not thousands of Hindu people in Balinese outfit praying at the sea-coast led by the priests. Golden yellow pennants, checked clothing, and the sound of Balinese gamelan make the atmosphere of Parangkusumo Beach more lively. For a while you will feel as if at one of the beaches in Bali.

Melasti ritual usually begins with taking the holy water called “Nuur Toya Suci” at Sendang Beji. Next, Hindu people will gather at Jagatnatha Temple at Plumbon, Banguntapan, Bantul to pray. The congregation will then walk to Parangkusumo Beach carrying various articles needed for the ritual. At the beach, the ritual is begun with the procession of palanquins and offerings to the sea-coast until the feet of the carriers touch the sea water. The offerings are then put on the table prepared. The prayer begins, led by the priest.

During the prayer and worship to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the congregation will follow the ritual quietly and solemnly. When the Pandita (priest) reads the spells of hymn accompanied by Balinese gamelan, the congregation will raise their hands with a flower inserted on the tip of their fingers. They praise Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, asking for forgiveness and blessing. The smell of incense mixed with the scent of flowers add to the solemness at Parangkusumo Beach.

In this ritual, the Hindu leader will walk along the coast to take the sea water and put it in a earthenware bowl which has already been filled with the water from three springs. The holy water is then distributed to the congregation. As the ritual closing is floating the various offerings to the South Sea. Everyone joining the ritual must touch the sea water to symbolize the deliverance of all lewdness. The flowers held by the congregations must also be floated. Parangkusumo Beach will be full of colorful flowers. The whole process is very interesting to watch and photographed.

C. Location

Melasti ritual is held at Parangkusumo Beach, Parangtritis Subdistrict, Kretek District, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta.

D. Access

Parangtritis Street stretching from Yogyakarta downtown to Parangtritis Beach is the main road for tourists to get to Parangkusumo Beach. The road is level and smooth, accessible by any kinds of transportations either motorcycle, car, and tourism bus. There are also the Jogja – Parangtritis city bus available for tourists who do not take their private vehicle.

E. Ticket

Joining or merely watching Melasti ritual is free of charge. Yet, since it is held at Parangkusumo Beach, tourists must pay the entrance ticket to the area as much as Rp 3,000 per people (August, 2010). But if tourists take the public transportation, they do not have to pay for it, because public buses are not charged with retribution fee.

F. Accommodations and Facilities

Tourists who join Melasti ritual are not given any facility from the organizer. But you should not worry because there are inns located near Parangkusumo and Parangtritis Beach. In addition, there are restaurants, souvenir and snack kiosks, and public toilets. Some other facilities managed by the local government are the observation tower, guard post and SAR team.

Text: Elisabeth Murni
Photo(s): Collection of Jogjatrip.com
Translation: Apri Widiastuti
(Primary data and various sources)

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If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:

Maharatu Tour and Travel

Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 27 Yogyakarta.
Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
Email : maharatu@maharatu.com -maharatu257@yahoo.com
Website : www.maharatu.com

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