Ngerebeg at Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton Temple
A Symbol to Release Lust and Express Joy
Other
than inhabited by population of monkeys and flying foxes, the Alas
Kedaton tourist attraction also has a temple established around the
1800s. It is called the Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton Temple with a variety of
uniqueness. One of them is the ngerebeg tradition always organized in
the peak of the piodalan or temple anniversary falling on Anggara Kasih
Medangsia.Procession of the temple anniversary at the Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton may not last more than one day. It is a hereditary belief held by the supporting devotees. After the worship activity is ended before the sunset, the ngerebeg activity is commenced. This tradition is highly anticipated by residents, especially children.
Since the afternoon, children have been seen to prepare a means of the ngerebeg in the form of decorated tree twigs. They choose parading twigs because they are unable to bring along lelontek, bandrang, umbrellas and spear while running around the temple. After the barong sanctified effigy is taken out from long pavilion, children who join the ngerebeg tradition started cheering. Once the holy water is sprinkled, dozens of ngerebeg participants directly ran like a bullet whose trigger is pressed. After running around the temple for three times, the ngerebeg tradition comes to an end.
Chief of Kukuh customary village, I Gede Subawa, explained that ngerebeg symbolized the expression of joy because the whole series of ceremonies at the Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton had lasted perfectly. In terms of its meaning, ngerebeg stood for vivacity. Ngerebeg, said Subawa, posed a tradition having been inherited from generation to generation. “Ngerebeg also serves as symbol of lust release and expression of joy upon completion of the entire series of temple anniversary,” said Gede Subawa.
It was said the Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton surrounded by population of grey monkeys and thousands of flying fox had four entrances in the four directions of the compass. Then, worship at the temple was not allowed to use ritual means such as kewangen and incense and installation of penjor was also prohibited. Then, sweeping at the temple courtyard was not allowed to use a broom, but should use tree branches made into a broom.
Besides, the sampian festoon should be made from the leaves of gold banana. The use of red begina cake in the offering was not allowed, either. Another unique characteristic was that the innermost courtyard occurred in the lowest position. At the time of temple anniversary, all the processions including the prayers en masse should be completed before sunset.
