Ngaben Ceremony : A Corpse Ritual Burning in Bali

If you ever come to Bali, you might be familiar with the words ‘Ngaben Ceremony’. Or maybe you never came to Bali, but heard it from other people.  Some of you may know what it is, but some of you may also don’t have any idea about it. Here we go to broaden your knowledge about Ngaben. So one day, if you come to Bali again, and by coincidence see the Ngaben Ceremony procession, you have something to call from your mind. 

Photo source: Claraprili

What is Ngaben Ceremony?

Ngaben Ceremony is a cremation or corpse burning ritual ceremony held by Hindus in Bali. It’s a must to hold this ceremony for the dead Hindus people.

The purpose of this ceremony is sanctifying the spirit and separating the soul and the body by burning it. As long as the spirit remains confined within the physical body, consisting of bones and flesh, it cannot attain the afterlife or experience reincarnation in the mortal realm. People view the burning fire as the manifestation of Lord Brahma, who has the responsibility of purging all impurities attached to the body and spirit of the deceased.

There are other terms to say ‘Ngaben’ in Bali those are ‘Plebon’ and ‘Pretiwaan’, which have the same meaning and purpose. ‘Ngaben’ is a term to say cremation for ordinary people meanwhile ‘Plebon’ is a cremation ceremony for the royal family. And Pretiwaan is a cremation ceremony for the high priest in Bali. Just like many other ceremonies in Bali, ‘Ngaben’ can be performed at three different levels: nista (modest), madya (intermediate, between modest and grand), and utama (grand).

Photo source: Gung Abi

The Types of Ngaben Ceremony Implementation

There are three types of Ngaben implementation as follows:
Sawa Wedana
Sawa Sedana means Ngaben that is held 3-7 days after death without being buried first. The bodies of dead people are placed at their house or in a hospital before the Ngaben procession.
Asti Wedana
Asti Wedana is a Ngaben that is held several years after the bodies are buried. During the Ngaben Ceremony, the family will excavate the tomb and remove the bones. But in some cases, the family will only take a fist of grave soil as a symbol.
Swasta
Swasta is a Ngaben procession that is held when the bodies of dead people can’t be found both due to natural disasters or the bodies being overseas. Then the family will create a symbol made from sandalwood to substitute the unfound bodies. 

Photo source: Balikami

The Process of Ngaben in Bali

The Ngaben ceremony is not only a spiritual obligation but also a social event, involving the broader community. It reflects the Balinese belief in the impermanence of the physical world and the importance of maintaining harmony between the spiritual and physical realms. The process of Ngaben is intricate and deeply symbolic, reflecting the Balinese beliefs about life, death, and rebirth. Here’s an overview of the process:

Preparation of the Body

Upon death, the body is bathed, clothed in white, and laid in a sleeping position in the family’s home. Prayers and offerings are made to guide the soul and protect it from evil spirits. During this period, the family treats the deceased as a sick person, providing care and attention.

Construction of the Cremation Tower and Bull (Lembu)

Artisans construct a cremation tower (bade) and a sarcophagus in the shape of a bull (lembu) or other mythological creatures. These structures are elaborately decorated and symbolize the vehicle that will transport the soul to the afterlife.

Ceremonial Procession

On the day of Ngaben, a procession takes the body from the family home to the cremation site. The route is often circuitous to confuse evil spirits and prevent them from following the soul. The tower and bull are carried in the procession, accompanied by music, prayers, and sometimes dance performances.

Purification Rites

Before the cremation, purification rites are performed. Holy water is sprinkled on the body, and prayers are chanted to cleanse the soul of any residual earthly ties.

The Cremation

The body is placed inside the bull sarcophagus. The sarcophagus and the tower are then set ablaze, symbolizing the burning away of physical ties and the release of the soul. The fire is considered sacred and purifying.

Collection of Ashes

After the cremation, the ashes are collected and often taken to a holy river or the sea. This final step represents the return of the physical elements to nature and the liberation of the soul.

Post-Cremation Rites

Additional ceremonies may occur days or even weeks after the cremation. These rites are meant to ensure that the soul reaches the heavenly realm and to prepare it for eventual reincarnation.

Memorial and Ancestral Rites

The family may later perform memorial rites to honor the deceased and integrate them into the lineage of ancestors, ensuring their continued blessings upon the living.

The Procedures of Implementing Ngaben in Bali

In general, people who come from an ordinary family and they do not have enough money to arrange the cremation, they will opt for the burial and wait for the Banjar Cremation ceremony that is usually held once in every five years. Banjar Cremation is a mass ceremony when all the people of Banjar will have to arrange the cremation together for their buried family members.

But, if someone is coming from the Royal Family or they have enough budgets to cover the expenses, they will opt for a cremation ceremony. When a family decides to arrange for a personal Ngaben ceremony, they will build up a high temple-like structure called Bade. This Bade is functioning as a vehicle to carry the deceased to the cremation ground. 

Initially, the family will treat the deceased as if they were still alive. They will undertake tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and applying a natural fragrance lotion to the deceased’s skin. Afterward, they will wrap the body in white fabric and prepare it for placement into the coffin. Next, they raise the corpse onto the Bade. By the family members and Banjar to the cremation ground.

At the cremation ground, they will transport the deceased from the Bade to a buffalo-like structure known as Lembu before proceeding with the cremation. Lembu functions as a means of transport for the deceased as they embark on their journey to the afterlife, and it will ultimately be cremated alongside the departed. Lembu is a symbol of hope from Pratisentana (descendants of the deceased). So that the spirit of the deceased can reach the Ista Dewata realm.

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