Ngaben is a traditional cremation ceremony in Bali, Indonesia, where the deceased is symbolically sent to the next life. In this ritual, the body is positioned as if sleeping, and the family believes that their loved one is merely resting. Tears are discouraged because it is believed that the soul is only temporarily absent, undergoing reincarnation or achieving Moksha, the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This ceremony also serves as a means to purify the departed soul.
In Hindu belief, the human body consists of two elements: the subtle body (soul or atma) and the physical body. The physical body is formed by five fundamental elements known as Panca Maha Bhuta—earth (pertiwi), fire (teja), water (apah), air (bayu), and space (akasa). These elements combine to form a living being, animated by the soul. When a person dies, only the physical body ceases to function, while the soul continues its journey. Ngaben is performed to separate the soul from the body and cleanse it for its next phase.
Ngaben primarily aims to return the five elements of the physical body to nature and guide the soul toward the realm of the ancestors, known as Pitra. By severing the soul’s attachment to worldly existence, it is believed to help the soul return to its true spiritual domain. The ceremony ensures that the physical body dissolves into its original elements while the soul moves toward its next journey.
Hindu scriptures emphasize the importance of cremation. The Yajurveda states that the human body, made of the five elements, ultimately turns to ashes, while the soul seeks liberation. However, simply performing Ngaben does not guarantee Moksha. According to the scriptures, one’s actions in life determine whether the soul attains liberation or continues in the cycle of rebirth.
Ngaben is an elaborate ritual that requires significant financial resources. For families with limited means, communal cremation ceremonies, known as mass Ngaben, are often arranged to reduce costs. Ancient Balinese texts also describe simpler forms of Ngaben, which vary in scale. Some are grand, while others are modest and practical.
Types of Ngaben
- Mendhem Sawa – In this type, the body is temporarily buried before being cremated later. This is done for philosophical and practical reasons, allowing the body’s earthly elements to return to the earth for a period before undergoing the cremation ritual.
- Ngaben Mitra Yajna – Derived from the words “Pitra” (ancestors) and “Yajna” (sacred offering), this form of Ngaben follows the teachings of the Yama Purwana Tattwa scripture. It is performed within seven days of death, regardless of auspicious dates.
- Pranawa Pranawa – This form uses sacred syllables as symbolic representations of the deceased. Three days before the cremation, a ritual called Ngeplugin or Ngulapin is performed to purify the remains. During the cremation, bones and other remains are carefully collected and ritually united.
- Pranawa Bhuanakosa – A variation of Pranawa Ngaben, where the soul is guided using sacred texts associated with the teachings of Rsi Brghu. This ritual ensures a proper transition for those who have passed away.
- Swasta – This type is conducted when the body is missing or lost, such as in cases of disappearance, death in a distant place, or long-buried remains that cannot be retrieved. Symbolic representations of the deceased, such as clay pots, sacred threads, and other materials, are used to conduct the ceremony.
Ritual Stages of Ngaben
- Ngulapin – A ritual to call back the soul of the deceased, especially if the person died away from home. This is performed at crossroads, burial sites, or other designated locations.
- Nyiramin or Ngemandusin – The ceremonial cleansing of the body, symbolizing purification. Special items such as jasmine flowers, glass fragments, and herbal leaves are placed on the body to restore its elements to nature.
- Ngajum Kajang – A sacred paper inscribed with mystical letters is pressed three times by family members, symbolizing their willingness to let go and support the soul’s journey.
- Ngaskara – A ritual to purify the soul, helping it reunite with the divine and attain a higher spiritual state.
- Papegatan – A ceremony that severs worldly ties between the deceased and their family, ensuring that emotional attachments do not hinder the soul’s journey.
- Pakiriman Ngutang – The procession to the cremation site, where the body is carried on a ceremonial tower (Bade) accompanied by traditional Balinese music. The procession stops at various points to symbolize farewell to family, the community, and the world.
- Ngeseng – The actual cremation, where the body is burned in a prepared space. Holy water, known as Tirta Pangentas, is sprinkled to symbolize spiritual fire, while prayers are recited to aid the soul’s transition.
- Mameras – Conducted if the deceased had grandchildren, as they are believed to guide the ancestor’s journey through prayers and good deeds.
Ngaben is a deeply significant ritual in Balinese Hindu culture, serving as both a farewell and a sacred duty to guide the soul. Beyond its elaborate traditions, it embodies the Balinese philosophy of life, death, and spiritual continuity. (BT)
