Tumpek Wayang, also known as Saniscara Kliwon Wuku Wayang, is a sacred day celebrated by Balinese Hindus every 210 days according to the Pawukon calendar.
This spiritually significant occasion is dedicated to Sang Hyang Iswara, the divine manifestation associated with purity, enlightenment, and the arts.
What Is Tumpek Wayang?
Tumpek Wayang is a holy day that honors both spiritual purification and artistic expression.
It is regarded as a time to pay homage to sacred effigies (pratima), shadow puppets (wayang), and various forms of traditional Balinese art, including gamelan instruments such as gong, gender, angklung, and kentongan.
This day is not only deeply spiritual but also carries cultural and mythological weight.
The Spiritual Significance of Tumpek Wayang
Tumpek Wayang is a day of purification (peruwatan) for those born during Wuku Wayang, especially on Saturday (Saniscara) Kliwon.
According to ancient Balinese beliefs and sacred texts like the Lontar Kala Tattwa, children born on this day are considered vulnerable to spiritual disturbances from Bhuta Kala, mythological beings representing chaos and time.
To protect such children, Balinese Hindus perform a powerful ritual known as Wayang Sapuh Leger, a traditional shadow puppet performance that serves as a spiritual cleansing ceremony.
The term sapuh means “to cleanse,” and leger refers to impurities or negative energies.
This ritual acts as a sacred exorcism, safeguarding the child from spiritual harm and realigning them with cosmic harmony.
Rituals and Offerings During Tumpek Wayang
Celebrations begin the day before Tumpek Wayang, on Friday (Sukra) Wuku Wayang, with a preparatory ritual called Meseselat.
During this time, thorny plants such as pandan are placed around family shrines and important areas of the home to ward off malevolent forces.
On Tumpek Wayang itself, devotees present various offerings (banten) such as banten pejati, biakaon, tebasan, peras, pengambean, dapetan, and segehan with five-color rice (manca warna)
These offerings are made not only to Sang Hyang Iswara but also to all objects of art, symbolizing a prayer for success, inspiration, and spiritual protection in all creative pursuits.
The Role of the Dalang and the Power of Wayang
At the heart of the Tumpek Wayang celebration is the Dalang, the puppet master and spiritual mediator.
Empowered by Hyang Iswara, the Dalang uses storytelling, philosophy, humor, and social commentary to transmit wisdom and cultural values through the Wayang Kulit performance.
The Dalang becomes a channel for taksu, the spiritual charisma or energy that captivates and transforms both performer and audience.
Through the Sapuh Leger performance, the Dalang helps cleanse not only the body but also the mind and spirit.
This reflects the holistic nature of Balinese spirituality, which emphasizes balance between the physical and the metaphysical realms.
Tumpek Wayang as a Celebration of the Arts
In addition to its spiritual importance, Tumpek Wayang is often regarded as Bali’s Day of the Arts. It celebrates the birth and sanctity of artistic forms such as:
- Wayang (Shadow Puppets)
- Barong and Rangda
- Topeng (Masks)
- Gamelan Music Ensembles
These rituals are expressions of gratitude to Sang Hyang Taksu, the divine source of creative inspiration.
Through ceremonies, performances, and offerings, Balinese Hindus nurture the spiritual essence within art and ensure its continued vitality and relevance.
Mythology and Meaning Behind the Day
One of the most powerful myths linked to Tumpek Wayang is the origin of Dewa Kala, a terrifying being born from an improper union between Batara Siwa and Dewi Uma.
This myth explains the spiritual danger associated with Wuku Wayang and the necessity of Sapuh Leger purification.
Ancient texts such as Lontar Kala Purana and Lontar Sapuh Leger provide rich narratives that are still revered and performed today.
Balancing Dualities: The Philosophical Insight
Tumpek Wayang symbolizes the dual nature of life—light and darkness, order and chaos, sacred and profane.
This principle of Rwa Bhineda is central to Balinese Hinduism.
By honoring Tumpek Wayang, the community collectively acknowledges these dualities and seeks spiritual alignment through rituals, offerings, and reflection. (BT)
Image source: desaabiansemal.badungkab.go.id
