In Bali, construction is not just a physical process but a deeply spiritual ritual aimed at respecting the land, spirits, and forces of nature. Every new structure, whether it is a temple, house, or hotel, begins with traditional ceremonies that help appease the spirits and ensure the prosperity of the future building. Balinese people believe that following these rituals is essential for maintaining harmony with the surrounding world and protecting against potential negative influences. This article explores the key stages and significance of these customs.
1. The "Ngeruak" Ritual — Preparing the Land
The "Ngeruak" ceremony is performed to cleanse and prepare the site for construction. According to Balinese beliefs, the land is inhabited by spirits, and any changes require their approval. This ritual begins with offerings called "canang sari," which include flowers, rice, fruits, and incense. These offerings are placed in different areas of the site where construction is planned, asking the spirits for protection and blessings.
2. The "Penyambleh" Offering — Sacrifice to Appease the Spirits
The "Penyambleh" ritual is an essential part of the Balinese tradition, involving a symbolic sacrifice. A chicken or duck is often chosen as the sacrificial offering, symbolizing gratitude to the spirits and a request for protection for the future structure. By offering this sacrifice, the Balinese demonstrate respect for the spirits and the nature on which the building will stand.
3. The "Upacara Mecaru" Ritual — Cleansing and Blessing the Land
Locals invite a priest (pemangku) to conduct the "Upacara Mecaru" ritual. This ceremony involves prayers and sacred actions aimed at purifying the area and appeasing the spirits. The priest uses holy water and leaves to bless the land. He chants special mantras while sprinkling the site with holy water, which, according to local beliefs, purifies the space and protects it from negativity.
4. Choosing an Auspicious Time — The "Wariga" Ritual
In Bali, selecting the right time to start construction is crucial, and this is done through the "Wariga" ritual. Locals refer to traditional Balinese calendars, which indicate the most auspicious days for significant undertakings. The task of determining the ideal date is often entrusted to an astrologer, who ensures that construction begins on a day free from difficulties and misfortunes. Choosing an auspicious time helps ensure the success of the construction and harmony for the future residents.
5. The "Melaspas" Ritual — Cleansing the Land
Before the main construction work begins, the "Melaspas" ritual is performed on the future home's site. Its purpose is the final cleansing of the land from any negative energy and charging it with positive forces. This ceremony involves sprinkling the site with holy water and using incense to create a protective barrier around the area. This final ritual before construction symbolically prepares the space for a safe and harmonious building process.
Offerings and Their Symbolism
Each offering used in these rituals carries deep meaning. Flowers symbolize purity and harmony, rice represents fertility and prosperity, fruits signify abundance, and incense helps convey intentions to the spirits. Balinese people carefully select the elements of their offerings to reflect their requests and blessings. During the rituals, attention is paid to every detail, as this is believed to create favorable conditions for the construction.
Conclusion
In Bali, every ritual before construction holds significant importance. These are not just formalities but deep spiritual processes where people interact with nature and respectfully acknowledge the forces that coexist with them. These ceremonies help establish balance between the physical and spiritual worlds, ensuring the prosperity of the future structure. By observing these rituals, the Balinese maintain harmony with their environment and traditions while securing support for their endeavors.