Nangluk Merana - A ceremony to ward off pests and natural negative forces in Bali

Nangluk Merana is a ceremony or yadnya addressed to Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, to plead for help in counteracting the natural disturbances such as pests, diseases, and natural negative forces in order not to endanger human life.

The ceremony of Nangluk Merana is generally organized by Subak throughout Bali. Through the implementation of this ceremony is expected that the agricultural land (rice paddies, fields, etc) can be protected from crop damages, and blessed with fertility, also an abundant harvest.

A good time to perform this ceremony is in sasih Kenem / Kaenem (December), sasih Kepitu (January), sasih Keulu / Kawolu (February), and sasih Kesanga (March). Balinese believe these months are particularly vulnerable and full of distress.

But in general, the villages in Bali hold the Nangluk Merana ceremony on sasih Kaenem. Sasih Kaenem (December) is a transition season from dry season to the rainy season. During this period, disease and pest (principally mice, birds, and insects) evolve rapidly.

During sasih Kaenem (December), the air began to feel moist and impacts on human health and livestock. This situation also affects the condition of agricultural crop which is very susceptible to pests. However, this period is the best time for agricultural activities with abundant water supply for rice paddies and fields, also the seed growing well.

The term of "Nangluk Merana" itself is a Balinese phrase that may have been under the influence of Sanskrit. The word "Nangluk" means dam, embankment, fence or barrier. While the word "Merana" (possibly derived from "maraNa" in Sanskrit), which means disease. In general, this is a ceremony to ward off pests, diseases, and negative forces of nature.

During the ceremony, Balinese make offerings along with the holy water or Tirta. Then, people do worship addressed to The Creator or Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa.

At the end of the ceremony, the Bendesa Adat, Pekaseh Tegal, and Pekaseh Sawah will receive the holy water that can be used in agricultural land or residential. Balinese believe that the holy water is able to overcome the presence of pests and natural negative force in agricultural and household.

Surely this must be followed by the behavior of protecting the environment. Starting from the simplest things such as: do not litter, keep the gutters clean, clean rivers and others. If it were so, then the pest and the disease will not dare to approach.

Reference

1. google.co.id
2. wikipedia.org _ Pest (organism) _ on April 5, 2017
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pest_(organism)
3. wikipedia.org _ Pest Control _ on April 5, 2017
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pest_control
4. wikipedia.org _ Bali _ on April 5, 2017
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bali
5. wikipedia.org _ Subak (irrigation) _ on April 5, 2017
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subak_(irrigation)
6. Milner, G. B. (Nov 1, 2005). “Natural Symbols in South East Asia". Routledge. ISBN 9781135752866. Accessed on April 5, 2017.
7. Image : Original Collection

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