Ngaben in Bali is one of the most profound and spiritually significant ceremonies in Balinese Hindu culture. Also known as Pitra Yadnya, this cremation ritual is performed to liberate the soul (atma) of the deceased, allowing it to transcend worldly ties and enter the afterlife, where it may await reincarnation.
The term Ngaben is believed to originate from the Balinese word ngabu, which means “to turn into ash.” This ritual is not just a cremation, but a sacred process filled with deep philosophical and religious meaning. Ngaben in Bali is a celebration of life and death, a release of the spirit, and a vital step toward spiritual freedom or moksa.
The Significance of Ngaben in Balinese Culture
Unlike conventional mourning traditions, Ngaben in Bali is conducted with joy and serenity. Family members are not supposed to show overt sorrow during the ceremony. Instead, they believe that sadness can hinder the spirit’s journey to the afterlife. The ritual is both an expression of love and a religious duty.
Ngaben in Bali has two primary spiritual objectives. First, it purifies the atma from earthly attachments and prepares it for the afterlife. Second, it returns the physical body, made up of the five universal elements (Panca Maha Bhuta – earth, water, fire, air, and space), back to nature. This symbolizes the completion of a life cycle and rejoining the cosmic universe.
Historical and Philosophical Background
Balinese Hindus believe that humans are composed of three elements: the gross body, the subtle body, and karma. While the physical body perishes at death, the atma (soul) continues its journey. Ngaben in Bali helps facilitate this transition by ensuring the proper spiritual path is taken by the deceased’s soul.
 |
| Image source: Pinterest |
The concept of death in Balinese Hinduism is not seen as an end but as a transformation. Through Ngaben in Bali, the community plays a role in aiding the departed soul to find peace and eventually return to the cycle of rebirth, unless moksa is achieved — a liberation from the cycle of reincarnation.
Types of Ngaben in Bali
There are several types of Ngaben in Bali, each performed depending on circumstances such as age, cause of death, and the condition of the body. Here are the five main types:
- Ngaben Sawa Wedana: The most common type, performed when the body is intact. The corpse is preserved until the ceremonial cremation occurs.
- Ngaben Asti Wedana: Conducted after the body has been buried for some time. Only the bones are exhumed and cremated.
- Ngaben Swasta: Performed when the body is unavailable (e.g., lost in an accident). A symbolic cremation is held using photos and representations of the deceased.
- Ngelungah: For children who have not yet grown permanent teeth. This type of Ngaben in Bali is simpler but equally sacred.
- Warak Kruron: For infants who died between 3 to 12 months. A small ceremony helps release the child's spirit to the afterlife.
Steps in the Ngaben Ceremony
Ngaben in Bali is a multi-step ritual, each phase representing a spiritual transition. The steps are as follows:
1. Ngulapin
This initial step is performed at Pura Dalem (Temple of the Dead) to seek permission and blessings from Goddess Durga, the guardian of departed souls.
2. Meseh Lawang
Usually conducted at a crossroads or near the burial site, this step symbolically repairs spiritual “defects” to prepare the body and soul for departure.
3. Mesiram or Mabersih
This phase involves cleansing the body (or bones, in the case of a reburial). It is both a physical and spiritual purification ritual performed by family members and priests.
4. Ngaskara
A pivotal stage of Ngaben in Bali where the soul is ritually purified. Through prayers and offerings, the atma is cleansed of sins and emotional bonds.
5. Nerpana
Families offer bebanten (offerings of food and flowers) to support the soul in its next journey. These offerings reflect love, respect, and prayers for peace.
6. Ngeseng Sawa
The main cremation process. The body is placed inside a symbolic effigy called Petulangan, often shaped like a sacred animal. It is then set on fire while priests chant mantras and the family watches with reverence.
7. Nuduk Galih
After the cremation, the family collects the ashes and bones. This is a deeply emotional moment, representing the final physical farewell.
8. Nganyut
The final step of Ngaben in Bali involves dispersing the ashes into the sea or river. This act signifies the return of the body’s elements to nature and the full liberation of the soul.
Mass Ngaben Ceremonies in Bali
Due to the high costs associated with cremation, some families participate in mass Ngaben in Bali. This communal event involves multiple families cremating their deceased loved ones in a single, large-scale ceremony. One of the most famous mass Ngaben ceremonies takes place in Ubud, where tourists can respectfully witness the tradition.
 |
| Image source: Pinterest |
Mass Ngaben in Bali still holds the same spiritual depth and symbolism, allowing even modest families to fulfill their religious duties and honor the dead with dignity and reverence.
Ngaben and Tourism
Ngaben in Bali is not only a spiritual experience for locals but also a cultural attraction for tourists. Visitors interested in Balinese culture often include witnessing a Ngaben ceremony in their itinerary. However, since the ritual is sacred, tourists are expected to be respectful, dress appropriately, and follow local customs when attending such events.
If you’re planning to experience Ngaben in Bali, consider booking a tour with local operators such as Salsa Wisata who can arrange a respectful visit as part of your Bali trip. Witnessing the ritual can be a life-changing cultural insight into the Balinese way of life and death.
Final Thoughts
Ngaben in Bali is more than a funeral — it is a bridge between this life and the next. Deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy, it shows how death is not to be feared but embraced as part of the eternal journey of the soul.
The elaborate ceremonies, spiritual prayers, and community participation reflect the unique way Balinese Hindus celebrate life, even in death. Whether witnessed as a religious observer or a curious traveler, Ngaben in Bali offers a profound lesson in spirituality, tradition, and human connection.
So, the next time you find yourself in Bali, consider learning more about this sacred ritual. It’s not just a ceremony — it’s a celebration of release, renewal, and reincarnation.
Tags: Ngaben in Bali, Balinese Hindu Ritual, Bali Culture, Balinese Cremation Ceremony, Traditional Rituals of Bali, Hindu Ceremonies in Bali, Pitra Yadnya, Bali Funeral Traditions, Mass Ngaben, Spiritual Travel Bali, Balinese Religion
