Yadnya Kasada is one of the most sacred and important religious ceremonies for the Tengger Tribe, who inhabit the area around Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia. This ceremony is not only a profound religious expression but also a reflection of the culture and traditions that have been passed down for centuries. This article will explore Yadnya Kasada in depth, including its background, the ceremony process, and its significance and benefits for the Tengger community.
Understanding the Tengger Tribe
The Tengger Tribe is an ethnic group known for their strong Hindu-Buddhist beliefs and practices, despite the majority of Javanese people having converted to Islam. The name "Tengger" is believed to come from the phrase "tenggering budi luhur," which means high or eternal morality. This community is spread across the mountainous regions around Mount Bromo, Semeru, and the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park area.
Background of Yadnya Kasada
The Yadnya Kasada ceremony is a form of gratitude and respect to the gods and ancestors. This ceremony takes place during the month of Kasada, the 12th month in the Tengger Hindu calendar. The Tengger people believe that Yadnya Kasada is a tribute to their ancestors, Roro Anteng and Joko Seger, who according to legend, made sacrifices to the gods for the well-being of their tribe.
The Legend of Roro Anteng and Joko Seger
According to legend, Roro Anteng and Joko Seger were a married couple who prayed to the gods for children. The god of Mount Bromo granted their wish on the condition that their youngest child must be sacrificed into the crater of Mount Bromo. After having 25 children, the couple was forced to fulfill their promise. The youngest child, Kusuma, willingly sacrificed himself for the well-being of their community. Since then, the Yadnya Kasada ceremony has been held annually to honor the gods and ancestors.
The Yadnya Kasada Ceremony Process
The Yadnya Kasada ceremony involves a series of religious and cultural rituals. Here are the main stages of the ceremony:
1. Preparation
Preparation for the Yadnya Kasada ceremony begins several weeks in advance. The villagers prepare offerings consisting of various agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, livestock, and handcrafted items. All these are presented as symbols of gratitude and sacrifice.
2. Ruwatan
Ruwatan is a purification ritual performed by the village shaman. Its purpose is to cleanse oneself of negative energy and seek blessings from the gods. This ritual is conducted by reciting sacred prayers and sprinkling holy water on the participants.
3. Main Ceremony at Pura Luhur Poten
On the peak day, the Tengger community gathers at Pura Luhur Poten, a temple located at the foot of Mount Bromo. Here, they perform collective prayers, chanting mantras and prayers to the gods. The ceremony is led by the village shaman who guides the proceedings.
4. Offerings to the Bromo Crater
After the prayers at the temple, the participants proceed to the crater of Mount Bromo, carrying the prepared offerings. Upon reaching the crater, the offerings are thrown into the crater as symbols of sacrifice and gratitude to the mountain gods.
5. Conclusion
After offering the sacrifices, the ceremony continues with entertainment activities such as traditional dances and musical performances. This is a time for the community to celebrate togetherness and express gratitude for the blessings they have received throughout the year.
Significance and Benefits of Yadnya Kasada
1. Spiritual and Religious
Yadnya Kasada is an expression of faith and devotion to the gods and ancestors. This ceremony strengthens the spiritual bonds and helps preserve the religious traditions of the Tengger Tribe.
2. Social and Community
The ceremony strengthens social bonds within the Tengger community. All members, regardless of age or status, gather and collaborate in the preparation and execution of the ceremony. This helps create a strong sense of solidarity and togetherness.
3. Economic
Yadnya Kasada also has positive economic impacts on the local community. The ceremony attracts many tourists, both domestic and international, who come to witness the uniqueness and beauty of Tengger culture. The presence of tourists provides additional income for the locals through tourism and trade.
4. Cultural Preservation
Through Yadnya Kasada, the Tengger Tribe successfully preserves and promotes their culture and traditions to the outside world. This is essential for maintaining their cultural identity in the face of ongoing modernization.
Types of Rituals in Yadnya Kasada
1. Prayer Rituals
Prayer rituals involve the recitation of prayers and mantras by the village shaman. This is a form of direct communication with the gods to seek blessings and protection.
2. Offering Rituals
Offering rituals are the core of Yadnya Kasada. The offerings presented symbolize the community's gratitude and sacrifice to the gods.
3. Ruwatan Rituals
Ruwatan is a purification ritual aimed at cleansing oneself of negative energy. It is performed using holy water and special prayers.
Conclusion
Yadnya Kasada is a sacred celebration that plays a significant role in the life of the Tengger Tribe. Through this ceremony, they not only express their gratitude and devotion to the gods but also strengthen social bonds, promote their culture, and boost the local economy. Yadnya Kasada is an example of how traditions and culture can survive and thrive amidst the changing times, serving as a bridge between the past and present, and between spirituality and daily life.
By understanding and appreciating Yadnya Kasada, we can better appreciate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Indonesia. May this ceremony continue to be a source of inspiration and pride for the Tengger Tribe and the Indonesian people as a whole.
References :
https://trigger.id/yadnya-kasada-ritual-masyarakat-tengger-sarat-makna-sejarah/
https://javaprivatetour.com/yadnya-kasada-a-sacred-journey-at-the-foot-of-bromo
https://global-news.co.id/2016/07/upacara-adat-tengger-yadnya-kasada-bromo-dibanjiri-wisatawan/
https://travel.kompas.com/read/2019/07/19/181000527/5-fakta-upacara-yadnya-kasada-di-gunung-bromo-yang-mungkin-belum-kamu-tahu?page=all
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