Memukur - Besakih

As mentioned in previous posts, after the Ngaben cremation ceremony to cleanse the body , Memukur ceremonies are performed to cleanse the spirit of the deceased in order to prepare them for higher spiritual realms in the afterlife. The Memukur ceremonies may occur days, weeks, or even years after the cremation. However, the Memukur rites are to occur in a single day and start at a temple near the sea, such as Goa Lawah and move to a temple up the sacred mountain Gunung Agung, such as Dalem Puri. They then culminate at the "Mother Temple" of Bali, high on Gunung Agung, Besakih.

As with Memukur at Goa Lawah and Dalem Puri, the spirit of the deceased is brought by close family in a "housing", usually coconut.

Many offerings are presented.

Different parts of Besakih are used by different clan. I noticed a complex there with a documented layout.

In Besakih, it being such a prominant temple and regurlary visited by tourists, there are signs in English to not enter the inner temple areas meant for praying. However, when visiting other temples' ceremonies, usually after some introductory discussion seeking permission to be there, people are usually very welcoming. It seems quite natural to be there. Here at this area of Besahkih, a group from Ubud invited me to join them in their ceremony and receive blessings as well.

In other parts of Besakih, I didn't have this opportunity and so respected the signs. Here are some photos though that give an idea of the larger complex.

Outside - on the approach to the temple, many are on their way up the hill headed inside. Since Besakih is the final site for a single day Memukur across multiple temples, this is an important culmination.

And outside approach is a young group practicing. I wish I had thought to asked them where they are from and how far they travelled.