Karangasem, On the Wallace Line

Çiwaratri Celebrations at Karangasem

Çiwaratri leads Hindu devotees to re-introspect themselves totally and improve physical and spiritual qualities. Rites performed is pamrahyastcita (self and environmental purification) followed with jagra (stay all the night), puasa (fasting), japa (repetition of Mantra or hymn) and puja (worship) to the Lord Shiva in God’s manifestation as destroyer.
Echo of Çiwaratri celebration is commenced from the smallest scale temple (familial shrine) up to Sad Kahyangan, including great temples in Karangasem Regency. According to Pande W Astika, Çiwaratri in Karangasem, particularly at Bebandem Village is organized by hamlet or village officer. Celebration is performed at Kahyangan Tiga (three sanctuaries) of the local village. In the meantime, some literati groups unite themselves to make this celebratory activity at the same temple. Its main agenda is Dharma Gita (venerating God through hymnal song).
The essence of Çiwaratri festivity comprises prayer en masse, reading palm-leaf manuscripts or mythology on the life of Lubdhaka. Prayer services are conducted at 18:00 Local Time (LT), 00:00 LT and 06:00 LT the next morning. “For all night long, it is filled up with literary discussion and prayer,” said Astika.
There are also many of the young generation who involve themselves in Çiwaratri activity. Apart from filling in the activity with worship together, they do not forget to chant religious songs of praise. One of the temples that is crowded with visitors is Telaga Tista Temple at Jungutan Village, Bebandem sub district, Karangasem. Telaga Tista was a pond of the Karangasem Kingdom and in the midst of it lays a temple. Other crowded destinations for the young are Jasri Beach, Taman Ujung (at Ujung Village) and the tourist site of Candidasa.
Predominantly, those who come to these destinations mentioned above are from the surrounds of Karangasem, while some other are from Klungkung (mainly villages that are close to where Çiwaratri celebrations are performed). In relation to Çiwaratri, the Regional government of Karangasem suggested that the general public should organize themselves in a centralized area for example, at the sub district. The Local Government also delivers Dharma Wacana (sermon) and a donation of Hindu books. (BTN/033)