Klungkung, Ancient Kingdoms

“Wayang Gedogan” Sacred Art from Klungkung

Through the staging of Wayang Gedogan, Balinese people believe that the priest’s enchantment during the yadnya (sacrificing ritual) will devoutly be executed. With the performance of Wayang Gedogan, it believed that the bhuta-bhuti (yadnya ritual disturber) will become enthralled and not disturb the ceremony procession.

According to I Wayan Darsana a young puppeteer of Takmung Village, Klungkung, when the priest spells the ritual charm, Butha-Bhuti is often believed to disturb the ritual procession. “With this puppet staging, the Bhuta-Bhuti who will tend to disturb the priest while praying will become charmed and watch the puppet performance,” said Darsana. Takmung Village is located about 4 km from Semarapura Town, or 42 km from Denpasar.
It’s asserted that wayang gedogan will be staged at the same time when the priest spells the ritual charm. The staging site is located facing the entrance gate of the temple. “Because when the Bhuta-Bhuti enters the temple, firstly they will see the staging of wayang gedogan, and also the Bhuta-Bhuti who is afraid with the gamelan sound and will run off,” he said.
The story is revealed on wayang gedogan is adopted from the epos of Mahabharata, especially on the part of Praja Winangun. The part of this epos tells about the journey of Panca Pandawa (the five brothers) who executes the Yadnya procession. These five brothers were divided for job descriptions to match each skill. The Panca Pandawa are Darma Wangsa (Yudistira), Arjuna, Bima and the Twins, Nakula and Sahadewa, who stay in Indra Wiprasta Kingdom.
During the Yadnya ceremony in Indra Wiprasta Kingdom, Dharma Wangsa was appointed as the priest who accomplished the ritual, Bima the security guard, Nakula and Sahadewa as the temple’s architects, Arjuna as the arts organizer covering the dance art, shadow playing and karawitan (instrumental art).
The Wayang Gedogan performance is usually staged for 2 hours duration or as long as the priest spells for ritual charm. When the priest is finished, automatically the story of Paraja Winangun will end. During this sacred staging, the puppeteer always starts with submitting offerings and praying sessions.(BTN/033)