Subject: pedanda high priest
Culture: Balinese
Setting: Agama Hindu Dharma, Bali 17-19thc
Evolution:
Context (Event Photos, Primary Sources, Secondary Sources, Field Notes)
* Bali Culture Tours > Religion and priests in Bali online
"Numerous holy men and priests regulate the equilibrium of the island and its inhabitants, each with their own specific tasks. A pedana, a Brahmin priest, has the highest priestly status. His deity is Shiva. As a learned man, he deals with religion his whole life, reads and knows ancient writings on medicine, philosophy and theology, but also texts of the law and myths and he is also powerful of Sanskrit – only in this way can he understand the secret Lontar writings, which are written in the forgotten language. The pedana is a master in the production of holy water (thirta), which is needed for almost all ceremonies.
"Every morning he performs the complicated rituals, speaks mantras and prayers and blesses the spring water with certain movements of his hands (mudra). When the bright sound of the little bell resounds for the last time, the ritual is finished and the water becomes thirta. This can have different degrees of purity and cleaning – depending on the application. whether [SIC] it is used in ceremonies, e. g. weddings and births, for healing or as an offering in everyday life. Next to it the pedana is also important for celebrations, which concern the family (birth, tooth division, marriage, death). Those, who can afford it engage a Brahmin priest for it. Certain cleansing ceremonies, such as those that take place during death feasts, can only be carried out by him – because of his status and knowledge, he has a natural immunity against many evil forces and the devastating effects of incantations that he has to use."
* Indonesia travel guide > Priests in Bali online
"Pedanda are more involved with family matters although they are called upon at times to officiate at temple ceremonies. It is the pedanda who prepare the holy water, essential for any religious occasion.
"The pedanda’s are at the highest level and may be seen as guardians of mythical history and of course, sacred knowledge. They have an intimate knowledge of the Balinese Calendar and are consulted to determine lucky days. It is interesting to note that all this knowledge is more often than not passed down from father to son. It is to the higher caste families that the pedanda are called into service to officiate and give blessings with matters such as cremations, births and marriages. At times their services are called upon to bless a new building or structure."
"Pedanda are high priests of Bali, distinguished by their scholarly knowledge and deep spiritual roles. They belong to the Brahman caste, the highest caste in Balinese society, and are often seen as the keepers of sacred knowledge and cultural heritage. Pedanda are integral to major religious ceremonies and rituals, making them a revered part of Balinese spiritual life."
Costume
* Indonesia travel guide > Priests in Bali online
"The pedanda are the high priests considered to be scholarly and are from the Brahman caste in Balinese society. In fact they claim a linear heritage from the highest of all priests, Wau Rauh of the Majapahit Empire. Easily recognisable, they are dressed in all-white clothing, generally old and gentle in appearance, and thin in stature."
"Pedanda are easily recognizable by their traditional attire. They typically wear all-white clothing, which symbolizes purity and divine connection. Their appearance is often gentle and distinguished, reflecting their esteemed position in society."
Chopper
* Draeger 1972 p
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* van Zonneveld 2001 p
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Bottle
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