With the exception of cultural uniqueness and allurement of its nature, Bali is also abundantly rich in traditional arts. Balinese arts are closely associated with religious rites of Hindus in Bali so the art of dance and gamelan music remain to exist up to the present. Within its performance, dance does not only function as entertainment but also has special functions and significance.
Amongst the thousands of its sorts, Sidakarya Mask dance or better known as pajengan mask is a mask dance performed by a dancer who is holding various masks. In other words, this dancer plays all masks of different characters one after another.
Most of the time, dancers of this mask is dancing while recounting the history or Balinese chronicles, such as the Pasek, the Waturenggong, the Sidakarya and some others. On that account, a mask dancer is obliged to know about history and reveral the information in an attractive historical, moral, religious and customary education that can be transferred into guidance by the community.
The origin of the Sidakarya mask began during the Glegel Kingdom situated at Klungkung ruled by the King Dalem Waturenggong. In AD 1500 (16th century), Dalem Waturenggong organized a ritual called Eka Dasa Rudra at Besakih Temple. While carrying out the ritual, many royal families were invited. Brhamana Keling, a king from East Java heard about the event and came down straightforwardly.
However, before entering the venue of ritual, the company was intercepted and even driven out along with his troops.
It came about because the Brahmana Keling was dressed in tatters, dusty body, and hair – raising appearance with canine and long teeth. He looked so disgusting and was cause for humiliation towards the king, as well as tampering with the purity and the process of the ritual at Besakih.
Though he has supernatural power, Brahmana Keling did not show any resistance. Afterwards, he left Besakih for Badung Kingdom and made sojourn at Sidakarya Village (South Denpasar). In the midst of his regret, THE Brahmana Keling uttered a mantra in order that the Eka Dasa Rudra ritual at Besakih did not run flourishingly, disturbed by riots and agricultural harvest failure.
Dalem Waturenggong was sorrowful. The ritual shattered completely without knowing its grounds. When Dalem Waturenggong performed a meditation, he got a holy inspiration that the riots were generated by Arya Tangkas who expelled Brahma keling. To save the ritual and agricultural harvest he should come after Brahmana Keling to Sidakarya Village.
Furthermore, Brahmana Keling withdrew his curse so the Eka Dasa Rudra ritual could run smoothly. Due to his meritorious service, Dalem Waturenggong awarded him title Dalem Sidakarya. Based on this story, the Hindus eventually believe that every performance of Sidakarya mask can assist in making the religious and customary rite a success.
News by International Bali Post
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