PAGERWESI: ‘IRON FENCE’ AGAINST THE EVIL
On February 13, 2002, the Balinese Hindus celebrate Pagerwesi
day, a very special day devoted to Hyang Pramesti Guru and Hyang
Pitara (ancestors), which is meant to ask for protection and
prosperity.
Pagerwesi derives from the word ‘pager’ meaning
fence and ‘wesi’ meaning iron. It is celebrated
every 210 days on Buda (Wednesday) Kliwon Sinta, according to
Balinese calendar system. Philosophically, the name ‘iron
fence’ refers to the strong barrier against the evil.
On this day, the offerings are devoted to the Almighty in the
manifestation of Hyang Pramesti Guru and Hyang Pitara, the holy
spirit of ancestors, which equalized with God. Prayers are held
on the family compounds, family temple shrines as well as at
other public temples.
The four days after Pagerwesi are very important to Balinese
Hindus. Based on the Balinese ‘Pawukon’ calendar,
the sequence of holy days started on Saniscara (Saturday) Umanis
Watugunung by Saraswati, the day
of holy knowledge, followed by the Banyu Pinaruh, the day marks
up the beginning of the Pawukon cycle. People are recommended
to go down the sea to purify by bathing. The day is also a special
day for fishermen, who make offerings for their boats and nets.
The next day called Soma (Monday) Ribek, a special day to make
the offerings at rice barns, devoted to Bhatari Sri, the Goddess
of Rice and Fertility. Tuesday is Sabuh Mas, the prayers are
devoted to Hyang Mahadewa. During this day the offerings are
made for jewelry, gold and also the Chinese coins, which are
used in many kinds of offerings in temple ceremonies.
Source : Indo.com
