Getting to Know the Pawintenan

The pawintenan is a purification ritual performed by Nabe, namely Sulinggih Dwijati or a holy person with the authority to do so. He gained authorization from Nabe Sulinggih based on his strong spiritual ability (jnyana), the period of mediksa, and other considerations. 

The word mawinten is made up of two Kawi words: mawa and inten. Mawa means “to be,” while inten means “holy, bright, and sacred.” According to this interpretation, someone who has done mawinten is expected to be holy, charismatic, and sacred in order to earn a social status as an ekajati. Ekajati means first birth; if he does mediksa in the future, he will be dwijati, or second birth.

Who can do Pawintenan?

Everyone, particularly those who have begun the wanaprastin phase. Wanaprastin is the time after someone has completed the gryahasta, which is the period of starting a family or already having one. He enters the wanaprastin phase when his children are self-sufficient. Usually over the age of 50.

The stages of the Pawintenan ritual

• Pawintenan Sastra/Saraswati, performed for people who study the Vedas.
• Pawintenan Pamangku, performed for temple leaders.
• Pawintenan Dalang, performed for the Dalang.
• Pawintenan Tukang, is carried out for people who work as artisans of offerings / builders /undagi, blacksmiths, sculptors, and so on.
• Pawintenan Balian/Shaman, performed for the Balian or shaman.
• Pawintenan Mahawisesa, carried out for functionaries of the traditional village administrators (Bendesa Adat).
• Pawintenan Sadeg/Dasaran.

Ritual Time

The pawintenan ritual is usually performed before the “Penyineban” ceremony or the final day of the Piodalan (temple anniversary) named “Nyurud Hayu,” which is the day when Hyang Widhi Wasa, Bhatara-Bhatari, and Ancestors are asked for protection. Another good day to carry out the mawinten ritual is when the ‘purnama’ or full moon arrives, with the hope that the cleansing and purification will be truly clean and bright like the light of the full moon.

Ritual place

In general, the place where the Pawintenan ceremony is held is at the temple. Pawintenan for Pamangku is usually held where they will devote themselves as Stakeholders, for example at Pura Dalem, Pura Desa, Pura Puseh, Pura Dhang Kahyangan, Sad Kahyangan, Kahyangan Jagat or at Sanggah or Merajan.