Mulang Pekelem is one of the sacred ceremonies observed by the Hindu community in Lombok. The ritual is a plea for balance in nature and for harmony between people and the universe. On this occasion, our team from Universitas Mataram Campus Photography (Aan, Ardhi, Ilhamuddin, and Ivan) and I, the owner of The Langkah Travel, had the chance to document this special moment at Segara Anak Lake on Mount Rinjani.
The Journey to Segara Anak Lake
Preparation and the Trekking Route
On Saturday, 27 October 2012, at 3 p.m. WITA, we arrived in Torean Hamlet, North Lombok Regency. After the midday Dhuhr prayer, we set off on our Rinjani trek along the Torean route. This trail is quite different from the more popular ones that start in Sembalun and Senaru villages.
What makes the Torean route special:
- Varied terrain: The path alternates between climbs and descents, so the walk never feels monotonous.
- Demanding landscape: Ravines fall away on both sides of the track, so extra care is needed.
We enjoyed every step of it, although the late hour meant we had to pitch our tents at Pancoran.
Also read: 4 Official Trekking Routes on Mount Rinjani, Lombok
The Magic of Night at Segara Anak
The next morning we continued the climb at 8 a.m. WITA and reached Segara Anak Lake at 7 p.m. WITA. The light of the full moon welcomed us in all its beauty, throwing sharp shadows along the footpath. The atmosphere felt magical, nothing you could ever find in a city.
The Meaning and Stages of Mulang Pekelem
Mulang Pekelem begins several days before the main ceremony. On the way up to Segara Anak Lake, Hindu worshippers stop at sacred spots such as Poprok (Tirta Pecampuan), the meeting point of three springs believed to carry strong spiritual energy.
Stages of the Ceremony:
- Setting Up a Temporary Pura
Once they reach the lake, worshippers build a temporary pura (Hindu temple) along with a penjor (a tall, decorated bamboo pole) to mark the start of the preparations. - Melaspas and Nuhur
The Melaspas ceremony cleanses the site of negative energy, while Nuhur is a prayer and chant that invites the guardian deities of Mount Rinjani. - Yadnya Bumi Sudha
This ritual uses dance as an offering of respect to the gods. Its purpose is to keep the human world (jagad alit) and the universe (jagad agung) in balance.
The Peak of the Ceremony
On the climactic night, participants sink offerings of precious materials such as gold, silver, and copper into Segara Anak Lake. The metals are shaped into symbolic animals:
- Shrimp: a symbol of fertility.
- Turtle: a symbol of the world.
- Fish: a symbol of life.
- Fowl: a symbol of the universe.
The procession is carried out in the hope that the gods will grant balance and fertility to the land of Lombok, and to the Sasak people in particular.
The Participants and the Spiritual Value
Mulang Pekelem draws Hindus from Lombok, Bali, Java, and Kalimantan. The tradition reflects the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, the balanced relationship between people, nature, and the Creator. Beyond its spiritual side, the ceremony is also a moment to renew awareness of how important it is to keep nature in harmony.
Closing: Reflection and a Valuable Experience
Once the ceremony ended, we walked back to our tents with hearts full of gratitude. Documenting Mulang Pekelem gave us a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual wealth of the people of Lombok. This tradition is far more than a ritual; it is a reminder of why the balance of nature must be protected for the generations to come.
We got ready to head home, carrying memories that will stay etched in our hearts.
Rinjani Trekking Package 4 Days 3 Nights Via Sembalun
From
IDR 3.030.000
per person
