Located on the eastern shore of Lake Batur on the island of Bali, Indonesia, Trunyan Village is home to the Bali Aga, a group of indigenous people who have lived on the island for centuries. One of the distinctive features of Trunyan Village is its unique burial practices for the dead, which involve the Menyan Tree and the death temple.
According to local legend, the people of Trunyan have been practicing this unique burial method for centuries. When a person dies in the village, their body is placed in a bamboo coffin and left in a special area known as the “Death Temple.” The coffin is left exposed to the elements, and the body is allowed to decompose naturally. The village believes that the natural process of decomposition releases the soul of the deceased, and that the body does not need to be cremated or buried in the ground.
The Menyan Tree, also known as the Taru Menyan, is a species of tree that is native to the island of Bali. It is believed to have special properties that help to keep away the odor of the decomposing bodies at the Trunyan Cemetery. According to local legend, the leaves of the Menyan Tree contain a special oil that has a strong, pleasant aroma that can mask the smell of the decomposing bodies. This allows the village to carry out this unique burial practice without causing any discomfort to the living.
The Menyan Tree is an important part of the cultural identity and traditions of the Bali Aga people in Trunyan Village. It is also a protected species in Bali, as it is considered sacred by the Bali Aga and is believed to have special spiritual powers. It is illegal to cut down or harm the Menyan Tree in any way.
While the burial practices of Trunyan Village may seem strange to outsiders, they are an important part of the cultural identity and traditions of the Bali Aga people. The death temple at Trunyan Village is a sacred place where the Bali Aga people lay their deceased to rest. It is believed to be a place of transition, where the soul of the deceased is released from the body and begins its journey to the afterlife. The death temple is also a place for the living to pay their respects to their loved ones and to remember their lives.
Visitors to Trunyan Village can witness the unique burial practices of the Bali Aga people firsthand by visiting the death temple and observing the decomposing bodies. It is important to remember, however, that these practices are a sacred and deeply personal aspect of Bali Aga culture, and visitors should be respectful and mindful of this.
In conclusion, Trunyan Village is a fascinating place with a rich cultural heritage and a unique way of life. Its burial practices, which involve the Menyan Tree and the death temple, are an important part of the cultural identity and traditions of the Bali Aga people.