Bali Villas | 
11 11th, 2007| 
Pitra Yadnya: Rites for the Ancestors
Life, death, rebirth. This cyclical conception of existence lies at the very heart of Balinese Hinduism. During each life on earth the eternal soul occupies a temporary vessel — the physical body — which at death must be returned to the pancamahabhuta, the five elemental substances: solid, liquid, radiance, energy and ether. Only then can the soul be released nnd reincarnated. Of all Balinese rituals, the cremation (pangabenen, palebon) is the most complex, lasting for many days and culminating with the spectacular burning of not only the corpse, but of vast quantifies of valuable ritual objects especially created for the occasion.
Calling the soul
Due to the huge amount of time and expense involved, a cremation is usualiy postponed for months or even years. In the meantime the body of the deceased is temporarily buried. Family members first wash and groom the corpse, then wrap it in cloths and mats. A raw egg is rolled across it and smashed to the ground, removing all impurities. The body is then transported to the cemetery on a simple bier and buried without a casket.
