The Sacred Journey of Mengulur Naga: Honoring the River Spirits and Ancestral Legacy in the Kingdom of Kutai
Edisi Indonesia: Mengulur Naga
Morning at Kutai Palace
The crowd’s murmur begins even before the sun fully rises. Ritual attendants, both men and women, prepare themselves in traditional attire, bringing offerings and making reverent presentations in the palace courtyard.
Dewi (Female ritual attendant): "Today is the day we’ve awaited all year. The *Mengulur Naga* ritual must be performed with the utmost honor to maintain balance between the human world and the spirit realm."
Jagat (Male ritual attendant): "Indeed. The Dragon is not just a symbol but the very soul and protector of Kutai. Today, we represent our ancestors, speaking with the spirits of the river and the dragon itself."
The ritual procession begins, slowly carrying the effigies of Naga Bini and Naga Laki toward the boat. Onlookers cheer, tossing rice and flowers as gestures of respect.
Spectator: "Look! The dragon is magnificent! Even from here, it looks almost alive!"
Child: "Mother, can that dragon really come to life?"
Mother: "It is said that Naga Bini and Naga Laki are incarnations of legendary beings. Long ago, it was a dragon from the depths of the Mahakam River that carried Princess Karang Melenu to our ancestors, the founders of the Kutai Kingdom."
Journey to Kutai Lama
Along the river journey, the boat carrying the dragon effigies pauses at several locations. The ritual attendants step ashore, lighting incense and performing a special dance—a way they 'speak' with the spirit world.
Dewi: (whispering, lifting her hands toward the sky) "O great ancestors, accept our offering. Guide this dragon back to its origin in peace. Let us live in prosperity and harmony."
Jagat: "We humbly ask for a sign that the ancestral spirits have heard our prayers."
Suddenly, a strong wind blows along the river, causing the leaves to tremble and the water to ripple.
Spectator (whispering in awe): "It’s a sign from the ancestors… they have accepted the offering."
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At Jaitan Layar, Kutai Lama
Upon arrival at Jaitan Layar, the boat circles seven times. The ritual attendants believe this gesture is a final act of respect for the dragons.
Dewi (tying ropes to the dragon’s head and tail): "These head and tail parts will be kept at the palace, as symbols of life’s continuity and courage. The body of the dragon—let it return to the river, to journey through their world at the water’s depths."
Jagat (drawing the dragon's body to the edge of the boat): "O Naga Bini and Naga Laki, watch over us all. We release you back into the river’s embrace."
As the dragon’s body is lowered into the river, people along the shore scramble to obtain the remaining dragon scales.
Spectator (touching the dragon scales): "I’ll take this scale home; they say it can grant wishes. May our family always be blessed."
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Closing at the Palace
After the ritual concludes, the dragon’s head and tail are taken back to the Kutai Palace, where they are kept for the following year. The ritual attendants gather to complete the ceremony with final prayers.
Dewi: "This ritual may seem simple, but it is the meaning and presence of our ancestors that keep us united. Until next year, O spirits of our ancestors."
Jagat (nodding gently): "Until we meet again at the next Erau Festival, with even greater blessings."
The cheers of the Kutai people resonate along the riverbanks. Hopes and prayers materialize through the ritual, creating harmony between humankind, nature, and the spirit world.
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The solemn Mengulur Naga ritual not only reflects the people’s beliefs but also embodies the connection between humanity, ancestors, and the universe. It feels as though there is a life force within the dragon replica itself, as if the legend of Princess Karang Melenu and Aji Batara Agung Dewa Sakti still breathes through every ceremony held.
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Moral Message:
The Mengulur Naga ritual serves as a vivid reminder of the importance of harmony between humanity, nature, and the spiritual world. It emphasizes respect for the environment, reverence for ancestral wisdom, and the belief that all beings—seen and unseen—are interconnected. This tradition teaches that by honoring the spirits and protecting the natural world, people ensure prosperity and balance for future generations.
Read Also: The Erau Dragon's Blessing
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