The origins of our beautiful island of Nusa Penida begin with black magic, demons and Priests. Today, it is the island where the Balinese and Hindus come to find cosmic balance. Let us take a journey through the story of Nusa Penida, its association with black magic and why it became the destination of the Balinese pilgrimage.
Let me take you back….way back to around the 8/10th Century; Bali was made up of 9 kingdoms and was ruled by a King by the name of Sri Kesari Warmadewa – known to be the first King of Bali. A small island on the South East coast of Bali, now known as Nusa Penida, withstood several attempts of conquest, until, in the 17th Century, the Gelgel Dynasty attacked the island.
During the conquest, Nusa Penida was conquered and its King, the last King of Nusa Penida; Dalem Bungkut, was killed.
The island became part of the Klungkung Regency of Bali and was used as a penal colony. From the 18th Century right up to the 1930s, Bali sent its prisoners here, as well as other political enemies and those who practised the art of black magic. Because of this, it was known as ‘Bandit Island’.
It is believed that Dalem Bungkut, after death became a demon in the afterlife. The demon known as, ‘Rau Gede Mas Mecaling’, a name still feared by some to be spoken aloud!
‘Mecaling’ as he became known, was a ferocious demon, intent on seeking revenge by inflicting disease and destruction. He is blamed for natural disasters and diseases that afflicted Bali.
One day, during the celebration of ‘Nyepi’, Mecaling and his demon army, under the guise of disguise, left the island for the mainland on a rampage of destruction, wreaking havoc in Bali. It is because of this, that the celebration of ‘Nyepi’, today is observed as a day of silence, in order to deceive any returning demons.
After the attack, the people of Bali summoned a priest to banish Mecaling back to the island, where the priest then cleansed the island of black magic. However, the spirit of Mecaling is thought to still remain in Nusa Penida; in Ped Temple. In Balinese, 'Nusa' translates to 'Island' and 'Penida' translates to 'Priest'; hence, the island of priests.
The Hindus and Balinese spiritual belief system of cosmic balance and duality brings them to Nusa Pendia. They pilgrimage here in an effort to find the balance between positive and negative energies. The high spiritual side will help them be reincarnated into higher beings and eventually reach Nirvana and their base 'animal' instincts that will lead them to be reincarnated into lower creatures in a never-ending cycle of life and death.
Thus all Balinese should, at least once once in their lifetime, come to Nusa Penida to pray at Pura Ped to recognise their dark side so they can supersede it, though some say certain people also come seeking black magic and malice.
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