In Balinese Hinduism, Dewa Yadnya is one of the five sacred offerings known as Panca Yadnya, and it is specifically dedicated to the gods (Dewa) as an expression of devotion and gratitude. Dewa Yadnya ceremonies are performed in temples (pura) and are classified into levels based on their complexity and scale, from the simplest to the grandest.
Below is a list of Dewa Yadnya ceremonies ranked from the smallest to the largest:
1. Mejati / Ngaturang Canang
- Level: Smallest
- Purpose: Daily offerings as an act of devotion to God (Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa).
- Example: Daily canang sari offerings placed at shrines, home temples, or workplaces.
2. Piodalan Alit
- Level: Small
- Purpose: A temple’s anniversary ceremony using simple offerings.
- When: Regularly, such as every 210 days (based on the Balinese wuku calendar).
3. Piodalan Madya
- Level: Medium
- Purpose: Temple anniversary with more complete offerings.
- Characteristics: Includes more offerings, gamelan music, and sacred dances.
4. Piodalan Ageng / Utama
- Level: Large
- Purpose: A grand temple anniversary ceremony held less frequently.
- Example: Held at important temples every 5 or 10 years with full ceremonial processions.
5. Ngusaba (Village/Subak/Temple)
- Level: Large
- Purpose: Prayers for prosperity and agricultural fertility.
- When: Annually or periodically, depending on the community.
- Example: Ngusaba Nini, Ngusaba Dangsil.
6. Panca Wali Krama
- Level: Very large
- Purpose: A major purification ceremony for restoring universal harmony.
- When: Every 10 years, usually held at major temples like Pura Besakih.
- Characteristics: Massive ritual attended by high priests and thousands of devotees.
7. Eka Dasa Rudra
- Level: Largest
- Purpose: Total cosmic purification and restoring universal balance.
- When: Only once every 100 years, held at Pura Besakih.
- Last performed: In 1979.
Summary of Dewa Yadnya Ceremonies by Scale
| No | Ceremony Name | Scale/Level | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mejati / Ngaturang Canang | Daily, very small | Daily |
| 2 | Piodalan Alit | Small | Every 210 days (wuku) |
| 3 | Piodalan Madya | Medium | As agreed by community |
| 4 | Piodalan Ageng/Utama | Large | Every 5–10 years |
| 5 | Ngusaba | Large | Annually/periodically |
| 6 | Panca Wali Krama | Very large | Every 10 years |
| 7 | Eka Dasa Rudra | Largest | Every 100 years |
