On the spiritual island of Nusa Lembongan, once every 2 years, the entire community gathers for a deeply sacred event known as Aci Sang Hyang Grodog. This powerful ceremony is rooted in the Balinese Hindu belief system and serves to cleanse the island from spiritual imbalance and protect it from unseen forces.
What Is Aci Sang Hyang Grodog?
Aci Sang Hyang Grodog is a form of ruwatan — a complex purification ceremony carried out to heal and restore harmony in both the seen (sekala) and unseen (niskala) worlds. The word “Grodog” represents chaos or imbalance, and the ceremony’s goal is to neutralise these disruptive energies.
Held every 2 years at Sasih Karo (around July – August), the most recent ceremony took place in August 2024, spanning 11 days and concluding with the peluar ritual on the 12th day. The event is believed to safeguard the island, its inhabitants, and the natural elements from illness, misfortune, and spiritual disruption.
Preparation and Community Spirit
Preparations begin months ahead of time and involve every banjar (village group) on the island. Temples are meticulously cleaned, sacred effigies are built, and elaborate offerings are prepared. The community comes together in a beautiful expression of devotion, duty, and unity.
Key elements of the ceremony often include:
- Barong Landung – towering, human-like effigies representing ancestral spirits, paraded through the village streets.
- Wayang Lemah – a sacred shadow puppet performance believed to drive away negative forces.
- Topeng and Rejang dances – traditional sacred dances performed as devotional offerings.
- Water blessings and mantras – led by high priests to sanctify the island’s sacred sites.
Island-Wide Blessings
Unlike ceremonies confined to temples, Aci Sang Hyang Grodog spans across key spiritual points—beaches, springs, forests—recognising them as sacred spaces linked to the divine. Rituals are performed in multiple locations, symbolising the protection of the island in its entirety.
The ceremony also invites individuals to seek personal healing and blessings. It’s a time when locals wear ceremonial attire, abstain from negative behaviour, and focus on cleansing both body and soul.
Guidelines for Visitors
For travellers lucky enough to be on the island during this rare event, it’s a moving and educational cultural experience. However, it’s important to be:
- Respectful – Follow directions from local leaders or signage.
- Appropriately dressed – Wear sarongs and sashes when entering temple areas.
- Mindful – Do not interrupt processions or rituals, and ask before taking photos.
Aci Sang Hyang Grodog is not just a ceremony—it’s a spiritual renewal for the entire island of Nusa Lembongan. Rooted in ancient traditions and carried by collective faith, it represents the Balinese commitment to balance, protection, and community harmony.
Witnessing this rare event is a profound cultural privilege—one that offers a deeper understanding of Bali’s living spiritual heritage.
