Institut Agama Hindu Negeri Tampung Penyang (IAHN-TP) Palangka Raya held a Pagerwesi prayer ceremony at Balai Basarah on Wednesday (10/9). The event was attended by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs and Cooperation, the Dean of the Faculty of Dharma Duta and Brahma Widya (FDDBW), temple priests (juru mangku), basir, religious lecturers, and IAHN-TP students.
Dean of FDDBW and coordinator of the ceremony, Dr. I Wayan Salendra, S.Ag., M.Si., in his address, explained that Pagerwesi carries a profound meaning related to self-protection through knowledge. “‘Pager’ means fence and ‘wesi’ means iron, symbolizing that human beings must fortify themselves with sacred and worldly knowledge as weapons in daily life. On this Pagerwesi occasion, we seek guidance from Sang Hyang Guru so that we may continually receive enlightenment in living our lives,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to all members of the academic community who participated, hoping that the Pagerwesi celebration would strengthen social ties. “This is a bond of compassion, interweaving love and humanity as social beings who interact with one another,” he added.
Meanwhile, in his dharma wacana, Komang Reza Kartika, M.I.Kom, stated that Pagerwesi serves as a moment for self-reflection and the enhancement of life quality, both physically and spiritually. “The theme of today’s ceremony is ‘Understanding Pagerwesi as a Way to Build a Harmonious Life through Knowledge.’ Our presence here reflects our role as individuals, social beings, and religious beings who are grateful for the blessings of God Almighty,” he explained.
He further emphasized the importance of controlling the mind as the root of all actions. “Phenomena such as the Covid-19 pandemic have brought negative impacts that we must contemplate together. Through Pagerwesi, we are reminded to maintain balance within ourselves, with the environment, and with God, in line with the teachings of Tri Hita Karana,” he concluded.
The Pagerwesi ceremony was conducted solemnly, with all participants expressing gratitude and a spirit of togetherness. //mr//