Solemn reflection: Courtiers, dressed in traditional Javanese attire, pray before the Nguras Enceh ritual begins.

The scent of flowers and frankincense fills the air, accompanying the people who had gathered since the early hours of the morning at the tombs of Mataram’s kings in Pajimatan, Yogyakarta.

They climbed 500 steps leading up to the Supit Urang Gate to seek blessings in the Nguras Enceh ritual held every month of Suro on the Javanese calendar.

The ritual is a form of purification through the intercession of sacred water from four jars, known as enceh, given by four kingdoms as a form of respect to Sultan Agung, who brought the Mataram Kingdom to glory during his reign from 1613 to 1645.

In the east, there are the Enceh Nyai Danurmurti from the Sriwijaya Kingdom (Palembang, South Sumatra) and Enceh Kyai Danurmaya from the Samudera Pasai Kingdom (Aceh). Meanwhile, two other enceh in the west are from overseas kingdoms, namely Enceh Kyai Mendung from the Ngerum Kingdom (Turkey) and Enceh Nyai Siyem from the Siam Kingdom (Thailand).

It is believed that the sacred water from the jars offers blessings, giving the people health and prosperity and even fertilizing their agricultural land.

The abdi dalem (courtiers) from the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Sultanate and the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace distributed the sacred water to the people who had been patiently waiting.

Only high-ranking courtiers with the titles of tumenggung or ngabei are allowed to take water from the jars.

Worth the wait: People wait patiently to get the sacred water, which they believe would give them health and prosperity.

Quiet moment: Two women pass by the rules board at the tomb complex of the Mataram kings. One of the rules prohibits visitors from bringing in radios or music players, or playing music.

Ancient ritual: A courtier from the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat sultanate pours water into the Enceh Kyai Danurmaya from the Kingdom of Samudera Pasai (Aceh).

Every drop counts: Visitors grapple to have a courtier fill their bottles with the sacred water.

Bottled blessings: A courtier distributes the sacred water to visitors during the Nguras Enceh ritual held on Tuesday, Kliwon in Suro month according to the Javanese calendar.

— Photos by JP/Anggertimur Lanang Tinarbuko