Bedhaya is a ceremonial and sacred dance deeply rooted in spirituality, emphasizing the harmony of Wiraga (body), Wirama (rhythm), and Wirasa (feelings) through its graceful gestures, measured rhythms, and profound emotional expression.
Bedhaya is a sacred and ceremonial Javanese dance with deep spiritual and cultural roots. Originating as a temple ritual and evolving into a royal court performance, it symbolizes harmony, devotion, and the unity of the kingdom through its graceful movements and symbolic lyrics. Each royal palace preserves its own unique variation of Bedhaya, with dances like Bedhaya Angron Akung telling timeless stories of love, loyalty, and heritage that continue to inspire and uphold Javanese cultural identity today.
Bedhaya is a ceremonial and spiritual dance traditionally performed in Javanese royal palaces, embodying the refined aesthetics of Javanese dance traditions, particularly the Yogyakarta and Surakarta styles (gagrak), which emphasize the harmonious unity of Wiraga (movement), Wirama (rhythm), and Wirasa (feeling). The dance is accompanied by karawitan music, where melodies are intricately aligned with the philosophical meaning of the lyrics, and the steady beat of the gendang (gong) guides the rhythm with meditative grace.
According to tradition, Bedhaya originated as a sacred temple dance called Lenggotbawa, created by the deity Bethara Wisnu and accompanied by celestial music known as Lokananta. Over time, the dance evolved from a ritual offering to the gods into a royal court performance, now staged in palace gazebos to honor the reigning king, accompanied by the refined tones of gamelan music.
Mahatari Bedhaya is a revered heritage dance performed once a year during the Tingalan Dalem Jumenengan ceremony. Accompanied by the gentle strumming of the rebab, dancers move solemnly toward the king’s throne. Upon arrival, they sit cross-legged and perform sila sembahan, a gesture of deep reverence. More than performance, Bedhaya is a sacred ritual that embodies grace, devotion, and spiritual harmony.
Bedhaya is a heritage dance unique to each Javanese royal palace, such as Bedhaya Ketawang (Surakarta) and Bedhaya Semang (Yogyakarta). Historically, the nine dancers were often noblewomen, symbolizing the kingdom’s nine pillars and unity. As noted by Raffles and in Wrido Pradonggo, the dance served both cultural and political roles, with its symbolic meaning expressed through the lyrics sung by the pesinden (singers).
Kadipaten Pakualaman Yogyakarta plays a vital role in preserving Javanese culture, including the dance Bedhaya Angron Akung. Its name means “leafy romance,” symbolizing a love that blossoms like an evergreen leaf. The dance tells the story of lovers Panji Inu Kertapati and Dewi Sekartaji, who reunite through faith and loyalty. Created to revive palace traditions, it is performed with hopes for prosperity and harmony within the duchy.
Before the modern era, Bedhaya dance had a specific function in culture. According to Raffles in his book History of Java, Bedhaya dancers used to be concubines. In Wrido Pradonggo, it appears that every regent or abdi dalem from each kingdom/sultanate would present their daughter or granddaughter to be part of the nine Bedhaya dancers as an act of solidarity in the kingdom.
It was mentioned in Wrido Pradonggo that the nine leaders represented the nine pillars of the kingdom, and each Bedhaya dance was a reminder of their merit. Bedhaya is a heritage, symbolic through the lyrics sung by the pesinden (female court singers).
Royal Variations and Historical Significance
Each Javanese royal palace developed its own version of the Bedhaya, with unique interpretations and symbolism. Notable examples include:
Bedhaya Angron Akung:
As one of the cultural preservation and development centres in Java, Kadipaten Pakualaman Yogyakarta has an important role to research and introduce heritage and culture to the wider public, and one of the ways is through dance. One of the dances or beksan presented here is Bedhaya Angron Akung beksan. From its title Angron Akung, it consists of two words, the former meaning leafy and the latter meaning romance. It means a beautiful romance blossoming like the evergreen leaf.
Bedhaya Angron Akung is an excerpt from a romance story between Panji Inu Kertapati and Dewi Sekartaji. The two lovers were separated, but later re-united through their mutual love, loyalty, and trust in the Almighty, as was written in beksan Angron Akung’s accompanying text: (Javanese text), which reads, “by the grace of the eighth Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Aryo Paku Alam, the bedhaya putri dance was created to revitalize the previous lelangen dalem Paku Alam,” and then it continues to read that this lelangen beksan was for a consolation. During the tenth Jumemeng Dalem Kanjeng Gusti Paku Alam, Bedhaya Angron Akung was performed with the hope that life within kadipaten Paku Alaman to be blithe and prosperous through the power of love, sincerity, and determination as was told in the story of Bedhaya Angron Akung.
The dancers wear the traditional Yogyakarta-style Paes Ageng costume and makeup, representing refinement and dignity. Movements begin with upright posture and steady steps while holding the seredan, followed by the ritual entrance into Bangsal Sewatama, where they sit cross-legged, recite prayers, and honor the reigning duke in silence and grace.
