Geluk, 16 Gold and Silver Vessels in the Perak Sultanate
The regalia of the Perak Darul Ridzuan Sultanate are among the most prestigious and respected symbols in Malay court customs. These items are used in various royal ceremonies, including the coronation ceremony of the Sultan of Perak. One of the most unique and symbolically rich items is the geluk, a type of small vessel made of gold and silver.
During the coronation ceremony, the geluk plays a vital role, specifically in the Istiadat Mengambil Air Bersiram Tabal — a historic ritual performed to finalize the appointment of a royal heir as the Sultan of Perak.
What is a Geluk?
The geluk is a small vessel made from two types of precious metals — gold and silver. Officially, there are 16 geluk used during the ceremony:
- 8 gold geluk
- 8 silver geluk
These vessels are not merely decorative, but have a specific function: to hold the royal bathing water collected from the seven estuaries of the Perak River tributaries.
The Use of Geluk in the Royal Bathing Ceremony
This bathing water is used in the coronation ceremony as a symbol of purification and the legitimization of the new Sultan's reign. The water is collected from:
- Kuala Sungai Kangsar
- Kuala Sungai Chepias
- Kuala Sungai Sayong
- Kuala Sungai Hitam
- Kuala Sungai Chermin
- Kuala Sungai Buaya
- Kuala Sungai Menora
Each geluk is filled with water from these rivers, and the collection process is carried out with full royal protocol, including the use of tepung tawar (blessing flour), turmeric rice, and frankincense.
The Geluk Procession: A Living Royal Tradition
This ceremony begins with an official vehicle procession from the Main Gate of Istana Iskandariah heading towards Padang Kanak-Kanak, Kuala Kangsar. The procession is accompanied by the beating of the Royal Nobat and joined by key court figures:
- Tok Setia Guna
- Panglima Besar (Grand Commander) & Commanders
- Toh-Toh Seri Nara di-Raja
- Yang Mulia Raja Chik Muda
- Pawang Diraja (Royal Shaman)
- Bentara-bentara (Heralds)
- Seven traditional healers (bomoh)
- 16 spear-bearing attendants
Ceremonial items carried include:
- 16 gold and silver geluk decorated with 'jari lipan' coconut leaves
- Incense burner, turmeric rice, wet rice, and popped rice
- Blessing flour, sintuk water, lime water, floral water, and frankincense
Ceremony at the River and Conclusion at the Palace
Upon arriving at the banks of the Perak River, the geluk are brought onto boats, but only a few figures participate in the ceremony at the seven estuaries — namely the Raja Chik Muda, Pawang Diraja, Toh Seri Nara, heralds, and the healers.
The Nobat is only beaten once, at Kuala Sungai Kangsar. After the water collection is complete, the entourage returns to Padang Kanak-Kanak and then to the Balai Panca Persada. It is here that all the geluk and ceremonial items are handed over to the Panglima Dalam and female heralds for safekeeping.
Conclusion
The geluk is not just a piece of regalia, but a symbol of the nobility of the Perak Sultanate institution and the continuity of pure Malay customs. It reflects the richness of the heritage and the sophistication of the ceremonial arts inherited over many centuries.
References:
- https://sultan.perak.gov.my/index.php/informasi-kesultanan/istiadat-pertabalan-sultan-perak
- https://sultan.perak.gov.my/index.php/informasi-kesultanan/alat-alat-kebesaran-negeri-perak
