The Panca Persada is Essential for the Coronation of the Sultan of Perak

The Panca Persada is a beautiful, square-based structure that tapers upwards. It is usually built in tiers, with the top level serving as the royal dais where two special chairs are placed for the royal bathing ceremony, surrounded by bearers of royal regalia.

The structure known as the Panca Persada is typically constructed for the royal bathing ceremony of the Sultan and his consort before their coronation, or to mark the conclusion of royal wedding festivities.

For our loyal readers at orangperak.com, the Panca Persada is one of the two most important architectural elements required to complete the coronation ceremony of the Sultan of Perak. The unique customs and traditions of the Malay Sultanate for the coronation of the Sultan of Perak are carried out meticulously due to their historical significance. One of the elements in the sequence of the Tabal Pusaka Ceremony is the royal bathing ceremony. The Panca Persada is the designated location for this bathing ceremony, as mentioned earlier in the article.

The Panca Persada of Perak, which features a pyramid-like concept similar to Borobudur, is built for the coronation of the Sultan of Perak, with each tier colored in the colors of the Perak state flag: white, yellow, and black.

Borobudur

Interestingly, the construction of the Perak Panca Persada must ensure its orientation faces the Qibla. The ceremony of 'cooking' the main pillar of the Panca Persada is a custom performed before the main pillar, made from a special wood called Sungkai, is erected.

Unlike today, where the Panca Persada is built on the grounds of Istana Iskandariah, it is said that in the past, the Panca Persada was built in the middle of the Perak River. The Panca Persada is built in a square shape, nine to eleven tiers high, and surrounded by stairs.

At the pinnacle of the Panca Persada, a roofed dais is placed for the Sultan and consort of Perak to sit. The ceiling and pillars are draped in yellow cloth, while the tiers are adorned with hanging 'daun budi' (banyan leaf motifs), and the top tier is covered in golden-colored fabric.