The History Of Batukaru Temple - Tabanan, Bali

Pura Luhur Batukaru or Batukau is known as an ancient temple that full of mystery, very sacred and highly respected. Situated on the southern slope of Mt Batukaru, in the middle of the rainforest, at an altitude of 650 meters asl, covered by holy vibe, moist mist, and quiet mountain atmosphere.

The temple is located in Wongaya Gede Village, the district of Penebel, Tabanan-Bali. The main shrine is a "candi" with a distinctive architectural style. In this temple God is worshiped as the Mahadeva, or by local referred to as Ratu Hyang Tumuwuh, as God who grace the soul and cultivates plants.

Batukaru Temple History

There are sources mentioning the history of Batukaru Temple, such as: Lontar Kusuma Dewa and Babad Buleleng. In Kusuma Dewa mentioned about the role of a holy priest named Mpu Kuturan in the establishment of Sad Kahyangan (the six key temples) in Bali around the 11th century. Pura Luhur Batukaru is one of them, the Sad Kahyangan Temple.

There is a conjecture that long before the arrival of Mpu Kuturan, this place was called the Ancestral Sanctuary used by Hindhu-Budhist ascetics to live the life of Wanaprasta, contemplating the world and the universe. This is supported by the discovery of springs, statues and other artifacts.

Furthermore, in Babad Buleleng mentioned that in 1605 AD, a King of Buleleng, Ki Gusti Ngurah Panji Sakti, wanted to expand the kingdom up to Tabanan area. The king and troops finally arrived at Batukaru temple, and then did the destruction of the temple. Instantly, thousands of wasps appeared out of nowhere, attacking the king and his army. Seeing the wounded, the king finally canceled the attack. Temple that has been destroyed is left alone.

Dr. R. Goris, an archaeologist, conducting a research at Batukaru temple in 1928. There is a discovery of a stone sculpture with water fountain that resembles the stone sculpture in Goa Gajah, Gianyar. This might originated from the same period, from the 11th century. Goris also mentioned that in the past was a customs in Bali when making something, especially temple, often imitated earlier creation.

Finally in 1959 the temple was rebuilt gradually until 1977, from the debris of the past destruction. Currently, Batukaru Temple is maintained by Perbekelans (a unit of local administrative area consists of many Banjars), consist of: The Perbekelan of Wangaya Gede and The Perbekelan of Tengkudak.

Reference

1. google.co.id
2. wikitravel.org _ Tabanan _ on May 15, 2017
   http://wikitravel.org/en/Tabanan
3. wikipedia.org _ Pura Luhur Batukaru _ on May 15, 2017
   https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pura_Luhur_Batukaru
4. Kempers, A.J. Bernet (Feb 11, 2016). “Monumental Bali: Introduction to Balinese Archaeology & Guide to the Monuments". Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 9781462911547. Accessed on May 15, 2017.
5. Ottersen, Carl (Feb 12, 2013). “The Great Guide to Bali: For Tablets". No Trees Publishing Ltd. Accessed on May 15, 2017.
6. Image : Original Collection

Searches on this site related to Batukaru Temple History:

1. Pura Luhur Batukaru
2.Temple Entrance Fees and Etiquette