Puncak Penulisan Temple
The Beauty of Ancient Temples from the Age of Civilization and as the Oldest Temple on the Island of the Gods
History of Puncak Penulisan Temple
Puncak Penulisan Temple is one of the oldest temples in Bali, which has been established since the megalithic era. This temple is used as a place of worship for Lord Shiva and has a close relationship with the Bali Aga people, who are known as the original inhabitants of Bali. Based on historical records, this temple was first built in the 3rd century AD, but the construction was not completed until later completed in the 10th to 14th centuries AD, during the Old Bali Kingdom under the Warmadewa and Majapahit Dynasties.
This temple has several names with different meanings. One of them is Tegeh Koripan Temple, which means “the place of the highest and firmest life.” There is also the name Pamojan Temple or Panah Raja Temple, which refers to the gathering place for kings to meditate or do tapa yoga. In addition, there is also the name Ukir Padelengan Temple, which refers to the beauty of the temple architecture decorated with distinctive and beautiful carvings. This temple carries the concept of the Holy Mountain, with the shape of the building resembling a hill or terraced pyramid, reflecting the harmony between man and nature.
In the Puncak Penulisan Temple complex, there are various historical relics from the megalithic to Hindu-Buddhist era. Some of them are andesite stone statues depicting gods and goddesses, humans and animals, as well as megalithic structures that show traces of an ancient culture that existed long before the development of Hinduism in Bali. With its architectural uniqueness and rich historical value, Puncak Penulisan Temple is a place that is not only sacred but also captivates the hearts of travelers seeking a spiritual and cultural experience.
Building Levels at This Temple
Puncak Penulisan Temple consists of seven levels that symbolize the concept of Sapta Loka in Hinduism, the seven realms of life. Each level has a different meaning and function, connected by stairs with a pelinggih that becomes a special place of worship. On the first level, there are temples to worship Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. The third level is reserved for the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parwati. The fourth level is used to worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati. On the fifth level, the pelinggih is used to honor Lord Surya and Goddess Candra. The sixth level is a place of worship for Lord Indra and Goddess Laksmi, while the seventh or highest level is dedicated to Lord Shiva Mahadeva.
Location of Puncak Penulisan Temple
Puncak Penulisan Temple is located in Sukawana Village, Kintamani District, Bangli Regency, at an altitude of 1,745 meters above sea level. Located in a cool mountainous area, this temple offers a supportive atmosphere for spiritual enhancement with stunning natural panoramas, making it one of the Bangli Interesting Places to Visit. From the center of Kintamani, the temple is only about 3 kilometers away and can be reached by any vehicle. If you are departing from Denpasar, you can take the Petang route to Tukad Bangkung Bridge or use the alternative route through Payangan.
Uniqueness that Becomes a Tourist Attraction at Puncak Penulisan Temple
Puncak Penulisan Temple has various uniqueness that makes it a tourist attraction. In this temple, there are many paired phalluses and hundreds of unpaired phalluses as the embodiment of Lord Shiva. You can also find stones decorated with the moon and sun, which are believed to be symbols of Bhatara Brahma. In addition, there are miniature temples that symbolize the mountains where the gods reside.
Another unique feature of this temple is the special ceremony held every 700 years, the Pengurip Jagad Bali Kabeh Ceremony. One of the main rituals in this ceremony involves kebo roras (12 buffaloes) planted in the center of the temple grounds. Not only that, but this temple also has a spring located in the main mandala, precisely inside one of the temples gedongs. However, only jro kubayan is allowed to enter the sacred gedong.
Puncak Penulisan Temple is highly recommended by Bali Touristic as a tourist attraction, especially for history lovers, because this place holds many stories from the past. When visiting, respect the sanctity of the temple by wearing sarongs, scarves, and polite clothing.
