Batukaru Temple or Pura Luhur Batukaru is a Hindu
temple in Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia. Located on the southern slope of Mount
Batukaru, Bali's second-highest peak, the temple is one of nine kayangan jagat
(directional temples) meant to protect Bali from evil spirits. Originally was
built on 11th century, Pura Luhur Batukaru was dedicated to the ancestors of
the rajas of Tabanan. It was destroyed in 1604, but rebuilt in 1959. The
temple's most important shrine is a 7-tiered meru dedicated to Mahadewa, the
God of Mount Batukaru. Today, Pura Luhur Batukaru remains an extremely sacred
site for Bali's Hindu population. Many of the complex's grounds remain
off-limits to visitors for various ceremonies and events throughout the year.
The temple is also the first stop one must take before ascending to the summit
of Mount Batukaru. A pilgrimage takes place to the peak once a year, and may
see thousands of worshipers walk its trails at once. Batukaru Temple is one of the
biggest Hindu Temples in Bali with Catur Lokapala Temple and Padmabhuwana
Temple status. It is set in the plateau area with lush tropical rain forest
surround it. It is situated in the peaceful area which is far from the local
resident that is ideally for worship. There are some temple building spread out
through the tranquility of rain forest and the big mountain of Batukaru as a
back drop.
LOCATION
Watukaru or Batukaru Temple is located at Wangaya
Gede countryside,Penebel sub-District and Tabanan regency, in
west part of Bali Island. It is located right on the foot of Mount Batukaru and
about 2 hours from Denpasar Airport. It takes 2 hours 15 minutes drive from Kuta, Legian and Seminyak. 2 hours 30 minutes drives from Sanur while from Nusa Dua takes about 2 hours 40 minutes.
HISTORY
The history of this temple is difficult to be
found out even in the ancient omission exists in this temple. For example some
profile area like harpoon own the Ancient Bali type, but no written data found
it. The effort study and research of this temple history remain to find
difficulties. The temple festival at Luhur Batukaru or Batukaru Temple is
executed every six-month or 210 days which is every Thursday Umanis Wara
Dungulan (Balinese Calendar), just the day after Galungan Day (the biggest
Balinese Hindu Holidays). The extension day of temple festival is executed
during eleven day, to give the opportunity for Hindu public society especially
in Bali to come for praying. Pengempon (the society who take care of the
temple) has the obligation to take care of the temple inclusive of ceremony
execution. This fact is one of characteristic power outside of physical of Batu
Karu Temple.
