Tabanan, Rainbow over Ricefields

Worship at Pura Luhur Natar

Pura Luhur Natar Sari located in the traditional Desa Apuan, Tabanan is a place of interest for Hindu adherents throughout Bali, especially those from Tabanan, Badung and Gianyar regions. The temple is especially busy when pujawali grand anniversary is on the agenda to give offerings to ‘Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa’ known as ‘Sanghyang Siwa Pasupati’.

Pura Pucak Natar Sari, located 45km northwest of Denpasar amid the natural charm of plantations and terraced rice fields, has a status of Kahyangan Jagat temple, open for Hindu adherents from all parts of Bali. The ‘odalan’ ceremony in Pura Natar Sari takes place once every six months on Saturday Kliwon Wara Krulut (Tumpek Krulut).
In 2003, Saturday, 4 January is the Tumpek Krulut Day. Acting as the temple’s lower rank Pemangku (priests) are four people, of whom I Ketut Mastyum and Nang Diar remain alive, while I Senget/Nang Redeg and I Wayan Redeg / Nang Mastra have already passed away. This temple is supported by five traditional villages consisting of Apuan, Jelantik, Tua, Bubutin and Pinge.

History
This temple originally started out as a stony hand palm commemorative column, known as ‘Batu Nunggul’ among the Balinese. The hand palm appeared on the front part of a padmasana sacred statue, while the “Batu Nunggul” stands for important prayers in the inner courtyard. The stony hand palm is estimated to have came out of andesite stone from the period of 14th - 16th century with a measurement of 15 x 12 cm.
There is a story that in the 14th century I Gusti Ngurah Wayan Sakti established the Pura Pucak Luhur Natar Sari in the reign of the Majapahit Kingdom. During this era, some top state officials performed tirthayatra pilgrim until they arrived at Byas Muntig, Nusa Penida. One of these officials was I Gusti Ngurah Wayan Sakti accompanied by his spouse, Gusti Ayu Mas Maketel, and his son I Gusti Wayan Sakti.
I Gusti Ngurah Wayan Sakti wished to hold a yoga meditation on Bali together with Sirarya Sentong, a former vice regent during the reign of Shri Dalem Waturenggong Kepakisan of Dalem Kepakisan, in Klungkung. Both men started the journey following a prior made agreement.
Both men requested guidelines at Nusa Penida’s Pura Dalem Peed for the success of the journey. They arrived at Batu Bolong Beach, Canggu after crossing the sea, and from Canggu they continued their trip to the Gianyar area. Continuing westward brought them to Munduk Gulingan, where they performed yoga meditation at a place later named Taman Ayun. They then arrived at Pura Puser Tasik Marga, located in Alas Kunyit, presently known as Perean, and at Apuan to practise yoga.
Within a short time of performing meditation at Apuan, I Gusti Ngurah Wayan Sakti and Sirarya Sentong heard a soft voice. “Hey, both of you, listen to my words stating that you shall perform a prayer here with the aim to be bestowed on the name of Natar Sar. I am Sanghyang Siwa Pasupati Deity, established in Pucak Luhur Padang Dawa. Build here a place of prayer to honor me because I am sitting in Natar Sari just to urge humanity to respect me.” Based on the message, a place for prayer came into being in the Saka Year of 1585 or 1663 AD.
Pura Luhur Natar Sari temple’s property includes amongst others masks, stony commemorative column, dagger, spear, blowpipe, bowl, and ‘gender’ gamelan ensemble, while some sacred objects related closely with pujawali ritual ceremonies are stored in other temples for example Ubud’s Pura Desa Kantil Lantang temple, in Pura Jemeng Banjar Pinge, Marga, and in Pura Kekran Manik Gunung. (buda)