Tabanan, Rainbow over Ricefields

The Uniqueness of Luhur Watukaru Temple

Luhur Watukaru Temple on the feet of Batukaru Mountain included in Wangaya Gede Village, Penebel sub district, Tabanan Regency, about 42 Km from Denpasar or 21 Km to the northwest of Tabanan. Luhur Watukaru Temple is one of Sad Khayangan in Bali which was built by Empu Kuturan in 11th C. An ancient omission of antique Balinese spears was found in this temple (10th-13th C).
Many Balinese Hindus come to the temple especially on temple’s feast days, once in six months (210 days) which is on Wrespati Umanis Wara Dungulan or Umanis Galungan (9 March 2005). Penyejeran (feats day period) for 11 days to pray.
Before praying at Luhur Watukaru Temple, it’s usually starts by praying at Beji Temple, east side of Luhur Watukaru Temple, which aimed for self-purifying. In Beji Temple exist several douches with it clean water. A big pond with small shrine on the center placed in the south.
Praying in Luhur Watukaru Temple started at the Utama Mandala or in front of the main shrine which shaped like Tepasana. Praying can be started without hand-washing, gargling with pure water, because we already pray in Beji Temple.
When the feast day comes, devotee will park their cars and walk toward the temple, which is about 1 Km. A breezy nuance with huge trees along the road will make the journey become pleasurable.
Tri Mandala element in this temple similarly with other consisted temples which are Nista Mandala (Jaba Sisi/outer part), Madya Mandala (Jaba Tengah/center part) and Utama Mandala (Jeroan/inner part). On Jaba Sisi, a huge multi-functioned hall exists.
Pengempon and pengemong (responsible clan) as well as Krama Pemaksan (adherent) of Luhur Watukaru Temple is the villager of Penebel and Wangaya Gede, whilst the temple’s ‘pemucuk’ is Jro Kubayan is based on warih (generation) who entitled the Jro Kabayan of the temple.
As the temple’s custodian said, tourists visit this temple almost everyday. It’s usually crowded from 9 am until12 pm. Meanwhile, the people who tend to pray usually come on holidays, generally private employees or civil servants. Some NGO organizations also come for devote work of cleaning the temple. (BTN/015)