Pesimpangan Temple at Besakih

Having discussed the existence of seven mandalas or stairs at Penataran Agung Temple Besakih, now it’s the time to talk about the existence of 20 temple complexes situating on the slope of Mount Agung called the Besakih Temple complex. The twenty temple complexes are just restricted to that categorized into Besakih Temple complex including Penataran Agung Temple. Because, some temples around Besakih Temple belong to Besakih Temple like Pedarman Temple, while others are not.
Of the twenty complexes, the first temple discussed after Penataran Agung in this article is Pesimpangan Temple. This located some 2 km west of Penataran Agung Besakih. However, the public say that Pesimpangan Temple sits in the south of Penataran Agung Besakih. Actually, it’s just a feeling and does not comply with direction shown by compass. Complex of this Pesimpangan Temple is immensely bijou and is a very modest building. Leading pelinggih or shrine at Pesimpangan Temple is called Gedong Limas Catu. Some other buildings are pepelik used to lay down the oblations as worshiping paraphernalia of devotees, bebaturan and piyasan pavilion used to array the larger-scale oblations. In addition, there are also some stone relics of which form are difficult to identify as they have been ruined. Such stones probably constitute the form of worshipping paraphernalia during megalithic periods or the remains of Sivaite Pasupata sect existing prior to the emergence of Sivaite Siddhanta. Though the Sivaite Pasupata sect no longer exists but disciples of Sivaite Siddhanta did not destroy this worshipping paraphernalia, it remaines to be made a medium as we found at some bebaturans (lingam) at several complexes at Besakih Temple. Despite the fact that worshipping paraphernalia of Pasupata did not become the major element in Sivaite Siddhanta cult, it stayed to be appreciated and did not demolish or was treated carelessly. Limas Catu chamber as leading shrine at Pesimpangan Temple functions as ‘sojourn’ or ephemeral abode of Ida Bhatara of Besakih. Why is there ephemeral abode called Pesimpangan Temple at the complex of Besakih Temple?
In regular ritual activities at Besakih Temple, there is an activity called melasti. This activity represents the passage of devas (God’s divine light) that performed of which procession at Besakih Temple is usually done to Batu Klotok Temple located on the beach south of Klungkung Regency, Tegal Suci and Toya Sah. These three places have become regular melasti destinations every year. When the melasti procession comes back to Besakih or Penataran Agung, it does not straightforwardly lead to Besakih. The procession then draws up for some hours at this Pesimpangan Temple. On such a short break, the Limas Catu chamber is symbolized as the ephemeral abode of Ida Bhatara of Besakih. The word ‘simpang’ is derived from Balinese language meaning drop in. So the Pesimpangan Temple functions as ephemeral sojourn of Ida Bhatara, the symbol of the Almighty God that venerated at Penataran Agung Temple at Besakih. On the arrival of melasti procession at the origin shrine, devotees at all times offer a variety of oblations. Dimensions of such oblations much depend on the scale of the ceremony. If the ceremony is grandiose so the arrival oblation at the shrine will be in larger scale. To prepare the oblations, it takes time. That’s why the return melasti procession needs time to drop in for a while at Pesimpangan Temple. At earliest period, there has not been sophisticated communication and transportation means as those of today, so it was difficult to know whether the welcoming preparation of processions were ready or not at Besakih Temple. The only indication that the procession had come to a close to Penataran Agung Temple at Besakih was the sound of gamelan. It is said that if the melasti procession has arrived at Pesimpangan Temple, the strings of gamelan ensemble was obviously heard from Penataran Agung. If the sound of the gamelan has been heard so everything pertaining to the reception of the arrival of procession could have been prepared. After a short pause at Pesimpangan Temple, the melasti then leaved for Penataran Agung Besakih. As soon as they arrived at there any rituals have been ready to carry out.
The immensely fascinating Pesimpangan Temple is the design of Limas Catu shrine. At every Merajan Gede called Gedong Pertiwi, a place of ancestral soul worship for the Hindus across Bali, commonly occurs Limas Catu shrine located on the right side of Gedong Pertiwi. Such Limas Catu also constitutes the sojourn of Bhatara of Mount Agung at Besakih. While, on the left side lies Gedong Limas Mujung representing the sojourn of Ida Bhatara of Mount Batur. By nature, both shrines have the same form. However, its slight difference lies on its rooftop. If Limas Catu has conical shape made of palm fibre, Limas Mujung has an ornamented cap made of clay.
Besakih and Batur Temple constitutes Kahyangan Jagat temple that belongs to Rwa Bhineda temple. It functions as medium to venerate God to invoke the balance of corporeal and spiritual life. Meanwhile, at Besakih Temple is to appeal for bliss of spiritual life and at Batur Temple for that of corporeal life. So, the purpose of ancestral worship at Merajan Gedong Pertiwi is also to invoke the ancestral souls in order they encourage devotee’s veneration to God for the sake of establishing life prosperity, both corporeal and spiritual. On that account, there are Pesimpangan Besakih and Batur shrines in the form of Limas Catu and Limas Mujung. (BTN/Kt. Wiana)