Merajan Agung Kawitan Sira Arya Kuthawaringin Temple

Merajan Agung Kawitan Sira Arya Kuthawaringin Temple is located in the heart of an area rich in Bali's history and culture. This temple is a highly respected spiritual center for the descendants of Arya Kubon Tubuh, who play a crucial role in preserving the traditions and heritage of their ancestors. As a temple standing firm amid the natural beauty of Bali, Merajan Kawitan Temple offers a sense of tranquility and peace, providing an opportunity for devotees to contemplate the greatness of God and honor their ancestors.

The temple features a highly organized and symmetrical layout, with areas divided to reflect the concept of balance and harmony between the human world and the spiritual realm. As a place of worship for the descendants of Arya Kubon Tubuh, Merajan Kawitan Temple is not only a site for prayer but also a symbol of spiritual strength and wisdom passed down through generations.

The Peaceful and Calm Atmosphere Around the Temple (Source: Personal Collection)

History of the Establishment of Pura Merajan Kawitan

Merajan Kawitan Temple is one of the sacred temples with profound historical and spiritual value for Pratisentana Sira Arya Kubon Tubuh. According to Babad Sira Arya Kuthawaringin-Kubontubuh, the existence of this temple is inseparable from the long history of the reign of the Dalem Ketut Semara Kepakisan Dynasty in Bali. Kyayi Gusti Agung Bandesa Gelgel, a central figure in this chronicle, was the founder and initial manager of this sacred area.

In Saka year 1305 (1383 AD), when Ida I Dewa Ketut Ngulesir was appointed as the King of Bali under the title Dalem Sri Smara Kepakisan, the royal palace was centered in Gelgel. During this transfer of power, Kyayi Gusti Agung Bandesa Gelgel entrusted his temple to Dalem Ketut Semara Kepakisan to be used as the royal palace. In exchange, he built a new palace in Abian Kawan, an area full of coconut trees. This led to his being known as Kyayi Klapodhyana or I Gusti Kubon Tubuh, a name later passed on to his descendants.

Merajan Agung Kawitan Sira Arya Kuthawaringin Temple (Source: Personal Collection)

Functions and Status of the Temple

Merajan Kawitan Temple plays a strategic role in preserving the spiritual heritage of Pratisentana Sira Arya Kubon Tubuh-Kuthawaringin. As a place of worship, this temple is known by several names that describe its function and status, such as:

1. Pura Pesimpenan: A place for keeping the Ajipurana Anugerah Ida Dalem Ketur Semara Kepakisan, Candri Sawalan, Prasasti/babad, pratima-pralingga Ida Batara, and surat kajang kawitan.
2. Pura Kawitan: The main seat of Ida Bethara Kawitan, this place is the spiritual center connecting worshippers to their ancestors.
3. Pura Merajan Agung: Its primary function is as the shelter for the lineage of Arya Kuthawaringin and the entire pratisentana.

This temple also symbolizes the existence of manu wangsa, the noble descendants of Arya, believed to have received direct blessings from Ida Hyang Widhi. This blessing is marked by the discovery of a large coconut sprout (pijer) in front of Gedong Bethara Lingsir, strengthening the belief that the descendants of Arya Kubon Tubuh are blessed with noble status in Bali's social structure.

Madya Mandala of Pura Merajan Agung Kawitan Sira Arya Kuthawaringin (Source: Personal Collection)

Layout and Philosophical Meaning

The layout of Merajan Kawitan Temple is designed with careful attention to cosmic balance and Hindu Bali philosophy. Key parts of the temple include:

-  Gedong Bethara Lingsir: This building serves as the main seat for Ida Bethara Kawitan, a central spiritual place where worship and veneration of ancestors are conducted.

- Gedong Tarib: This structure is dedicated to the sacred spirits of the ancestors, providing protection and blessings to their descendants.

-  Tugu Agung: This monument represents the greatness and power of Ida Bethara Kawitan. As a vertical element, it symbolizes the connection between the human world, nature, and the divine realm.

The overall layout of the temple reflects the concept of Tri Mandala, the division of the area into three main sections: Nista Mandala (outer area), Madya Mandala (middle area), and Utama Mandala (central area). This division not only serves a practical purpose but also symbolizes the spiritual journey of the worshippers from worldly consciousness to sacred purity.

Gedong Bethara Lingsir and Gedong Tarib (Source: Personal Collection)

Legends and Historical Conflicts

Merajan Kawitan Temple also stands as a silent witness to various significant events in the history of the Arya Kubon Tubuh family. One of the most famous stories is the conflict between Kyayi Klapodhyana and Kyayi Nyuh Aya.

This dispute began over the planned marriage of Kyayi Klapodhyana to I Gusti Ayu Adi, the daughter of Kyayi Nyuh Aya. However, differences in views nearly tore apart their relationship. Dalem Ketut Semara Kepakisan intervened to mediate the conflict. With his wisdom, he succeeded in bringing peace between the two figures, ultimately strengthening Kyayi Klapodhyana's position as a wise leader.

This conflict reflects the dynamics of power and social relations at the time, while also highlighting the importance of wisdom and harmony in maintaining relations between communities.

Gedong Tarib and Amanca Agung Ida Batara Kawitan (Source: Personal Collection)

Rituals and Traditions at Merajan Kawitan Temple

As a spiritual center, Merajan Kawitan Temple is the site of numerous religious rituals and ceremonies with deep significance. Every ritual conducted here serves not only to venerate Ida Bethara Kawitan but also to maintain the balance between humans, nature, and the spiritual realm.

Merajan Kawitan Temple is more than just a place of worship; it is a symbol of the identity and cultural heritage of Pratisentana Sira Arya Kubon Tubuh. Its existence reflects the long journey of history, tradition, and spirituality passed down through generations. With its unique qualities and philosophical values, this temple serves as a reminder for all descendants to always maintain harmony with their ancestors, fellow humans, and the universe. Through regular ceremonies and honors performed here, Merajan Kawitan Temple remains alive as a spiritual center linking the past, present, and future. This legacy not only enriches Bali's culture but also inspires the preservation of noble values in modern life.