The Legend of the Sacred Hair of Danghyang Dwijendra in Rambut Siwi Temple

Bali has many interesting temples to visit, one of which is Rambut Siwi Temple. Rambut Siwi Temple is located in the village of Yeh Embang, Jembrana Regency, Bali. This temple is one of the most revered sacred places in Bali and serves as an important destination for visitors and tourists seeking the tranquility and spiritual grandeur of Bali. The name "Rambut Siwi" itself holds profound meaning. "Rambut" refers to the sacred hair of Danghyang Dwijendra, while "Siwi" is a Sanskrit word that means sacred or holy. Thus, Rambut Siwi Temple can be translated literally as the "Sacred Hair Temple".

Rambut Siwi Temple features distinctive architecture with towering aling-aling (traditional Balinese thatched roofs). The temple also offers breathtaking sea views, making it a highly favored place for meditation and contemplation. However, what makes Rambut Siwi Temple particularly special is the most precious artifact within it the sacred hair of Danghyang Dwijendra.

Rambut Siwi Temple (Photo Source: Pujangga Nagari Nusantara)

The sacred hair of Danghyang Dwijendra is kept in a wooden chest adorned with beautiful carvings. The chest is believed to be the resting place of the sacred hair. Every year, on the full moon day of Kuningan in the Hindu calendar, Pura Rambut Siwi celebrates the ceremony, which is a periodic Hindu religious celebration. Kuningan is an important moment for the Hindu community in Bali to honor and celebrate the presence of the sacred hair of Danghyang Dwijendra and receive its blessings.

Ceremony Day at Pura Rambut Siwi is a Hindu religious celebration that occurs approximately every 210 days in the Hindu calendar. Therefore, the exact date in the Gregorian calendar, commonly used, is not fixed each year. In Hindu belief in Bali, Kuningan is considered a day when the spirits of ancestors return to the world to visit sacred places and bestow blessings upon humanity. Hence, Pura Rambut Siwi has chosen the full moon day of Kuningan as the perfect time to celebrate and honor this sacred hair.

During the ceremony celebration, Hindu communities in Bali gather at Pura Rambut Siwi to pray, worship, and participate in various religious ceremonies. The sacred hair of Danghyang Dwijendra is displayed to the public as a part of these rituals. Throughout the celebration, Hindus wear special attire and bring offerings in the form of flowers, fruits, and agricultural products as a symbol of their respect for the sacred hair.

The sacred hair of Danghyang Dwijendra is a treasured relic carefully guarded by the temple's custodians. They bear the immense responsibility of preserving and maintaining the hair to ensure it remains protected and presented in its best condition.

Rambut Siwi Temple (Photo Source: Pujangga Nagari Nusantara)

The legend of Danghyang Dwijendra, more commonly known as Danghyang Nirartha, is one of the revered figures considered a religious hero in Bali. He was a Hindu priest believed to have lived in the 16th century AD. His name symbolizes an ascetic who reached the highest levels of spirituality, hence being honored as a "Danghyang," meaning pure or sacred.

In the legend of Danghyang Dwijendra, there is a very distinctive element of Balinese culture - the sacred hair. According to this legend, Danghyang Dwijendra possessed hair so strong and sacred that it could overcome various obstacles and even defeat his enemies. The uniqueness of his hair was regarded as a blessing from Lord Shiva, one of the primary deities in Hinduism greatly venerated in Bali.

Danghyang Dwijendra was a wandering ascetic, traveling across Bali to impart the teachings of Hinduism to the local communities. In his spiritual journey, he was also known as a prominent figure contributing significantly to the construction and maintenance of sacred temples in Bali. Rambut Siwi Temple, which has become a place of visitors and veneration for many, also has a strong connection to the life story of Danghyang Dwijendra.

Rambut Siwi Temple Gate (Photo Source : Pujangga Nagari Nusantara)

The legend of the Sacred Hair of Danghyang Dwijendra is not merely an old tale passed down from generation to generation. It continues to thrive in Balinese culture and everyday life. Many religious ceremonies and traditional celebrations draw inspiration from this story.

Furthermore, this legend is also associated with the concept of "Tri Hita Karana", which is the fundamental philosophy of Balinese life. This concept emphasizes the balance that must be maintained between humans and nature, among humans themselves, and between humans and the gods. The legend of the Sacred Hair of Danghyang Dwijendra imparts spiritual values and ethics that contribute to upholding this balance.

Rambut Siwi Temple, with the legend of the Sacred Hair of Danghyang Dwijendra, is an invaluable cultural and spiritual heritage for the people of Bali. The story of the hair that could conquer all obstacles is not a forgotten ancient tale but a narrative that continues to resonate in the daily life of Bali. The sacred hair of Danghyang Dwijendra symbolizes purity, strength, and wisdom, inspiring the people of Bali to maintain balance in their lives.