Baturaya Temple Karangasem: The Phenomenon of Rice Grains Growing into Rice Seeds Around the Lingga Yoni Statue
Baturaya Penataran Temple in Tumbu Customary Village, Karangasem, Bali, is home to rich spiritual and cultural phenomena. During the temple’s piodalan ceremony, an extraordinary event took place where rice grains used in the offerings sprouted into rice seeds. This phenomenon reflects the deep connection between humans, nature, and the divine. The temple also holds a long history and spiritual uniqueness that continues to be preserved to this day.
A meaningful and unique event occurred at Baturaya Penataran Temple, Tumbu Customary Village, Karangasem, Bali. During the piodalan ceremony on Tuesday, September 17, 2019, an extraordinary phenomenon was observed near the Lingga Yoni shrine. Rice grains used in the ritual offerings sprouted into rice seeds. This remarkable event not only captured the attention of the local community but also symbolized the blessings from Ida Sesuhunan, the divine entity enshrined at the temple.
Astadala Shrine (Source: Personal Collection)
Baturaya Pesimpenan Temple has a long history rooted in unique spiritual signs and mystical guidance. According to Nyoman Sudana Intaran, the temple’s manggala karya, there was once a temple in Tumbu Village known as Pasimpenan Temple. This fact was revealed through the Tumbu Inscription dated Saka 1247 (1325 AD), although the information had been lost over time. This discovery was later confirmed through the mystical insights of Jro Mangku Tapakan Antiga, who believed in the temple's existence at the site.
Before the temple was rebuilt in 2006, the local community often experienced various mysterious occurrences. Nyoman Sudana, who had a family shrine next to the land where the temple now stands, frequently witnessed phenomena such as a coconut-sized fireball descending in the middle of the night, among other strange events. These occurrences were interpreted as signs that the long-forgotten temple needed to be revived. In his dreams, Sudana also had visions of a temple with three main shrines emitting symbols of fire, water, and healing sounds, further strengthening his resolve to rebuild the temple.
Beji (Source: Personal Collection)
Once the temple was reestablished, its spiritual connection with Kancing Gumi Temple in Batu Lantang, Badung, became more evident. Sudana received mystical guidance to create sacred effigies of Ratu Gede, Barong, and Rangda, which were consecrated at Kancing Gumi Temple. These sacred effigies now play a significant role in ceremonies at Baturaya Temple. During every pujawali, the sacred effigy of Ratu Mas Alit Sakti from Baturaya Temple arrives at Kancing Gumi Temple first to open the shrine’s gates before the rituals begin. This demonstrates the strong spiritual bond between the two temples, despite their geographical distance.
Another unique aspect of Baturaya Temple lies in its architectural layout, which harmonizes elements of Hindu and Buddhist culture. In the main courtyard, a large Buddhist stupa stands alongside the Padmasana shrine. On the temple's eastern side, the Lingga Yoni statue is surrounded by statues of Shiva, Buddha, Bhujangga, and a Semar statue. The Lingga Yoni shrine becomes a focal point during the piodalan ceremony, particularly due to the phenomenon of rice grains sprouting into rice seeds. The temple's caretakers believe this symbolizes fertility and nature’s blessings, closely tied to the mystical forces at work.
Temple Layout (Source: Personal Collection)
Mystical guidance continued to play a central role during the temple’s development. Sudana dreamt of a specific statue that needed to be created for the temple a depiction of Sakti Dewa Vishnu holding a water vessel (kendi) for holy water (tirta). The process of creating this statue was challenging due to the difficulty of translating the vision into reality. However, with the help of a priest from Kahyangan Tiga, the statue was eventually completed.
Baturaya Temple has grown into a revered spiritual site for surrounding villages. Initially intended as a small temple, mystical guidance and community support led to its expansion into the grand site it is today. The piodalan ceremony held every Anggara Kasih Tambir creates a powerful spiritual atmosphere, setting it apart from ordinary temple ceremonies.
The phenomenon of rice grains sprouting into rice seeds at Baturaya Temple is tangible proof of blessings and profound spiritual connections. Beyond symbolizing fertility, this phenomenon underscores the importance of preserving cultural and spiritual heritage. Baturaya Temple stands as a living testament to the blend of history, uniqueness, and mystical forces that surround it, reminding humanity of the inseparable bond between humans, nature, and the divine.
