Behind the Sacredness of Beji Indrakila: Tracing the Tradition of Tirta Collection in the Spiritual Practices of the Buahan Village Community, Payangan

Despite its relatively hidden location, Beji Indrakila is widely known among the community, not only by the people of Buahan Village but also by those from outside the Payangan area. Many Hindu devotees come to this beji to perform panglukatan with the purpose of cleansing themselves from negative influences and seeking smoothness and guidance in facing various life challenges. The beji is also well known among students and university learners who visit to seek blessings ahead of examinations, both academic exams and the preparation of their final theses.

According to local community elders, Beji Indrakila has existed for a long time and has been passed down through generations. However, to this day, no written records have been found regarding the early history of the beji’s establishment. The panglingsir who directly knew the origins of Beji Indrakila have passed away, resulting in its history being largely preserved through the community’s oral traditions. Nevertheless, the existence of this beji has been recognized since earlier generations and continues to be revered to the present day.

The shrine area and surroundings of Beji Indrakila in Buahan Village, Payangan (Photo Source: Personal Collection).

The uniqueness of Beji Indrakila lies in the absence of a specific piodalan ceremony, as is commonly found in temples. Instead, this beji forms part of a series of rituals associated with Pura Sukaluwih, which is located approximately one kilometer from the beji site. Within the ritual sequence at Pura Sukaluwih, Beji Indrakila plays an important role as the place for collecting holy tirta.

In addition to being used as a site for panglukatan, Beji Indrakila also serves as a melasti location within religious ceremonial processions. Although it is situated above the flow of the Ayung River with fairly challenging terrain, this does not diminish devotees’ enthusiasm to visit. Many people from outside the village continue to nangkil to Beji Indrakila to seek holy tirta, which is believed to possess strong spiritual power.

Hindu devotees performing the panglukatan ritual and prayers at Beji Indrakila in Buahan Village, Payangan (Photo Source: Personal Collection).

To this day, the sanctity of Beji Indrakila is carefully preserved by the krama of Buahan Village as a spiritual heritage passed down from their ancestors. Its existence functions not only as a place for self-purification, but also as a symbol of faith, hope, and harmony between humans, nature, and God in the lives of the Hindu community in Payangan.