Beji Gedong: Sacred Place Above the Holy Spring in Pejaten Village
Gedong Temple or Beji Gedong is located in Banjar Pangkung, Pejaten Village, Kediri District, Tabanan Regency, Bali. This sacred site is unique because it does not have a shrine, but instead uses a sacred tray as a medium for worship. Its uniqueness is further enhanced by the presence of a sacred cave and the mysterious phenomenon of sacred springs, making this temple a spiritual center that is revered and protected by the local community.
Amidst the green rice fields in Pejaten Village, Tabanan, stands a temple that is both unique and mysterious, namely Pura Gedong or Beji Gedong. This temple differs from other temples in Bali in that it does not have a palinggih as a place of worship, but only a sacred dulang and pajeng. It is this simplicity that creates a profound sense of sacredness, allowing worshippers who come to pray to feel a sense of tranquility and closeness to the forces of nature and the Creator.
Access Road to Beji Gedong (Source: Personal Collection)
The layout of Pura Gedong follows the trimandala concept. In the outer section, there are shrines dedicated to Ida Betara Wisnu, Padma, and Bale Gong, which serves as a gateway to the outside environment. In the middle jaba stand two tiger statues as guardians, while in the main mandala there is a sacred dulang which is the center of worship. Another special feature of this temple is the sacred cave under a large banyan tree. The cave has a low entrance that forces everyone to bow their heads as a sign of respect, but inside the room is quite spacious and is often used by worshippers as a place for spiritual practices.
Front view of Gedong Temple in the middle of rice fields (Source: Personal Collection)
The existence of Gedong Temple is also inseparable from the social life of the community. At least fifty families from various banjars, ranging from Banjar Pangkung, Banjar Pamesan, and Banjar Pejaten, have a spiritual connection with this temple. They routinely perform piodalan ceremonies, maintain cleanliness, and preserve the sanctity of the temple through mutual cooperation. Its remote location, about seven hundred meters from the Banjar Pangkung intersection and close to the Yeh Dati and Yeh Paneng rivers, adds to the tranquil atmosphere that supports spiritual concentration.
Beji Gedong Spring (Source: Private Collection)
With all its uniqueness, Gedong Temple is not only a center of worship for Hindus, but also a symbol of humanity's connection with nature and ancestors. Its simplicity without any elaborate decorations, the presence of a sacred cave, and the mysterious phenomenon of the holy spring make this temple one of Bali's unique and meaningful cultural heritages. Here, devotees are invited to reflect on the balance of life, the power of nature, and the profound connection with Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.
