Beji Pura Puseh of Desa Adat Sedang: An Ancestral Heritage Preserving Harmony Between Nature and Humanity

Bali, as the Island of the Gods, has invaluable cultural and spiritual riches. One of the ancestral heritages that reflects the harmony between humans, nature, and God is Beji Pura Puseh in Sedang Traditional Village, Badung Regency. This place is not only a religious site, but also a symbol of the deep relationship between humans and the environment that has existed since ancient times.

Beji, which in Balinese tradition means a place of worship related to holy water, is an important element in Hindu religious practices. In Pura Puseh, Sedang Traditional Village, Beji functions as a purification location before religious ceremonies. The water source is considered holy because it is believed to be a manifestation of God's blessing that cleanses the souls and bodies of mankind. This purification process is a form of ritual that connects humans with greater natural and spiritual powers.

Beji Pura Puseh is not only a holy place to perform purification rituals, but also a space that reflects the reciprocal relationship between humans and the surrounding environment. The holy water that flows from Beji is not only used for religious ceremonies, but also for daily life, such as irrigating rice fields and domestic needs. This shows how the local community maintains a balance between utilizing natural resources and preserving them so that they remain sustainable for future generations.

Fountain from a Spring (Source: Private Collection)

The philosophy of Tri Hita Karana is very much felt in Beji Pura Puseh. This philosophy teaches the importance of harmony between humans and God (Parahyangan), humans and others (Pawongan), and humans and nature (Palemahan). Beji Pura Puseh is a real manifestation of this philosophy, because its existence reminds us of the importance of maintaining a balance in life through a mutually supportive relationship between the three aspects. This philosophy is a guide for the people of Sedang Traditional Village in maintaining their relationship with nature and ancestors, ensuring the sustainability of their lives.

In the life of the people of Sedang Traditional Village, Beji Pura Puseh plays a central role. This place is the location for various traditional ceremonies, such as melukat (self-purification ritual) and the Piodalan ceremony which are carried out periodically. Through these rituals, the community not only communicates with God, but also strengthens the solidarity of their community. The presence of Beji as a place of worship ensures that spiritual and social values ​​continue to be passed down to the next generation.

The sustainability of this place cannot be separated from the role of the local community in maintaining its sanctity and beauty. Mutual cooperation in cleaning the temple area and maintaining Beji's water sources is a real manifestation of their dedication to their ancestral heritage. The community also applies certain prohibitions to maintain the sustainability of the environment around the temple, such as not damaging plants, not littering, and maintaining the cleanliness of the river. These prohibitions show their concern in ensuring that natural harmony is maintained.

Beji Temple, Sedang Traditional Village (Source: Private Collection)

However, the challenges of modernization cannot be avoided. The pressures of development and tourism sometimes threaten the sustainability of sacred sites such as Beji Pura Puseh. Therefore, collective awareness to protect and preserve this heritage is very important. Efforts by the government together with the community, such as temple zoning regulations and cultural education, are concrete steps to maintain its existence. In addition, various environmental conservation programs around the temple, such as tree planting and clean water management, are carried out to ensure that Beji remains a natural spiritual center.

Beji Pura Puseh Desa Adat Sedang is a real example of how tradition and spirituality can go hand in hand with nature conservation. This place reminds us of the importance of appreciating ancestral heritage, not only as part of our cultural identity but also as a guide to maintaining harmony in life. Through the protection and respect for this site, we help preserve the noble values ​​passed down from generation to generation. Beji Pura Puseh is not only a witness to history, but also a symbol of hope for a future where humans live in harmony with nature and spirituality.