Beneath the Shrine of Dalem Sukawati: A Kawitan Temple that Preserves the Pulse of Sukawati’s Ancestors

Kawitan Dalem Sukawati Temple is a kawitan temple that serves as a place of worship for the ancestors of the Dalem Sukawati descendants. This temple is not just a place of prayer, but also a place to return to in order to remember one's origins, organize one's inner self, and strengthen the sense of brotherhood among descendants. It is here that the relationship between ancestors and the current generation is maintained with respect.

Shrine of Ida Bhatara Ratu Anom (left) and Ida Bhatara Agung (right) (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

The existence of Pura Kawitan Dalem Sukawati cannot be separated from Babad Dalem Sukawati, which serves as a reference for stories about the journey of ancestors. In the chronicle, Dalem Sukawati is described as a leader who organized life and maintained balance in the region. This story has been passed down from generation to generation, not only through writing, but also through oral stories that live on among the extended family of Dalem Sukawati.

The simplicity of this temple is precisely its strength. There are not many supporting buildings, but its meaning is profound. This temple teaches that respect for ancestors is not always shown through grandeur, but through sincerity and earnestness in preserving the teachings of the ancestors.

Bale Pengias (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Kawitan Dalem Sukawati Temple was built as a place of worship directly facing the ancestral shrine. Upon entering the temple grounds, worshippers immediately find themselves in the sacred area where the Dalem Sukawati shrine is located. This atmosphere invites everyone who comes to be more calm, focused, and sincere in their prayers. The simplicity of the temple's layout actually makes its meaning feel closer and more profound.

The main shrine at Pura Kawitan Dalem Sukawati is the center of worship and prayer. It is before this shrine that the descendants of Dalem Sukawati offer their prayers for safety, health, and guidance in life. Each prayer is a reminder that the life we live today is inseparable from the services and paths opened by our ancestors.

Bale Pengaruman (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

The piodalan at Pura Kawitan Dalem Sukawati is a very important time for all descendants. This is when the extended family gathers, greets each other, and together offers their devotion. The atmosphere of the piodalan is filled with prayers, the scent of incense, and ceremonial decorations that strengthen the sense of togetherness. For many people, coming to the piodalan means returning to their roots, remembering who they are and where they come from.

This temple is managed by the descendants of Dalem Sukawati. The managers take care of the temple with great responsibility, from preparing for ceremonies and maintaining the cleanliness of the temple grounds to carrying out the piodalan. Everything is done cooperatively as a form of devotion to the ancestors. The role of the managers is not only to maintain the building, but also to preserve the values and teachings that have been passed down.

Performing Prayers (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

The involvement of the younger generation in temple activities is an important part of the sustainability of this kawitan temple. Through this involvement, children and teenagers learn about prayer procedures, the meaning of ceremonies, and the importance of maintaining relationships with their ancestors. In this way, the values of Dalem Sukawati continue to live on and are not lost over time.

Amidst a constantly changing life, the Dalem Sukawati Kawitan Temple remains a place to calm oneself and strengthen the soul. Many descendants come not only during piodalan, but also on ordinary days to pray and ask for guidance. The silence of the temple provides space for reflection and self-improvement.

Pura Kawitan Dalem Sukawati teaches that ancestral heritage is not only sacred buildings, but also a way of life. As long as this temple is cared for, prayed for, and guarded together, the teachings of the Dalem Sukawati ancestors will continue to guide their descendants from generation to generation.