Dalem Guha Watu Pageh Temple: Unveiling the Secrets of History and Hidden Spiritual Wealth

According to the Purana book, the existence of Dalem Guha Watu Pageh Temple in Bali is inseparable from the arrival of six figures from outside Bali. Similarly, the history of the establishment of Dalem Watu Pageh Temple cannot be separated from the arrival of a religious figure in Bali, namely Dang Hyang Nirartha (Dang Hyang Dwijendra). Danghyang Dwijendra continued his journey towards the southeast, then towards the southwest. There was a protruding cliff towards the sea, in Bukit Badung. He proceeded to that place, following the coastline, and soon arrived. There, he observed the surroundings - to the north, west, south, and east. He performed yoga and established a sacred area. Shortly after its completion and consecration, this sacred area was named Uluwatu. Not far from there, he founded a hermitage known as Goa Gong Temple. After that, he continued his journey to the east, and the details of the journey were not mentioned until he arrived at Goa Watu Pageh. There, he established a sacred place called Dalem Guha Watu Pageh Temple, which stands to this day. From this place, he headed towards Bwalu, along the seaside, in the southeast direction of Bwalu. There, protruding cliffs by the sea caught his eye, and he rested. By planting his umbrella, water suddenly gushed out from the spot where the umbrella was planted. This water was used for purification. The sacred water was then maintained by the people there and became a source of life. It was named Bukit Payung Temple and is known as such until today. After leaving that place and heading north, not far from there, there is Giliwatu (Stone Island), and in its midst, there is a small island called Nusa Duwaning Loka. He rested there and composed a Kekawin,  namely Anyang Nirartha. After finishing the composition, he continued north and reached Serangan. On the northwest coast of Serangan, he was delighted by the beauty of the sea. There, Danghyang rested, establishing a sacred place in the middle of the small island. The sacred place was named Sakenan Temple, adding to the beauty of the ocean due to the purity of the temple. The seawater was clear and immaculate, and he found great joy in staying there. There was much beauty to be told.

Prayer Photo at Dalem Guha Watu Temple Pageh (Photo Source: Private Collection)

Let me retell the story. The presence of Guha Watu Pageh Temple, situated at the southern tip of the island of Bali, is abundant with rangdu/kapuk trees, resembling the flowing hair of a person. Its beauty is unparalleled. Therefore, many people come to seek spiritual purification. Dungusing kidul, where dungus means nose, peak or Ungasan, kidul means south. Guha Watu Pageh ri dungusing kidul Pulau Bali means Guha Watu Pageh located in the region of Ungasan. There is another story from the time of the reign of Cokorda Pamecutan, in the year Saka Netra Asti Rasa Bhumi (Saka year 1682) he, at that time, went to the southernmost part of the Bandhana state or the Badung region, as that area was under his rule. In the midst of the forest there, enveloped by the beauty of kapok trees, during the Kapat sasih season, Which brought enchanting beauty, in that place, he meditated, practiced yoga, focused his mind, and received blessings from Hyang Widhi. He was the reigning king of Pamecutan and and succeeded in yoga at Guha Watu Pageh. Then, he bestowed blessings upon the local leaders in the Ungasan region, overseeing, managing, and nurturing Guha Watu Pageh Temple. It was established as a hereditary priesthood position, lasting through the ages, along with the provision of offerings (Catu/laba), to fund ceremonies and rituals dedicated to Danghyang and the Gods ruling the natural world. This is the sacred Dharmayatra of Danghyang Dwijendra, the holy journey of Danghyang Dwijendra, and the existence of Dang Kahyangan on the island of Bali. This inscription has been consecrated, preserved, and used as a charter, reminding the descendants of the priests of Watu Pageh Temple. This is the sacred journey of Danghyang Dwijendra, a precious heritage that is continuously preserved and passed down through the generations by the custodians of Watu Pageh Temple. The inscription, enacted through rituals and commemorated in certificates, serves as a reminder of this rich and invaluable spiritual legacy. This lengthy history immortalizes the presence of Dang Kahyangan and the magnificence of the island of Bali in the spiritual journey.