Dalem Ireng and Dalem Putih: The Origin of Jimbaran Village

In ancient times, in the eastern part of Bali there was a kingdom called the kingdom of Klungkung. His King, Ida the Great God of Sri Ratu Dalem, is much loved by his people because during his reign, the conditions are safe, serene, just and prosperous. The king had two wives and two sons of his second wife. The son's second mother was Queen Dalem Putih and Sri Ratu Dalem Ireng. At first, the King of the Great God loved his second wife and his funny sons. However, after Dalem Ireng began to learn to stand up and step, the attitude of the Great God changed. The Great God hated his two sons and his second wife. On the other hand, the Great God loved his first wife, even though his queen did not give birth to a single son.

“Um Uncle Patih! “Umly Patih!” the King told his faithful patih on a sunny morning. “Spel out my second wife and her sons! I really hate to see their faces,” the king said to his faithful patih on a bright morning.

Patih, faithfully accompanying and always beside the king with astonishment to see the king's deeds. Although Patih first wanted to refuse the order, but what is the power of him as one of the king's servants, especially under threat, then it was forced to do it. Patih realized that the order was inhumane, and patih felt strange why the king could do such an order. Was the king blinded by such an order? Because indeed patih knew that the king behaved like that because of the influence of the empress. The queen was the first wife of the king, but had no sons. The empress is always afraid that the power of his king will be offered to one of the king's sons and wives. Because of this fear, immediately the empress influenced the king's mind to get rid of the second king's wife and his sons. Thus the power will still be held by the Supreme Lord under the control of the queen.

That day Sang Patih accompanied his two sons and mother out of the palace. All the palace residents were crying to see their departure, let alone saw the Mother with difficulty carrying Dalem Ireng while leading Dalem Putih who was walking in the gross. In the middle of the dense forest, the King’s envoy released the poor family with great affection.

Illustration of the mother and the two of them praying at Klotok Temple (Source: Private Collection)

At night, the wasted family mourned his fate. I don’t know what curse happened to him so that he had to accept that bitter fate. In the heat of heat, thirst and hunger, the mother invited her sons to rest under a shady tree. Near the shady tree stood a temple, his name was Pura Dalem Klotok. In front of the temple, the mother and her two children prayed that  Almighty God gave them strength and protection. For days, the family was wracked with suffering. They move around, looking for edible fruits. The mother who always carried Dalem Ireng and sometimes also had to hold Dalem Putih, the longer it ran out of energy. Moreover, he had to pluck fruits for his two sons. In the midst of despair, at a break of dawn, the mother was forced to leave her larger son.

"Hopefully Dalem Putih can overcome himself," he said in tears leaving his son who was sleeping soundly.

That morning, after sunrise, Dalem Putih woke up. She found her mother and sister not to be by her. In the midst of fear, he called out to his mother. Then in the middle of the dense forest, he searched for his mother’s footsteps while crying roiled. Suddenly, an old man emerged from behind the tree, making Dalem White more and more afraid. Crying, he tried to escape from that place.

"Don't be afraid, little one! My name is Dukuh Sakti. I am meditating in this forest," said the old man after successfully capturing him.

Illustration of Dalem Putih studying science with Dukuh Sakti (Source: Private Collection)

Dukuh Sakti then carried the child to his hut. He lovingly cared for the boy with great happiness. Dukuh Sakti felt very grateful to have such an intelligent, diligent, and resilient son. Dalem Putih was entrusted with inheriting all the knowledge of Dukuh Sakti. In a short time, Dalem Putih mastered various skills such as martial arts, meditation, chanting mantras, and all the medical knowledge taught by Dukuh Sakti. After growing up, Dalem Putih excelled in the skills he had learned. However, the will of the Almighty separated the two learned individuals. As Dukuh Sakti approached his end, he gave a message to his student, who was like a son to him, Dalem Putih.

"My child! The time has come, the God calls me. Go to the southwest direction. Stay in the area around Uluwatu Temple. Apply the knowledge you have mastered to those in need!"

With a heavy heart, Dalem Putih left the now-abandoned hut of Dukuh Sakti. For him, that hut was a place of significant education. Although it was difficult, he followed the instructions of his teacher and deceased parent. After passing through dense forests, ravines, rivers, and hills, the steadfast man finally arrived in the Uluwatu area, at the southern tip of Bali Island. There, he began a new life by clearing the forest and establishing a hut.

Dalem Putih’s presence in the new area was soon known to the local inhabitants, especially after they learned that he was a shaman with extraordinary skills. Many severely ill people were successfully treated by him. The handsome young man was not only known for his knowledge but also for his politeness, diligence, and kindness toward everyone. Many beautiful girls were attracted to him, and eventually, he married a maiden considered the most beautiful in the area.

One day, a young man visited Dalem Putih’s hut. Unfortunately, Dalem Putih was busy digging in the garden at the time, so the guest was only greeted by his wife. 

"Sorry, my husband is working in the garden. If you don’t mind, please wait a moment," said Dalem Putih's wife kindly.

Dalem Putih’s wife then went to fetch her husband from the garden. She assumed the guest was a poor, sickly man, given his thin body, weary eyes, and ragged clothes. When the couple returned to the hut, the strange guest had disappeared. Dalem Putih was suspicious and believed the young man to be a thief. Their suspicion was confirmed when they saw the mess and missing food. Dalem Putih was furious and pursued the young man.

After catching him, Dalem Putih angrily asked, "What do you think you're doing, playing tricks on me?" The young man did not apologize and instead fought back. A fierce battle ensued, with neither side showing signs of surrender. Unconsciously, they rolled down into a ravine and got caught in the bushes.

"Your nickname?" asked Dalem Putih after the fight. "My mother named me Dalem Ireng. And who are you?" Dalem Putih was shocked and embraced him, "I am your brother, Dalem Putih," while shedding tears.

The two young men, who had been separated since childhood, reunited in a joyful and affectionate embrace. However, the reunion had to end with a separation. Dalem Ireng, accustomed to wandering, chose not to stay with his brother. He was happy to continue his adventures from one place to another.

Illustration of Jimbaran Village (Source: Private Collection)

Meanwhile, Dalem Putih, at the request of the locals, decided to remain in the new area. Together with others, he spent days clearing the wilderness to the north of Uluwatu Temple. The newly cleared area was vast like land stretching out and bordered by the sea on both sides. This extensive area was named "Jimbaran," derived from the word 'Jimbar,' meaning 'Expansive.' Today, Jimbaran Village is renowned for its natural beauty, particularly its white sandy beach and clear waters. The village is also known as a seafood paradise, with various restaurants serving delicious grilled fish.