Dalem Sukun Peguyangan Temple: the existence of statues traced to the remains of the Megalithic Period

Dalem Sukun Temple, located in Banjar Benaya, Peguyangan Village, North Denpasar District, Bali, is an important temple that has high spiritual and archaeological value. This temple is known as a place of worship for Hindus in the area and is managed by Jero Mangku Made Nama together with Mangku Istri Ni Wayan Sudri. Apart from being a place of prayer, this temple also has a typical Balinese layout that reflects religious philosophy and cultural values.

Dalem Sukun Temple has the main function as a place of prayer and implementation of Balinese Hindu traditional ceremonies. Hindus in Bali often hold piodalan, namely ceremonies commemorating temple anniversaries which are usually accompanied by offerings in the form of offerings, sacred dances and other religious processions. Apart from that, every time there is a Hindu religious holy day such as full moon, tilem and kajeng kliwon, Hindu people in the area will flock to come to pray at this temple.

One of the Sacred Buildings at Dalem Sukun Temple (Photo Source: Private Collection)

There are various pelinggih (sacred buildings) which each have their own function and spiritual meaning. Among them are Linggih Ratu Manik Galih, Meru Tumpang 3, Linggih Ratu Susun, and Linggih Ratu Penyarikan. These buildings are dedicated to worshiping the main gods, ancestral spirits, or manifestations of God who are believed to guard and protect Hindus.

Gedong Ratu Ketut, Gedong Ratu Pemayun, Gedong Ratu Penyarikan, and Gedong Bhatara Sanak are also important parts of the main area of ​​the temple, each having a different role in carrying out religious ceremonies. All these sacred buildings are the main part where on holy days prayers will be held.

One of the Sacred Buildings at Dalem Sukun Temple (Photo Source: Private Collection)

This temple also has various bale, which are multi-purpose buildings used in various rituals or traditional activities. For example, Bale Agung, Bale Gong, Bale Pabersihan and Bale Paebatan, which function to prepare ceremonies, places for offerings, or gathering places for people who come to pray. There are also facilities such as Bale Perantenan, which is usually used as a place to serve food or offerings in religious ceremonies.

One of the Sacred Statues at Dalem Sukun Temple (Photo Source: Private Collection)

One of the main unique things about Dalem Sukun Temple is the existence of ancient statues which are believed to originate from the megalithic era. These statues are evidence of the influence of prehistoric traditions on the lives of Balinese people in the past. The megalithic period itself was an era when people began to build large stone structures for spiritual and ritual purposes. The picture above shows one of the famous statues named by local residents, namely Ratu Ngurah Agung.

Relics in the form of statues at Dalem Sukun Temple show cultural continuity from prehistoric times to the Hindu-Balinese era. These statues have unique shapes and characteristics that depict the religious values ​​of megalithic society, such as respect for ancestors and natural forces.

One of the Sacred Buildings at Dalem Sukun Temple (Photo Source: Private Collection)

Dalem Sukun Temple is a clear example of Bali's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The existence of statues from the megalithic period shows that this temple is not only a place of worship, but also a historical site that reflects the long journey of Balinese civilization. With a spatial layout that follows the Tri Mandala concept and main shrines that have specific functions, this makes this temple the center of community spiritual activity.

Apart from its spiritual and archaeological value, Pura Dalem Sukun is also a symbol of the continuity of Balinese traditions that are still alive amidst modernization. The community's active participation in maintaining and preserving this temple reflects how noble values ​​continue to be passed down from generation to generation. Pura Dalem Sukun is not only a place, but also a reflection of the soul and identity of the Balinese people.