Desa Adat Negari: Harmony Between Tradition, Nature, and the Local Community

Negari Traditional Village is one of the adat villages located in Klungkung Regency, Bali, specifically in Banjarangkan District, about 7 kilometers from the center of Semarapura City. The village is renowned for its pristine natural beauty and the people’s commitment to preserving their ancestral traditions. Surrounded by lush green rice fields and coastal beaches, Negari Village offers the perfect balance of Bali’s natural, cultural, and spiritual charm.

Negari Village has a long history and is rich in tradition. According to Babad Bendesa, the village was established after the Saka year 1541 (approximately 1619 AD) by a group of people from Sarimertha, Negari, and Tegal Besar. The name "Negari" is believed to originate from the term "Negarin," referring to envoys from Singapadu/Gianyar who were tasked with fortifying the Gianyar region. Around 220 years ago, approximately 60 families requested permission from the King of Klungkung to establish a settlement. The king granted their request and designated a forest south of Tegal Besar and east of Sarimertha as their new settlement, which eventually became the center of Negari Village.

Geographically, Negari Village covers an area of approximately 216 hectares and is home to two main banjar adat (traditional communities): Banjar Adat Tegal Besar and Banjar Adat Negari. Additionally, the village consists of three administrative banjar: Banjar Dinas Tegal Besar, Banjar Dinas Negari, and Banjar Dinas Sarimertha. Despite its development, the people of Negari Village continue to uphold the longstanding Balinese customs and traditions.

Tegal Besar Traditional Banjar Hall (Source: Personal Collection)

One of the most striking unique features of Desa Negari is the presence of three temples located within the same complex, each serving a distinct yet complementary spiritual function. These three temples Pura Bale Agung, Pura Puseh, and Pura Segara are integral to the daily lives of the Desa Negari community, serving as centers for spiritual activities and the preservation of long-standing customs. Each temple plays a vital role in maintaining the spiritual and cultural balance within the village. These temples are not only places of worship but also powerful symbols of the harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and ancestors, reflected in every aspect of the community’s life.

Bale Agung Temple (Source: Personal Collection)

Pura Bale Agung, as the primary temple in this complex, serves as the main site of worship for the deities believed to protect the village and its entire community. This temple is not only used for major ceremonies, such as sacred days and grand celebrations, but also as a center for spiritual activities that connect the worshippers to the divine power safeguarding the village. As a place dedicated to the guardian deities, Pura Bale Agung symbolizes strength and blessings derived from a harmonious relationship between the community and the spiritual realm. It stands as a central point that unites all worshippers in prayer and hope, strengthening their bond with a higher divine power and ensuring protection for the village and its people.

Puseh Temple (Source: Personal Collection)

Pura Puseh is a sacred place dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of life, and is part of the Pura Kahyangan Tiga, which exists in every traditional village in Bali. This temple symbolizes the role of Lord Vishnu in maintaining the balance and preservation of the universe, while also serving as a place for the community to ask for blessings, safety, and prosperity for the village. As one of the main pillars in the spiritual structure of the traditional village, Pura Puseh reflects the harmony between humans, ancestors, and nature, which is central to the philosophy of life in Balinese society. The temple also represents respect for the cultural and spiritual values passed down through generations. Its presence reinforces the importance of maintaining the relationship between humans, nature, and divine forces as an interconnected whole that supports one another.

Segara Temple (Source: Personal Collection)

Meanwhile, Pura Segara has a strong connection with the sea and coastline, which are vital sources of life for the people of Desa Negari. This temple is dedicated to worshipping the deities that protect the coastal area and marine resources, and it serves as a means for the community to ask for safety and blessings for those whose livelihoods depend on the sea. As a place of worship that focuses on the relationship between humans and nature, Pura Segara symbolizes the community's reliance on the balance of nature, particularly in terms of their survival that is closely linked to the sea's bounty. The temple also reflects Bali's philosophy, which greatly values the close relationship between humans and the environment, emphasizing the need to preserve the universe and its natural resources.

Dalem Temple (Source: Personal Collection)

Additionally, Desa Negari is home to Pura Dalem, a temple dedicated to deities associated with death and ancestors. Pura Dalem serves as the site for Ngaben ceremonies (cremation rites) and other observances related to the afterlife. The presence of Pura Dalem adds a spiritual dimension that deepens the community's connection with their ancestors and the universe. In Balinese tradition, Pura Dalem is also a place to communicate with the spirits of ancestors. This temple functions not only as a place of worship but also as a sacred space that bridges the physical and spiritual realms, strengthening the social and cultural ties between the community and their forebears while maintaining the balance between life and death.

Tegal Besar Beach (Source: Personal Collection)

The natural beauty of Negari Village is further enhanced by its untouched beaches, far from the bustling crowds. These beaches often serve as venues for religious ceremonies related to the sea. For the villagers, the ocean and beaches are not merely parts of daily life but hold profound spiritual significance. The peaceful beaches, with their calming waves, offer a perfect setting to enjoy breathtaking sunsets. They are a testament to the villagers’ harmonious relationship with nature, where the sea is revered as a source of life that must be respected and preserved. With its serene and authentic charm, Negari Village provides a unique blend of nature, culture, and spirituality, leaving an unforgettable impression on anyone who visits.