Exploring the History and Traditions of Pura Puseh Bon Biu in Angantaka Village

Pura Puseh Bon Biu is located in Angantaka Village, Abiansemal District, Badung. This temple holds historical significance and plays an important role in the religious life of the local community. Pura Puseh Bon Biu, together with Pura Desa, Pura Dadia Pasek Gelgel, and other Pura Puseh, are located within the same area, which serves as the center for customary activities. This area functions as a place of worship and symbolizes the customary life that influences various aspects of the community's life.

The Odalan of Pura Puseh Bon Biu falls on Buda Umanis Wuku Tambir, which is held every six months according to the Balinese calendar. On this day, the community gathers to perform prayers and various traditional ceremonies as an expression of gratitude and respect to Ida Bhatara. This temple is maintained by the pemaksan Puseh Bon Biu, who are responsible for preserving the temple and ensuring that all religious ceremonies and traditions continue in accordance with the values passed down through generations.

Shrines at Puseh Bon Biu Temple (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

The history of Pura Puseh Bon Biu is closely tied to the establishment of Angantaka Village around 1750 AD. According to the Babad Puri Blahbatuh, it is told that a member of the Blahbatuh royal family left the palace to avoid a power struggle that could divide the royal family. In an effort to maintain harmony, the figure gathered around 50 loyal followers from various villages, such as Bon Biu, Tojan, Pinda, Semipa/Banda, Keramas, and Antugan.

According to an analysis based on Tri Pramana Pratyaksa, Agama, and Anumana Pramana, he gathered these loyal supporters to accompany him in Puri Bon Biu. These followers played an important role in the process of forming and strengthening the community there. At the location, they made a niskala (spiritual) agreement, which, according to the elders, was to establish a temple as a representative or legacy from each village. The deep spiritual bond between Ida Bhatara Pemacek Jagat Desa Angantaka, who resides in Puri Ageng Angantaka, and Ida Bhatara Ratu Gede Bon Biu further strengthened their connection. Therefore, when the followers gathered, they agreed to establish a temple that would represent the origin of each village. As part of this niskala agreement, the establishment of the temple became a means to maintain and strengthen the relationship between communities and promote harmony in their lives. With the establishment of Angantaka Village, the construction of temples began as representations of the villages' origins. The first temple built was Pura Penataran Gedong as Kahyangan Tiga, followed by the construction of Pura Puseh Bon Biu and other temples, which later enriched the area.

Kori Agung (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Pura Puseh Bon Biu serves as a place for the preservation of traditional customs and religious practices of the local community. One of the main traditions still carried out today is the Mendak Bhatara Gede ceremony, held during Pujawali or Piodalan Nadi. This ceremony becomes a sacred moment for the people of Angantaka Village to honor Ida Bhatara as the protector of the village. One prominent tradition in the Piodalan series is Ngunying, which is performed after the community collects holy water (tirta) at Pura Taman Sari (beji), which functions as a purification site. After the process at the beji, the participants proceed to Pura Puseh Bon Biu to perform Ngunying. In the Ngunying tradition, participants carry a kris and insert it into their own bodies. Although it appears extreme, this symbolizes courage, devotion, and deep respect for Ida Bhatara. The Ngunying process is accompanied by the sound of the gong or Balinese drums, creating a solemn atmosphere and strengthening the emotional bond between the participants and the ceremony.

The Ngunying tradition is an important part of the cultural heritage that enriches the identity of the people of Angantaka Village. This tradition teaches courage, gratitude, and togetherness in daily life. To this day, this tradition is preserved and maintained by the community, involving various generations, from the young to the elderly. Its implementation demonstrates that the people of Angantaka Village remain committed to preserving the values of tradition passed down from their ancestors.