Exploring the History of Pura Desa and Pura Puseh in Bresela Village as Pillars of Spirituality for the Bresela Society

Pura Desa and Pura Puseh are integral components of Pura Khayangan Tiga. Pura Desa, often referred to as Bale Agung, functions as a place to worship God in His manifestation as Brahma, the Creator (Utpeti). Meanwhile, Pura Puseh serves as a place to worship God in His manifestation as Vishnu, the Preserver (Sthiti). Typically, the locations of Pura Desa and Pura Puseh are separate. However, in some traditional villages, the two temples are situated within the same complex, separated only by a temple gateway or wall. One such example is Pura Desa and Pura Puseh in Desa Adat Bresela, which are located within the same area.

The Outer Courtyard (Jaba Sisi) of Pura Desa and Pura Puseh in Desa Adat Bresela (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

According to Bapak Ida Bagus Putu Astawa, the leader (Bendesa Adat) of Desa Bresela, Pura Desa and Pura Puseh in Desa Adat Bresela are located within a complex known as Pura Agung Gunung Mas Merenteng. Pura Puseh in Desa Bresela is integrated with Pura Agung Gunung Mas Merenteng. Additionally, Bapak Wayan Adi, one of the village council members (Prajuru Desa Adat) of Bresela, mentioned that the name Pura Gunung Mas Merenteng likely relates to the community's historical pursuit of prosperity in the area. Gold, as a symbol of prosperity, reflects the hope for unbroken welfare among the people. From its inception, Pura Desa and Pura Puseh in Desa Adat Bresela have been located within the same complex.

One of the Bale in Pura Desa (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Within Pura Desa, there are several sacred structures (pelinggih) with specific functions. The Padmasana shrine is dedicated to honoring God in His form as Ardanareswari. The Pengaruman serves as a place for Ida Bhatara to reside during temple festivals (odalan). The Bale Agung was traditionally used for community gatherings (sangkep or samua) to discuss matters of tradition and temple rituals in Bresela Village. Additionally, there is a Bale Pegat, serving as a connector between Pura Desa and Pura Puseh, as well as the shrine for Ida Bhatara Ratu Gede.

The Meru of Pura Puseh (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Pura Puseh also houses several sacred structures. Uniquely, there are two Meru towers: the Meru of Pura Puseh and the Meru of Pura Agung Gunung Mas Merenteng. The Pengaruman in Pura Puseh is used as a space for the sacred effigies (pralingga or tapakan of Ida Bhatara) during temple festivals (odalan) held in Pura Puseh and Pura Agung Gunung Mas Merenteng. Other shrines include Bale Ongkara, Limas, Taksu, Lepitan, and others. Upon entering the temple, one feels an overwhelming spiritual atmosphere. A sense of peace envelops the heart. The architecture of the pelinggih reflects profound philosophical, aesthetic, and spiritual values that form the foundation of Balinese life. Every element of the pelinggih is designed with deep symbolism, representing a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, and God in accordance with the concept of Tri Hita Karana.

The Meru Agung of Gunung Mas Merenteng (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

The community of Desa Adat Bresela consists of two groups: the Pengarep and the Pengempian. The Pengarep group, also referred to as Desa Gede, comprises those who have received land allocations (karang pekarangan) from Desa Adat Bresela. The Pengarep community members are the primary caretakers (pengempon) of Pura Desa and Pura Puseh. However, in communal contexts, the entire village participates in the preparations for temple ceremonies, though the primary responsibility remains with the Pengarep group.

The temple festival (piodalan) in Pura Desa falls on Buddha Kliwon Dunggulan and lasts for one to two days. Meanwhile, the temple festival in Pura Puseh and Pura Agung Gunung Mas Merenteng takes place on Buddha Kliwon Ugu and can last up to three days. The duration and preparation of the festivals depend on the scale of the ceremonies being held. Smaller festivals last two to three days, while medium or large-scale ceremonies can extend beyond three days.