Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple: Sacred Place of Worship for Siwa Bhairawa and Bhatara Sapta Giri

Geographically, Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple is located on Kebo Iwa Street, precisely at the crossroads of Blahbatuh Market leading to Bona Village, making this strategic location accessible for pilgrims and visitors who want to delve deeper into Balinese culture and spirituality. This temple was once an integral part of several other temples, such as Batur Sari Temple, Puseh Temple, and Kuru Baya Temple, forming a connected religious complex where the local community worshiped deities and ancestral spirits believed to protect and safeguard their region. Historically, Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple is closely linked with Arca Pangulu, a relic from the reign of Sri Jaya Katong, a king known for bringing significant changes to the spiritual beliefs of the people of his time, creating harmony between worldly and spiritual powers.

Ancient Statue (Photo Source : Personal Collection)

At the back of Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple, there is a special area filled with a strong spiritual atmosphere, where ancient statues are placed on a simple altar adorned with offerings such as holy water, canang, and leaves as a form of respect and offering to the gods, symbolizing gratitude and the request for blessings while maintaining the temple's sanctity as a spiritual center for the local community. This area is regarded as a more private and sacred space where Balinese Hindus perform ceremonies and offerings to maintain the balance between humans, nature, and spiritual forces.

Statue of Pangulu (Photo Source : Personal Collection)

In Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple, the worship of Siwa Bhairawa is one of the most prominent aspects, with Siwa Bhairawa, as a manifestation of Lord Siwa in the Hindu tradition, often depicted in a fierce and terrifying form, symbolizing the power capable of eradicating all forms of evil and injustice in the world. In the teachings related to Bhairawa, devotees are encouraged to overcome lust and sin to achieve higher spiritual liberation, making this form of worship not just a ritual but also a profound spiritual journey. The worship of Siwa Bhairawa is represented through the Arca Pangulu, located in Puseh Temple, serving as a symbol of spiritual power expected to provide guidance to its worshipers. This stone statue, measuring approximately 1x1 meter, depicts a terrifying face with bulging eyes and prominent fangs, which, despite its frightening appearance, holds deep symbolism regarding the potential of the human mind that can bring progress in both spiritual and material aspects if used wisely.

Holy Water (Photo Source : Personal Collection)

Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple houses a special place for holy water, and within it is stored a statue of great spiritual value. This holy water is used in various religious ceremonies and is believed to have the power to cleanse and bless those who worship. The statue inside this holy water container often symbolizes a deity or spiritual entity that is revered and becomes the center of the rituals performed by the Hindu community at Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple.

Ancient Statue (Photo Source : Personal Collection)

In addition to the worship of Siwa Bhairawa, Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple is also known as a place of worship for Bhatara Sapta Giri, representing the seven sacred mountains revered by the Balinese people. In Balinese Hindu belief, these mountains are considered the dwelling place of gods and ancestral spirits that maintain the balance of nature, making them highly respected and worshiped spiritual symbols by Hindus. In Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple, the symbol of Bhatara Sapta Giri is represented by seven bronze statues with primitive designs, highly respected by the temple caretakers and regarded as symbols of worship for natural forces that greatly influence human life. Through the worship of Bhatara Sapta Giri, people pray not only for safety and prosperity but also to maintain the balance between humans and nature, which is the core philosophy of Balinese life.

Bhatara Gama (Photo Source : Personal Collection)

Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple also serves as a place of worship for Bhatara Gama, considered the guardian of Hindu teachings and regulations. This worship emphasizes the importance of adhering to religious teachings with discipline and obedience to create harmony between humans, nature, and spirituality. Bhatara Gama is revered by devotees as a symbol of the majesty of religious law that guides them in their daily lives. Thus, the worship of Bhatara Gama at Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple strengthens the belief in the importance of living according to sacred teachings passed down through generations.

Madya Mandala Gaduh Temple (Photo Source : Personal Collection)

Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple not only functions as a place of worship but also as a center for the performance of large ceremonies involving the entire village, further strengthening the sense of community and togetherness among them. One of the most well-known ceremonies is Piodalan, held every 210 days, where the community gathers to honor the gods and express gratitude for all the blessings received. The preparation for this ceremony involves the entire community working together to maintain the temple's purity and harmony, creating a moment of deep reflection and spirituality for each individual involved. This ceremony is not just a religious ritual but also a means for the community to strengthen their social and cultural bonds while reminding them of the importance of cooperation and togetherness in daily life.

Statue of Pangulu (Photo Source : Personal Collection)

The Arca Pangulu and Bhatara Sapta Giri in Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple are not just religious symbols but also contain deep philosophical values that serve as a guide for devotees in their daily lives. The Arca Pangulu, with its terrifying form, teaches that all the abilities to achieve success, both in spiritual and material aspects, lie in the head or the human mind, emphasizing the importance of a clean and wise mind in attaining happiness and prosperity. On the other hand, the worship of Bhatara Sapta Giri teaches the importance of maintaining balance between humans and nature, where mountains, as symbols of sacred natural forces, show that humans must live in harmony with nature, respect, and protect nature as a source of sustainable life. Through traditional ceremonies held at Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple, the community is reminded to always be grateful for the blessings given by nature and to maintain the existing balance, which is the core of the Balinese way of life.

Meru and Temple Building (Photo Source : Personal Collection)

As a highly sacred historical site, Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple continues to be preserved by the local community, where during major ceremonies, the community collectively cleans the temple and prepares the ceremonial facilities with dedication and respect. This temple is not only a spiritual center but also a symbol of community and cooperation that continues to be upheld by the villagers, demonstrating the importance of the community's role in preserving their cultural and spiritual heritage. However, like other historical sites, Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple also faces challenges in preserving its sanctity, especially amidst the development of modern times and modernization, which bring changes to people's lifestyles. Therefore, it is crucial to involve the younger generation in the preservation process of this temple so that the spiritual and cultural values contained within it are not lost to time and to ensure that the presence of Gaduh Blahbatuh Temple remains relevant in the context of modern life.