Griya Beji Taman Sawang Temple: The Holy Spring that Guards the Harmony of Abuan Village

According to Kelian Wayan Adi and Jro Mangku Nyoman Artawan, the spring at Pura Griya Beji Taman Sawang has existed since long before the temple was formally established. In a local legend, there is a sacred stone at one of the pelinggih (shrines). It is said that during a long drought, when the community lacked water, the stone was moistened, and rain immediately fell, allowing the people to regain their source of life. This story is believed to show that the spring is not merely a natural phenomenon, but a spiritual blessing that maintains the village’s balance.

The shrine and sacred stone believed to hold spiritual power in maintaining water balance. (Source: Personal Collection)

The uniqueness of Pura Griya Beji Taman Sawang is also reflected in the sacred phenomena that are still believed by the community. On certain days, such as Kajeng Kliwon and Tilem, the tirta (holy water) is believed to emit a fragrant aroma. This is considered a sign of the purity of the water that cannot be engineered by humans. The temple has three main spring sources: the first appears inside the gedong, the second at the Pesiraman Ratu Peranda, and the third on the eastern side of the temple, which emerges only when water from the pesiraman flows. These three sources form the foundation of the purification system at the temple.

Tirta Penglukatan of Pura Sawang (Source: Personal Collection)

The presence of these springs gives rise to an important religious function. Pura Griya Beji Taman Sawang serves as an alternative site for the Melasti ritual, so the community no longer needs to go to the sea as other villages do. By coming to this temple, the self-purification ritual can already be performed. From the three main springs, the system later developed into five purification points, although the water still originates from the same three sacred sources. Since the temple was properly arranged, anyone both locals and visitors may perform the purification ritual as an act of spiritual cleansing.

Ceremonial pavilion of Temple Sawang (Source: Personal Collection)

The physical maintenance of the temple has only been carried out seriously in recent years, beginning with the construction of access roads to the site, which required a budget of approximately IDR 600 million. This effort represents the community’s commitment to preserving their spiritual heritage. In the future, the people hope that Pura Griya Beji Taman Sawang will remain protected as a source of sacred water that provides not only physical water, but also inner peace and life harmony for everyone who comes with sincere intentions.