Majapahit Temple Jembrana: Harmony Between the Kingdom and Religious Communities

Majapahit Temple, located in Baluk, Negara, Jembrana, Bali, is a Hindu place of worship that holds a unique history. It's story is connected to the Kingdoms of Mengwi, Jembrana, and Blambangan, and it also involves the role of the Muslim community in its construction. Five pakraman villages, Baler Bale Agung, Kaliakah Kangin, Kaliakah Kauh, Banyubiru, and Baluk take turns serving as the organizing committee for the piodalan ceremony, which is held every 210 days.

History of the Creation of Majapahit Temple

The creation of Majapahit Temple is closely linked to the history of three kingdoms and the assistance of adherents of other religions.

Once upon a time, a fight occurred between two rivers called Kali Kembar, which was later named Kali Jaya. A village chief, Dukuh Baluk, instructed that the place should be called Desa Baluk after his passing. Majapahit Temple is connected to three kingdoms: Mengwi, Jembrana, and Blambangan. Mengwi has a kinship relationship with Jembrana and exerted control over Blambangan.

The King of Mengwi, Cokorda Alangkajeng, assigned his minister I Gusti Made Ngurah (Temenggung Ronggo Setoto) to oversee Blambangan, led by Pangeran Mas Sepuh. During a prolonged dry season, a cricket-fighting competition was held, which was won by the minister, angering the King of Blambangan. The King of Blambangan ignored the advice of Purohita Wong Agung Wilis to apologize and instead expelled him.

After Wong Agung reported the incident to Mengwi, the King of Mengwi was furious and summoned the King of Blambangan with threats of violence. The King of Blambangan eventually appeared, but stopped in Jembrana to seek assistance, where he was only able to send Pan Tabah as a representative. Upon arriving in Mengwi, the King of Blambangan and his family were sentenced to death at Pantai Seseh.

Pan Tabah reported this incident to Jembrana, which led to the death of the King of Jembrana due to the pledge of mabelepati. The Blambangan troops decided to return, but stopped in Desa Banyubiru and decided to build a place of worship. They established Majapahit Temple and a mosque with the help of the Muslim community, naming the temple Pura Majapahit.

Ngeranjing and Medal Gates (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Ngeranjing and Medal Gate refers to the gates used for entering and exiting the sacred area of a temple. This term is often used in Balinese temple architecture to describe two important gates that mark the boundary between the outer world and the sacred area within the temple. Ngeranjing means the entrance gate to the temple, where Hindu worshippers enter the sacred grounds to begin their prayers. Medal refers to the exit gate, which is used by the worshippers after they have completed their prayers. These gates hold symbolic meaning, representing a spiritual journey of entering a holy realm and then returning to the outside world after performing the rituals, with a heart that has been purified and a mind that is at peace.

Temple Structure

The structure of Majapahit Temple is similar to other temples in Bali, featuring nine rows of shrines within its interior.

First, there is the Palinggih Taksu as the seat of Ida Sang Kala Raja. Second, the Palinggih Manjang Seluang is dedicated to Panca Rsi, honoring the contributions of Mpu Kuturan. Third, the Palinggih Meru Tumpeng Tiga serves as the seat of Dewi Danuh, a symbol of fertility. Fourth, the Palinggih Padmasana is for Ida Hyang Widhi Wasa. Fifth, the Palinggih Meru Tumpeng Lima is the seat of Ida Sasuhunan Majapahit/Siwa, which is said to have been constructed with the assistance of Muslims.

Main Mandala (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Sixth, Palinggih Gedong Bata is a sacred place that serves as the throne of Ida Dalem Blambangan, one of the important figures in Balinese history who is revered as a spiritual leader and protector of the people. This structure is built from red bricks, symbolizing simplicity yet embodying great spiritual strength, representing the close connection between the human world and the divine realm. It is a significant site for Hindu worshippers to pray for blessings and spiritual strength from their ancestors.

Seventh, Palinggih Panglurah is the throne of Ida Ratu Anglurah Made Jelawung, the protector of Pura Majapahit. Ida Ratu Anglurah Made Jelawung is honored for his ability to safeguard the safety and welfare of the region. Hindu devotees pray at Palinggih Panglurah seeking protection, safety, and well-being, especially when facing the challenges of daily life.

Eighth, Palinggih Bedogol is the sacred abode of Naga Basukih, a holy dragon believed to be the guardian of Bhuana Agung, or the universe. Naga Basukih is thought to play a crucial role in maintaining balance and harmony in nature. Hindu devotees offer their prayers here as an expression of gratitude and a plea for the universe to remain balanced, free from disasters or disruptive forces.

Ninth, Palinggih Papelik is used as the place where Ida Bhatara resides temporarily during the piodalan, a ritual when the gods descend and dwell in the temple during the ceremonies. This palinggih plays an essential role in every piodalan procession, where the deities are invited to be present and bless the devotees. During the piodalan, Hindu worshippers gather around Palinggih Papelik to offer their prayers, seek blessings, and strengthen their spiritual connection with the divine.

The Beauty of Temple Gate Architecture

Temple Gate (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

The gate at this temple has a magnificent and distinctive design, adorned with the Surya Majapahit emblem, which symbolizes light and life. This emblem is positioned on both sides of the gate, representing the strength and glory of the Majapahit kingdom. The gate serves not only as an entrance but also as a spiritual symbol that connects the real world with the sacred realm. The structure is made from solid stone, with intricate carvings that reflect the artistic architecture of Bali. With all its beauty and significance, this gate serves as a revered entrance for every visitor entering the temple area.