Maspahit Temple: Part of the Agung Kentel Gumi Temple Complex

This temple is part of the spatial layout of the religious area and is one of the religious sites of the Hindu community in Bali that has existed since the 11th century AD. This Kentel Gumi Temple in the inner part of the temple there are three groups of temples. Namely the Agung Kentel Gumi Temple group, the Maspahit Temple group, and the Masceti Temple group. Initially, this temple only had a building and a meeting hall located in Maos Pahit. Mpu Kuturan was the first person to live there and he formed and developed various regulations. For unknown reasons, Mpu Kuturan did not add Padmasana to this temple. Only in the era of King Kresna Kepakisan, Padmasari was added to the temple with a location in the southern part of Maos Pahit. God in His manifestation as Sang Hyang Reka Bhuwana (creator of the universe).

Kentel Gumi Temple Signboard (Source : Private Collection)

As a historical relic from Mpu Kuturan’s journey to Bali, the Agung Kentel Gumi Temple is declared as Tri Guna Pura or the three heavens on this island. Inside it, the Maspahit Temple has an important position in Hindu religious philosophy. The Maspahit Temple is also known to have an important role in the interpretation of the omnipotence of God as Sang Hyang Sri Sedhana or the goddess of prosperity. The Maspahit Temple consists of five sacred buildings or palinggih. Some forms of palinggih in the Maspahit Temple include: Gedong Penyimpenan Pelinggih, Pesamuhan Pelinggih, Bali Piyasan Pelinggih, Gedong Ratu Maspahit Pelinggih, Gedong Sari Pelinggih, Pangrurah Pelinggih and Panggungan. So, various palinggih that were built can be considered as a stopping place for God with all his manifestations. As a form of spiritual respect to Mpu Kuturan, the Manjangan Saluang palinggih was built. There is also a palinggih that serves as a place of worship for Batara Brahma, called the Catur Muka palinggih. The place of worship for God as Parama Siwa, Sadha Siwa and Siwa (stana Mpu Tri Bhuwana), known as the Sanggar Agung Rong Telu palinggih, in addition to various other palinggih called pasimpangan.

Maspahit Temple Group Area (Source : Private Collection)

Essentially, the temple is a symbol of the mountain or the universe, a sacred place to connect oneself and worship the greatness of Hyang Widhi Wasa with his various influences. Here, the Agung Kentel Gumi Temple serves as a place to worship God in His manifestation as Sang Hyang Reka Bhuwana (the creator of the universe). God at the beginning of His creation manifested the universe in balance before humans took part in polluting and damaging nature. Humans and the next generation have a responsibility to maintain harmony in society and the sustainability of the universe. Each individual is expected to pray and increase their spirituality to the Hyang Creator, with the aim of continuously improving their good behavior. God is also worshiped as a giver of balance in various aspects of life.