Mengening Temple, Ancient Temple From the 11th Century

Mengening Temple is an ancient historical site, first discovered in 1925-1927 by WF Sutterheim and further studied by historian Bernet Kempers in 1960. In the exploration report of the site, a Lingga Yoni was found inside the temple's chamber. This temple has also been designated as a cultural heritage site by the Bali provincial government based on Law No. 5 of 1985. Despite its ancient nature, Mengening Temple remains well-preserved and clean to this day, untouched by time.

Mengening Temple was constructed with the belief of protecting against evil spirits and ensuring bountiful harvests. It is also dedicated to worshipping the water deity known as Dewa Tirta Empul. Additionally, there is a myth surrounding the spring within the temple grounds, where it is said that the spring was created by Dewa Indra to purify the body and soul of those who bathe in it.

Nista Mandala (Source: Editorial Collection)

Mengening Temple is located in Banjar Saraseda, Tampaksiring Village, Gianyar Regency. Due to its remote location, the environment around Mengening Temple is characterized by tranquility, peace, and refreshing mountain air. Its unique architecture and beautiful scenery make it a favorite destination for tourists and visitors who come for worship.

Like most temples in Bali, Mengening Temple is divided into three areas: Nista Mandala, Madya Mandala, and Utama Mandala. In the Nista Mandala area, there is a beautiful garden with refreshing springwater pools and Pancakatirtha. The Madya Mandala area features buildings such as Bale Gong, Bale Pegat, and Bale Kulkul. Lastly, in the Utama Mandala area, there are several structures, including Bale Saka Ulu, Gedong Limas, Meru Tumpang Tiga, and Bale Paselang, used for religious activities. Unlike typical temples, visitors need to navigate several flights of stairs to explore each area due to the temple's uneven construction integrated with the natural terrain.

Melukat (Source: Editorial Collection)

Apart from worship, Mengening Temple is also a popular location for 'Melukat,' a ritual purification using holy water to cleanse the soul. Melukat can be performed in the sacred pool named Telaga Waja. Its fresh springwater not only purifies the hearts and minds of worshipers but also rejuvenates the body. Additionally, Melukat at Mengening Temple is believed to have other benefits, such as healing illnesses caused by black magic, dispelling bad luck, and calming the spirit and mind.

Telaga Waja Spouts (Source: Editorial Collection)

Within Telaga Waja, there are several spouts, each serving a specific purpose. There are 12 'tirta' (holy waters) in Telaga Waja, including Tirta Mengening for Yadnya ceremonies, Tirta Sudhamala for purification, Tirta Telaga Waja for purification, Tirta Keris for cleansing heirlooms, Tirta Keben for trade, Tirta Tunggang for Ngaben ceremonies, Tirta Gelung for authority, Tirta Dedari for beauty, Tirta Pengentas for Pitra Yadnya ceremonies, Tirta Angsoka for beauty, and Tirta Pancuran Solas for birth ceremonies. 

Tirta Dedari (Source: Editorial Collection)

These sacred pools are not only visited by tourists but also frequented by locals for spiritual cleansing. To reach the Melukat area, visitors must descend several steps into the Nista Mandala area of the temple while enjoying the lush scenery along the way.

Although Mengening Temple can be visited as a tourist attraction, it remains a sacred place used for worship. Therefore, when visiting Mengening Temple, it is essential to dress modestly.