Pura Dalem Nyuhaya of Delod Tukad Batubulan Traditional Village: A Symbol of Spirituality and Local Wisdom

Pura Dalem Nyuhaye is located in Banjar Kapal, Desa Adat Delod Tukad, Batubulan. This pura has its own uniqueness in the traditions of the Balinese community. For the local community, Pura Dalem Nyuhaye is not just a place of worship, but also a spiritual center with a strong mystical aura. The surrounding community believes that this pura is known as a pura gamang or a place for spiritual entities, referred to in Balinese belief as “dedemit.”

This belief makes Pura Dalem Nyuhaye highly respected, especially as it is considered a place where mystical energy resides, maintaining the balance between the human realm and the spiritual world. The traditional customs of this pura have a close relationship with the spiritual values passed down through generations. When someone visits this pura, they will feel a different atmosphere, as if entering another dimension filled with spiritual energy. This is what makes Pura Dalem Nyuhaye a spiritual center filled with mystical aura, often visited by Hindu practitioners seeking safety and protection.

Pura Dalem Nyuhaya Batubulan Pratima mapinda Naga (Source: Author's Collection)

One of the unique features of Pura Dalem Nyuhaye is the pratima or sacred statue called Mepinda Naga. This pratima symbolizes the manifestation of gods and goddesses or Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. These statues are carefully placed in a special structure called gedong pengimpenan, where the gods and goddesses are believed to reside, providing blessings and protection to the worshippers.

The pratima Mepinda Naga is believed to symbolize the grandeur and greatness of the gods and goddesses that maintain the balance of the universe. These statues are not only physical forms but are also considered to possess energy and spiritual power. Therefore, the community that comes to pray at this pura often performs special rituals to honor this pratima. Each ritual held in front of this pratima carries deep meaning, from seeking protection, safety, to asking for guidance from the gods and goddesses in navigating life. For the community of Banjar Kapal and surrounding areas, this pratima symbolizes the connection between humans and the spiritual world, where both are intertwined in maintaining the harmony of nature.

Pratima Lingga Yoni and Ganesha God Symbol of Pura Dalem Nyuhaye (Source: Author's Collection)

In addition to the pratima Mepinda Naga, there is also a Lingga Yoni at Pura Dalem Nyuhaye. Lingga Yoni is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, representing the power of creation and fertility. This elongated stone is placed in a tedong, which is a sacred structure within the pura. Lingga Yoni is regarded as a symbol of the unity between Siwa and Shakti, two aspects that symbolize the balance of the universe.

Within this tedong, there is also another pratima in the form of Dewa Ganesha. Dewa Ganesha is known as the protector and giver of wisdom. For the Hindu community in Bali, Dewa Ganesha plays a significant role in providing guidance and direction in their lives. The pratima of Dewa Ganesha is placed with great honor inside the tedong, symbolizing the protection and wisdom that safeguards Pura Dalem Nyuhaye from negative influences. This pratima is believed to have the power to ward off all forms of danger and provide guidance to those who come to pray.

Sacred Ceremony Held Every Six Months at Pura Dalem Nyuhaye (Source: Author's Collection) 

Every six months, precisely on Sukra Paing Dungulan or Paing Galungan, the community of Banjar Kapal holds the piodalan ceremony at Pura Dalem Nyuhaye. This ceremony is a grand celebration and a time when Hindu practitioners gather to honor their ancestors and the gods residing in this pura. The piodalan is attended not only by the people of Banjar Kapal but also by Hindu practitioners from various regions in Bali who come to participate in the worship.

During the piodalan, various series of ceremonies are conducted, starting from ngaturang banten or offerings, mepandes, to various other rituals filled with religious symbolism. The community believes that this piodalan is an opportune time to seek blessings and safety for families and the wider community. The atmosphere of the pura becomes very sacred and filled with extraordinary spiritual energy. All statues and pratima within this pura are adorned with yellow and white cloths as symbols of purity. Offerings of flowers, fruits, and other offerings are neatly arranged in front of the pratima as a symbol of gratitude to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.

Pura Dalem Nyuhaye is a tangible example of the local wisdom of the Balinese community that deeply respects the relationship between the human realm and the spiritual world. Through the pratima present in this pura, the community of Banjar Kapal, Desa Adat Delod Tukad, and its surroundings can feel a closeness to the gods. The traditions and ceremonies held in this pura serve as reminders of the importance of maintaining harmony in nature and honoring ancestors.

With its mystical aura, Pura Dalem Nyuhaye is not only a place of worship but also a silent witness to the spiritual values that continue to be preserved by the Balinese community. For anyone who visits, this pura offers a profound spiritual experience, where every step within it serves as a reminder of the sacred relationship between humans and the Creator.