Pura Dalem Susunan Wadon: Spiritual Footprints of Dang Hyang Nirartha on Serangan Island

Pura Dalem Susunan Wadon (Source: Editorial Collection)

Pura Dalem Susunan Wadon, a sacred place rich in history and spiritual wealth, enriches the spiritual journey on Serangan Island, Bali. Located at Jl. TK. Ngenjung No. 19, Desa Adat Serangan, Denpasar Selatan, Kota Denpasar, Bali, this temple offers an unforgettable mystical experience for visitors interested in Bali's cultural and spiritual heritage.

With an area of approximately 400 m² and buildings reaching 12 m², Pura Dalem Susunan Wadon bears silent witness to the splendor of the Mengwi Kingdom in the 16th to 17th centuries CE. The name "Wadon," meaning woman in Javanese, adds a unique touch to this place of worship, marking the presence of revered female spiritual power.

Inner Courtyard (Source: Editorial Collection)

Located just about 1 km from Pura Sakenan, Pura Dalem Susunan Wadon has a close connection to that sacred place. According to Jero Mangku Nengah Sudira, the temple's priest, the sanctified manifestation in Pura Susunan Wadon is Ida Bhatari Istri, the partner of Ida Bhatara Lanang who resides in Pura Dalem Sakenan.

Legendary tales state that Ida Bhatari Istri became angry with Ida Bhatara Lanang Dalem Sakenan and decided not to meet anymore. This is the basis for the west-facing Candi Prasada Linggih of Ida Bhatara Lanang Dalem Sakenan, while the east-facing Candi Prasada Linggih of Ida Bhatari Istri Susunan Wadon symbolizes her direction.

There is also a shrine wrapped in greenery, guarded by a crocodile statue at its base. According to Mangku Dalem Sakenan, who presides over this shrine, it is dedicated to "Ratu Ayu Manik Macorong Dane Gusti Blembong," associated with the Goddess of the Southern Sea (Ratu Kidul). Mangku Tamat explains that stories about Kanjeng Ratu Kidul are often heard here but are limited to "anjangsana" since there is no dedicated site, meaning she is not formally worshiped.

Ratu Kidul Shrine (Source: Editorial Collection)

Pura Susunan Wadon also has a story related to the journey of Dang Hyang Nirartha. After establishing Pura Dalem Sakenan on Serangan Island, his spiritual journey continued eastward, finding a sacred place as the abode of Bhatari Durga. Bhatari Durga provided guidance for attaining moksha, and Dang Hyang Nirartha built Pura Susunan Wadon to honor the spiritual power of Bhatari Durga.

Pura Susunan Wadon is divided into three courtyards: the inner courtyard (utama mandala), the middle courtyard (madya mandala), and the outer courtyard (nista mandala). Each courtyard is enclosed by limestone walls. Various buildings, statues, and shrines are scattered throughout, creating an atmosphere full of peace and spiritual grandeur.

Middle Courtyard (Source: Editorial Collection)

The temple's anniversary, known as Piodalan, is held every 210 days on Redite (Sunday) Umanis, Wuku Kuningan. This temple falls under the category of Dang Kahyangan and serves as a place of worship to honor the contributions of sacred priest gurus such as Mpu Kuturan and Danghyang Nirartha.

Currently, Pura Susunan Wadon is managed, maintained, and guarded by the residents of Serangan Village. The presence of a spacious parking area around the temple provides convenience for visitors, eliminating concerns about parking.

For tourists, especially those interested in cultural and spiritual heritage, Pura Dalem Susunan Wadon is a tempting destination. With its historical richness, connection to Pura Sakenan, and the spiritual journey of Dang Hyang Nirartha, this temple is not just a place of worship but also a journey through time and beliefs. Stepping into Pura Dalem Susunan Wadon, experiencing the serene and reverent atmosphere during prayer, will bring an unforgettable mystical experience on Serangan Island, Bali.