Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan Buahan: From Royal Palace to Sacred Place of Worship

Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan Buahan, located in Buahan Village, Tabanan District, Bali, is a significant remnant of Bali’s golden era under Majapahit Kingdom’s influence in the 14th century. Originating as a royal palace built by Arya Kenceng, a commander who arrived with Gajah Mada’s expedition to conquer Bali, the site now serves as a sacred place of worship respected by the Balinese Hindu community.

Arya Kenceng was a Majapahit noble descendant given the mandate to rule Tabanan after Bali was conquered in 1343. According to historical sources, Arya Kenceng and his troops played a significant role in strengthening Majapahit’s influence over Bali. He chose Buahan Village as his administrative center and built a palace, known as Pucangan, which became the local center for administration, culture, and politics​

After Arya Kenceng passed away, the palace’s function changed. Following Bali’s ancestral tradition of deep respect for predecessors, the community converted this palace into a worship place to honor Arya Kenceng’s contributions. Over time, it became known as Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan. The name “Batur Pucangan” refers to the temple’s location atop a small hill or “batur” surrounded by lush rice fields and forested landscapes.

Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan Buahan (Source: Author's Collection)

Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan holds profound spiritual significance for the Balinese Hindu community. The temple is not merely a physical structure but also a symbol of ancestor veneration and a representation of harmony between humans and nature. The transformation from palace to temple reflects spiritual values that establish Bali as a Hindu civilization center rich in philosophy and ritual practices. As a temple, Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan adheres to the Tri Mandala concept in its architectural design. This concept divides the temple area into three main sections based on their level of sanctity: Utama Mandala, the most sacred area used for primary worship; Madya Mandala, serving as a supporting area; and Nista Mandala, the outer area. This layout reflects the tiered concept of sanctity upheld by the Balinese Hindu community.

Each year, Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan is a spiritual center for the Pujawali ceremony, held to honor ancestral spirits and maintain the spiritual bond between the community and their forebears. Pujawali is a significant celebration for the local community and usually takes place over several days. It involves various rituals, including Ngingsiran (a ritual to expel evil spirits) and Nyukat Genah (a ceremony to purify sacred areas) performed before the main ceremony. All these preparations are made to maintain the temple’s sanctity and welcome the arrival of devotees​.

Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan Buahan (Source: Author's Collection)

In addition to Pujawali, the temple is also a site for various purification ceremonies conducted to pray for safety, welfare, and spiritual balance. These rituals reflect the depth of Balinese faith in their spiritual connection with ancestors and the cosmos. Additionally, maintenance ceremonies for the main shrine or pelinggih often take place with offerings and specific prayers led by local priests.

Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan also attracts tourists, both local and international, drawn to Balinese culture and history. Though open to visitors, there are strict regulations that visitors must follow to respect the temple’s sacredness. These rules include wearing traditional Balinese attire and maintaining respectful behavior within the temple grounds. Visitors are encouraged not only to appreciate the architectural beauty but also to respect the cultural and spiritual values embodied in the temple​. For the Balinese people, the presence of tourists helps introduce their culture and history to the outside world. However, parts of the temple remain closed to the public to preserve the sanctity and privacy of the worship area. For the local community, Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan is not merely a tourist attraction but a symbol of history and pride passed down from generation to generation.

Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan Buahan (Source: Author's Collection)

The management and preservation of Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan involve the local customary community. Funding for the temple’s maintenance comes from devotees’ donations in the form of dana punia and social support from the local government, which helps finance major ceremonies and required renovations. Through self-funding, Balinese Hindus can sustain the temple’s beauty and sanctity as an expression of spiritual and social responsibility​. In this respect, the local community plays a key role in caring for and preserving this cultural and spiritual heritage site. They are also responsible for organizing various religious ceremonies that are essential not only for the temple’s continuity but also for strengthening social bonds within the community.

Pura Luhur Batur Pucangan Buahan is a testament to how the Balinese people cherish and respect their ancestral heritage. The transformation from a royal palace to a place of worship reflects how history and spirituality are deeply intertwined in Balinese life. The legacy of Arya Kenceng, remembered as a wise leader and spiritual figure, continues to live on through ceremonies and offerings regularly performed at this temple. The temple also serves as a place to instill values of respect for future generations and to maintain spiritual and cultural harmony in the daily lives of the Balinese community.