Pura Luhur Mekori: Hindu Temple of Worship with a Cool Natural Ambience
For those who have been to Bali, you must know Tabanan. That's right, this area also has unique tourist attractions that are no less interesting than other areas. The most popular tourist spot in this area is Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Bedugul, located near Lake Beratan. Apart from that temple, there is something else interesting that we need to know. This place has a very high spiritual aura with an ancient design that can still be felt today, surrounded by a cool natural environment. Its name is Pura Luhur Mekori.
Pura Luhur Mekori is located at Jalan Antosari Pupuan, Belimbing Village, Pupuan District, Tabanan regency. It is situated 56 km from Denpasar, approximately a 1-hour drive, and 65 km from Jimbaran, taking over 2 hours to reach. This temple is near SMP Negeri 2 Pupuan and is located close to the main road connecting Pupuan and Tabanan. In the main courtyard, there is a Palinggih, a sacred building that is always visited by people seeking blessings and safety.
Mekori Temple Yard (Source: Private Collection)
Pura Luhur Mekori is a sacred Hindu temple in Bali that attracts visitors due to its strong spiritual aura. The name "Mekori" comes from the word "kori" which means "gateway" and the prefix "me" which means "to have". When combined, "Mekori" means "a place with a gateway". According to the local community, "Mekori" is derived from the word "Mas Kori", which refers to someone with supernatural powers who could see that the Pura Luhur Mekori was made of gold.
Areas Inside Mekori Temple (Source: Private Collection)
Pura Luhur Mekori also has a quite interesting history and legend. There are several versions of how this building was built. According to ancient palm leaf manuscripts and oral traditions, when Dang Hyang Dwijendra or Dang Hyang Nirartha, a highly revered priest in Bali and known as the spreader of Hinduism in the Nusantara, felt a very strong spiritual vibration. At this place, he then performed Tapa Brata (meditation). Through the tapa brata he performed in a matter of days, the Dang Hyang received guidance from the Almighty to build a temple as a place of worship for Hindu followers.
According to legend, The mythology surrounding Pura Luhur Mekori is centered around the epic battle between the dragons Naga Gombang and Naga Rarik. The loyalty of Naga Rarik's sister, Ayu Mas Sari, played a pivotal role in his victory. Following their triumph, the siblings attained moksa at the cosmic center, (Puser Jagat). This sacred place is believed to have been marked by the emergence of an orange soka tree, which now serves as the location of the revered temple, Pura Luhur Mekori.
The road to Kahyangan Jagat Temple, a complex from Mekori Temple (Source: Private Collection)
To the left of the temple building, there is a path. This path leads to Pura Kahyangan Jagat, which is part of the Pura Luhur Mekori complex. The path is slightly uphill and takes about 2-3 minutes to reach the top. The road to Pura Kahyangan is lined with tropical forest with a cool and calm natural atmosphere, and many monkeys can be found. According to Hindu beliefs, monkeys are considered sacred because they are believed to protect the temple area from evil spirits.
Areas Inside Kahyangan Jagat Mekori Temple (Source: Private Collection)
The meaning of Pura Kahyangan Jagat is a sacred place with the concept of Sanga-Mandala or Dewata Nawa Sanga. It can be interpreted that Pura Kahyangan Jagat is known as the nine main temples that are the sthana (place) of the nine Gods who guard the directions of the wind.
The architectural grandeur of Pura Luhur Mekori is a testament to the harmonious blend of Balinese culture and nature. Organized according to the sacred Tri Mandala concept, the temple complex features three distinct levels, each adorned with intricate reliefs depicting spiritual narratives. The temple's centerpiece is a majestic eleven-tiered Meru, dedicated to Ida Bhatara, the divine being revered in Balinese Hinduism. Surrounded by numerous pelinggih, this sacred site offers a profound spiritual experience.
Every six months, on the full moon day of Kedasa according to the Balinese calendar, more precisely falling on every Rabu Kliwon Wuku Gumbreg or 35 days before Galungan, thousands of colorful canang sari and swirling incense smoke create a sea of colors at Pura Luhur Mekori during the Piodalan ceremony, while the melodious gamelan music adds to the beauty of the spiritual atmosphere with the performance of Tari Rejang Renteng, a dance that will circle the main area of the temple while carrying lelontekan, spears, and pengawin.
Pelinggih Kahyangan Jagat Mekori Temple (Source: Private Collection)
This temple houses named Pelinggih a special shrine dedicated to Ida Ratu Bagus Made Mentang Yuda, who is known as the spiritual representation of Sang Naga Rarik after his heroic battle against Naga Gombang. Adjacent to this shrine is the shrine of Ayu Mas Sari and her relatives who accompanied her.
Pura Luhur Mekori is not only a sacred building, but also a living testament to the history of the development of Hinduism and Balinese culture. Until now, Pura Luhur Mekori still stands strong as a witness to the history and spirituality of Bali. Even though times have changed and modernization has penetrated all corners, the sanctity, sacredness, and cool natural atmosphere in the middle of the tropical forest, this temple remains well-preserved.
