Pura Luhur Tamba Waras: A Journey of History and Wonders

Pura Luhur Tamba Waras, a sacred place in the village of Sangketan, Penebel, Tabanan, has a rich history and is filled with wonders. This temple is not only a place of worship but is also renowned as the source of a miraculous medicine called "tamba," believed to cure various illnesses. This is the long and amazing story of how this temple became a spiritual and healing center.

The history of Pura Luhur Tamba Waras begins with a miracle that occurred after the king of Tabanan recovered from an illness. Since then, the temple has been known as Pura Tamba Waras. Another miraculous event took place when a building near the temple collapsed due to a strong wind. The temple caretakers then discovered oranges that appeared mysteriously, believed to be a blessing from Ida Bhatara Sesuunan Ring Dalem Solo. These seemingly magical oranges were then processed into a medicine called "tamba." The manufacturing process is highly specialized, involving frying the oranges with a mixture of 11 types of coconut oil. Afterward, a pasupati ceremony is performed, but the process is not considered complete until another event occurs. During the temple festival (piodalan), the fried oranges are stored, awaiting the right time. During the festival, the temple caretakers believe that Ida Bhatara Sesuunan will provide guidance to complete the process of making the tamba medicine. Only then is the medicine considered valid and effective.

Pura Luhur Tamba Waras (Photo Source: Private Collection)

Information about the existence of the tamba medicine spread widely through word of mouth in the community. Many people came seeking the medicine after hearing extraordinary healing stories. Before requesting the medicine, people were advised by the temple caretakers to undergo a purification ritual at Beji Pensucian Ida Bhatara. In addition to Pura Tamba Waras, Ida Bhatara Sesuunan also gave instructions to build another sacred place. This place was chosen south of Mount Batukaru, precisely in the village of Sangketan. The construction of this sacred place was donated by two Jro, namely Jro Nengah Rentaya and Jro Ni Luh Putu Muliarti, without assistance from the local government. The two Jro performed sacred journeys, including natasang and ngeruruh sarin sarin amerta, to seek the blessing of Ida Bhatara Dalem Solo. They traveled to Nusa, Java, and other sacred places. The entire journey aimed to obtain the purity of the water medium, which is the basis of the tamba medicine purification process. After the journey and purification process were completed, the water medium called Tirta Tamba was brought to Pura Tamba Waras. There, a unification ritual took place, including sacrificing a necessary pig and placing it at the feet of Siwa Narayana. The miracle occurred when the pig melted and merged with the water medium.

Siwa Narayana (Photo Source: Private Collection)

The unification ritual at Pura Tamba Waras has profound meaning. This process consists of pemarisudaning khayangan, weakening, and the vitality of pawongan. Each stage serves a distinct function, such as purifying the heavens that have experienced misfortune, weakening issues in agriculture, and fostering the vitality of humans with seven different sources. Pura Luhur Tamba Waras is not just a place of worship but also a witness to the miracles and purity that have occurred for centuries. This story is a spiritual and cultural heritage for the local community, creating a close connection between humans and the greatness of the universe.