Pura Pedarman Agung Satria Denpasar: The Three Sacred Mandalas of the Historic Legacy of Kyayi Tegeh Kori

Pura Pedarman Agung Satria, located on Jalan Veteran, Banjar Tainsiat, Desa Dangin Puri Kaja, Denpasar North District, Bali, is one of the historical temples with great spiritual and cultural significance for the Balinese community. This temple was built to honor Ida Bhatara Leluhur, the founder of the Kingdom of Badung, as well as to preserve and maintain the spiritual connection between the ancestors, the community, and the gods. Pura Pedarman Agung Satria is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of identity and harmony for the Balinese people, deeply rooted in cultural values and Hindu religion.

Utama Mandala Pura Pedarman Agung Satria (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

History of the Establishment of Pura Pedarman Agung Satria Pura Pedarman Agung Satria has a history that dates back to the 16th century, during the era of the Kyayi Tegeh Kori Dynasty. This dynasty is known as one of the noble families with significant influence in Balinese history, especially in the formation of the Kingdom of Badung. The establishment of this temple began with the desire to honor and preserve the spiritual values inherited from their ancestors. Although Ida Bhatara Leluhur has ascended to the heavens, the Balinese community continues to believe that he provides protection and guidance through various rituals and ceremonies conducted at this temple.

Another name for this temple is Pura Satria, which refers to the identity of the Kesatria community or the warrior class who played a significant role in the political and social life of the Kingdom of Badung. This shows that the temple also has a close connection with the Kesatria community, directly tied to the history of struggle and protection of the Balinese people. The Structure of the Three Sacred Mandalas Pura Pedarman Agung Satria consists of three main mandalas, each with significant meaning and function in the Balinese Hindu tradition. These three mandalas are Utama Mandala, Madya Mandala, and Nista Mandala. Each mandala has its own purpose and reflects the relationship between the human world, the ancestors, and the gods.

Utama Mandala Pura Pedarman Agung Satria (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Utama Mandala is the holiest area of Pura Pedarman Agung Satria. This area contains various pelinggih (shrines) dedicated to honoring Ida Bhatara Sad Kahyangan, Ida Bhatara Lelangit, as well as ancestors from various dynasties such as the Jamban and Denpasar Dynasties. The southernmost pelinggih in this area is where Ida Cokorda Mantuk Ring Rana and Ida Cokorda Basmi are enshrined. The presence of these shrines is crucial as it symbolizes respect for important figures from the Denpasar Dynasty who played a major role in the history of the Kingdom of Badung.

Madya Mandala Pura Pedarman Agung Satria (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Madya Mandala is located in the middle and is the place for various customary and religious ceremonies. This area functions as a bridge between the sacred and the profane worlds. Some of the pelinggih found in Madya Mandala include Pelinggih Arch Cokorda Mantuk Ring Rana, Pelinggih Ratu Ngurah Sambangan, and Pelinggih Ratu Melanting. Additionally, in Madya Mandala, there are the Bale Gong and Bale Pesamuan, places where people gather during ceremonies. Madya Mandala symbolizes the balance between the higher realms and the human world.

Nista Mandala Pura Pedarman Agung Satria (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Nista Mandala is the outer area surrounded by sacred banyan trees. These trees play a crucial role in the Ngangget Don Bingin ritual, a ceremony to request protection and blessings. The presence of these banyan trees symbolizes the purity and protection granted by Ida Bhatara Leluhur to humanity. Furthermore, the traditional market, such as Pasar Badung, located around the temple, is an essential part of daily life for the Balinese community. This market reflects the harmonious blend of spiritual and worldly life, supporting each other.

Influence of the Arya Damar and Kyayi Tegeh Kori Dynasties The history of Pura Pedarman Agung Satria cannot be separated from the influence of the Arya Damar Dynasty, descendants of Adityawarman, a figure sent by Majapahit to dominate Sumatra and Bali. Kyayi Tegeh Kori, who came from this dynasty, is a central figure in the temple's establishment. The construction of the temple was carried out in stages, considering the symbolic and cultural aspects of each dynasty. The process began with the northern and central pelinggih for the first dynasty, followed by the southern pelinggih for the next dynasty, including the Denpasar Dynasty established in 1788. Each stage of the temple’s construction reflects deep historical and spiritual development.

Utama Mandala Pura Pedarman Agung Satria (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Piodalan and Community Traditions Piodalan, or the temple festival, at Pura Pedarman Agung Satria typically falls in November, coinciding with the fifth or sixth full moon of the Balinese calendar. Piodalan is an important time for the Hindu Balinese to carry out ceremonies and strengthen their spiritual bond with their ancestors. This celebration is attended by the local community, especially those from the Kesatria lineage, as a form of respect for the ancestors who fought for the welfare of the people. This temple also has close ties with Puri Agung Denpasar, known as Puri Satria. Puri Agung was the center of the Kingdom of Badung's administration and played an important role in the social and cultural history of Denpasar.

Pura Pedarman Agung Satria stands as a silent witness to the long journey of Balinese history, from the Majapahit era to modern times. As a center of spirituality, culture, and history in Denpasar, this temple continues to be a symbol of harmony between humans, nature, and the divine. Through the customary and religious ceremonies held here, the Balinese people strengthen the bond between the sacred and worldly realms, preserve the noble values passed down by their ancestors, and honor their contributions to the development of Balinese civilization. Pura Pedarman Agung Satria remains a focal point in the life of the Balinese community, full of beauty, meaning, and high values. Its existence is not only as a place of worship but also as a center for the preservation of Balinese traditions and culture, which continue to live and evolve with the times. In every ceremony and celebration, the Balinese people continue to remember and honor their ancestors, maintaining peace, and strengthening unity within the community.