Spiritual Journey and the Magic of the Holy Spring of Beji Pakendungan Temple

Pura Beji Pakendungan, one of Bali's oldest and most historic holy springs, has witnessed centuries of the island's beautiful culture and spirituality. Located in Beraban Village, Kediri District, Tabanan Regency, this majestic temple is only 300 meters west of the sacred icon, Tanah Lot Temple. It has majestically stood since ancient times, in 1408 AD or Çaka 1330 according to the Balinese calendar.

Beji Pakendungan Temple (Source: Private Collection)

The origin of this temple is closely related to the journey of Danghyang Nirartha. As Dang Hyang Nirartha continued to pursue the Holy Light in the sea of Tanah Lot, he performed his deep meditation (yoga semadi) on Dewi Sri in the middle of the dense forest to the west of the Tanah Lot Sea. In this moment, he sought to attain aPura Beji Pakendungan is revered as a sacred place due to its location next to the coast of the Pakendungan River, which is considered a source of fertility. The river is also seen as a source of wealth that never recedes. Its clear water, which continues to flow throughout the seasons, is considered a gift of nature that brings abundance and prosperity. It is a place where faith and nature come together, where the sacred waters of the river are considered the guardians of prosperity and fertility for followers of Hinduism in Bali. vision of God and the Holy Light emanating from him. The forest where this meditation took place is known as Hutan Kendung, a place where the boundary between nature and spirituality is faint and alluring.

In Hutang Kendung, now stands Pura Beji Pakendungan, a place that not only has deep spiritual value, but also contains extraordinary secrets. Pakendungan Temple holds an amazing sacred treasure, the Keris "KI BARU GAJAH" which is a weapon that has the miraculous power to cure all diseases that plague the island of Bali. This kris was a gift given directly by Dang Hyang Nirartha to Bendesa Beraban before he left the village. This kris is prayed right on the day of odalan Pura Beji Pakendungan, which is every 210 days on Saturday Kliwon, Wuku Kuningan, or precisely on Kuningan day according to the Balinese calendar.

Beji Pakendungan Temple is revered as a holy place thanks to its location next to the coast of the Pakendungan River which is considered a source of prosperity. This river is also seen as a source of wealth that never diminishes. The water is clear and continues to flow throughout the seasons, considered a natural gift that brings abundance and prosperity. It is a place where faith and nature come together, where the holy waters of the river are considered the guardian of prosperity and fertility for followers of the Hindu religion in Bali.

Holy Spring of Beji Pakendungan Temple (Source: Private Collection)

Not only that, Beji Pakendungan Temple also offers a holy spring located inside the temple. Due to Dang Hyang Nirartha's diligence in worshiping Dewi Sri, it is believed that the spring inside the temple is a gift from Dewi Sri, the goddess of fertility in Balinese Hinduism. In Balinese Hinduism, Dewi Sri is the goddess responsible for the fertility of land and crops. The water ascribed to Dewi Sri is believed to have greater power to bring fertility and prosperity to its devotees.

The temple is a center of prosperity and fertility that is highly valued by Balinese farmers who are members of the subak in the Tabanan area. It is strongly believed that the holy water (tirta) emanating from this temple is considered an effective antidote against pests and diseases that threaten agriculture. When agriculture in Tabanan Regency is threatened by meranan or destructive pests, locals hold a Nangluk Merana ceremony at Beji Pakendungan Temple. They perform this ritual in the hope that their agricultural fields will be saved and protected from any threats that could destroy the harvest.

Beji Pakendungan Temple is used as a bathing place that is open to all levels of society, making it a destination that is visited by many Hindus. Balinese Hindus are convinced of the spiritual power contained in the water that flows from the spring in this temple. The water is believed to have the ability to provide blessings and protection for those who utilize it. The spring is considered a source of holy water (tirtha pangelukatan) used to cleanse all sins and unrighteousness. They can drink the water or simply wash their hands and faces to cleanse themselves of all evil and disease.

Beji Pakendungan Temple Entrance (Source: Private Collection)

With a rich history and deep spiritual values, Pura Beji Pakendungan in Bali is a place that blends nature, faith and culture in remarkable harmony. Here, the never-flowing river is considered a source of fertility, the holy water from Dewi Sri's spring is considered a gift, and the Keris "KI BARU GAJAH" a symbol of healing. Pura Beji Pakendungan is a reminder of the rich cultural and spiritual diversity that defines Bali, and how closely well-being and nature are intertwined in the lives of its people. It continues to exude magic and deep meaning for those seeking wisdom and salvation in the Balinese Hindu faith.