Taman Sari Mengwi Temple, a Spiritual Place to Pray for Healing and Offspring

Dang Hyang Dwijendra's journey to Bali in the 14th century left traces all over Bali, including temples that are still used by Balinese Hindus today. These temples have various functions and uniqueness. Dang Kahyangan Taman Sari Mengwi Temple is one of the traces of Dang Hyang Dwijendra's legacy in Mengwi Village. Dang Kahyangan Taman Sari Mengwi Temple is a place where Ida Bhatara worship Ida Sang Hyang Widhi by the descendants of Ida Bhatara Dang Hyang Dwijendra/Ida Bhatara Dang Hyang Nirartha.

Taman Sari Mengwi Temple is located on Gunung Batur Street, Alangkajeng, Mengwi Village, and is south of Taman Ayun Temple. Taman Sari Temple is bordered by Taman Ayun River in the east, residential houses in the north and south, and in the west of the temple is the access road. Taman Sari Temple is the 9th temple from the story of Ida Bhatara Dang Hyang Dwijendra's journey and has existed since Saka year 1411 (1498 AD).

According to the Dharmayatra Library of Dang Hyang Dwijendra or Dwijendra Tattwa, the history of Taman Sari Mengwi Temple began after Dang Hyang Dwijendra continued his journey from Mundeh Village to the northeast. On his way, he found a river on the west side of which there is a wulakan (water source) whose water is very clear, holy, soothing, and around the wulakan is overgrown with various kinds of flowers whose fragrance fills the nose. Because the place was cool and shady, Dang Hyang Dwijendra finally did Yoga Samadhi accompanied by the main mantra puja to the Creator. After doing Yoga Samadhi, Dang Hyang Dwijendra finally named the place Taman Sari Temple and the spring he found was called Pura Wulakan. Pura Wulakan is part of Pura Taman Sari and is located right behind the temple.

Wulakan Temple in Taman Sari Mengwi Temple (Source: Author Collection)

Currently, Pura Wulakan functions as a place to worship Ida Sang Hyang Widhi by the descendants of Ida Bhatara Dang Hyang Nirartha/Ida Bhatara Dang Hyang Dwijendra during piodalan. In addition to functioning as a place to worship Ida Bhatara, the local community believes that this temple has strong spiritual energy and is a place to pray for healing for people who are sick, especially for non-medical illnesses. The ritual of asking for healing is done by melukat, which is a holy bath with tirta sourced from the wulakan (spring) under the banyan tree which is believed to cleanse negative energy.

Pura Wulakan is not only a place where people pray for healing, especially for non-medical ailments, but also a place visited by couples who want offspring. Couples who are having trouble having offspring often come to this temple for melukat. People who want to do melukat at this Wulakan Temple only need to bring banten pejati alit. The pengelukatan is done in the outer area of Wulakan Temple or in the jaba of Wulakan Temple side. People can pray at Taman Sari Temple after pengelukatan.

Aside from being a place to pray for healing and offspring, Taman Sari Temple also has a distinctive and beautiful architecture. The temple is designed in a classic Balinese architectural style that combines traditional elements with an elegant artistic touch. The temple buildings are made of natural stone that is chiseled in detail and decorated with beautiful carvings.

Banyan Tree in Taman Sari Mengwi Temple (Source: Author Collection)

In addition to the architectural beauty, Taman Sari Mengwi Temple is also surrounded by enchanting nature. Around the temple there are shady trees. The trees provide a cool and shady atmosphere, creating a comfortable and calm environment for visitors. The serene and spiritual atmosphere of this temple creates an ideal atmosphere for meditation and reflection.

Taman Sari Mengwi Temple also has a banyan tree which is one of its attractions. This banyan tree is hundreds of years old, has a large size, and towers. The banyan tree is considered sacred and respected in the Hindu belief in Bali, and is often used as a place to do ceremony and offerings. The existence of this banyan tree also adds to the sacred and majestic atmosphere of the temple, and gives a natural and harmonious impression in the architectural design of the temple.

Taman Sari Mengwi Temple is a must-visit for anyone interested in Balinese culture and spirituality. With its rich history, the beauty of its traditional architecture, its spiritual power, this temple offers an unforgettable experience for visitors.