The Legend of Dang Hyang Niratha: The Savior of Serangan Island

In ancient times, Dang Hyang Niratha was a sacred priest from Java, renowned as one of the key figures in spreading Hinduism in Bali. He came to Bali with the mission of promoting dharma teachings and strengthening the spirituality of the local community. Dang Hyang Niratha's primary goal was to spread the teachings of Hinduism and impart ways of living in accordance with dharma values. He traveled to various locations across Bali to share his teachings.

Dang Hyang Niratha Journeying to The Southern Region of Bali (Source : Private Collection)

At one point, Dang Hyang Niratha traveled to the southern region of Bali. There, he arrived at an area now known as Serangan Island, which at that time was still connected to the main landmass of Bali. When Dang Hyang Niratha arrived, the area was facing numerous difficulties. Many people in the community were ill, and the region was perceived as being plagued by negative energy and lacking in spiritual significance. As a holy priest, Dang Hyang Niratha sensed an imbalance of energy in the area. He realized that the region required spiritual purification to remove the negative influences causing widespread illness among the people.

Dang Hyang Niratha Offering a Prayer to The Deity (Source : Private Collection)

Dang Hyang Niratha decided to perform tapas, or meditation, in that location. He hoped to purify and balance the spiritual energy of the area through his inner strength. During his meditation, Dang Hyang Niratha focused his thoughts on the deity and prayed for the purification of the area. His meditation was conducted with deep concentration and lasted for an extended period. In his meditation, Dang Hyang Niratha prayed to the deity to transform the area into an island separate from the main landmass of Bali. His goal was to make the place more sacred and free from negative energy influences. Dang Hyang Niratha's prayer was granted. An extraordinary natural event occurred, causing the land that had previously been connected to Bali to separate and form an isolated island. This island later came to be known as Serangan Island.

The Serangan Island Community After Being Freed From Negative Energy (Source: Personal Collection)

Once the island was formed, the negative energy in the area gradually dissipated. The people who had previously been ill began to recover, and the region came to be regarded as a sacred place by the local inhabitants. Serangan Island later became known as a sacred place, thanks to the spiritual purification carried out by Dang Hyang Niratha. The people of Bali began to revere the island as a site endowed with positive energy and blessings. The Balinese people hold Dang Hyang Niratha in great reverence due to his crucial role in spreading Hinduism and sanctifying Serangan Island. He is regarded as one of the most influential holy priests in the spiritual history of Bali.

The Temple Built As a Form of Respect For Dang Hyang Niratha (Source : Private Collection)

As a mark of respect, a temple was established on Serangan Island to honor Dang Hyang Niratha and preserve the island's spiritual purity. These temples have become places of pilgrimage and worship for Hindus in Bali. Serangan Island has now become a significant part of Bali's spiritual and cultural traditions. Many religious rituals and ceremonies are conducted there, and the island is regarded as one of the key spiritual centers in Bali.