The Miracle of Pura Beji Nangga: A Sacred Power for Healing Smallpox in Desa Sedang
Pura Beji Nangga is a sacred site that is respectfully maintained by the community of Desa Adat Sedang. This temple is regarded as a divine blessing from Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, serving as a spiritual center and a symbol of holy water. Located on Jl. Raya Kerasan, Banjar Sedang Kaja, Kecamatan Abiansemal, Badung, the temple is preserved as an expression of gratitude for God's blessings.
Pura Beji Nangga is closely linked to the history of Desa Adat Sedang, formerly known as Desa Bhun, which was part of the territory ruled by I Gusti Ngurah Bhun. During the reign of the Mengwi Kingdom, King Ida Cokorda Agung Mayun heard rumors that I Gusti Ngurah Bhun intended to break away from Mengwi's rule. When summoned to meet the king, I Gusti Ngurah Bhun refused, triggering the king's anger and leading to an attack on Desa Bhun.
In the initial battle, I Gusti Ngurah Bhun, with the assistance of Dalem Sukawati, successfully repelled Mengwi's forces. However, a counterattack led by I Gusti Agung Made Munggu and his commanders eventually crushed the resistance of I Gusti Ngurah Bhun. This defeat forced the Bhun family and their forces to flee to neighboring villages, while some surrendered to Mengwi's authorities.
Pura Beji Nangga (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
After the war ended, I Gusti Agung Made Munggu was crowned King of Mengwi. As part of the reconstruction efforts, Desa Bhun, which had been destroyed, began to be rebuilt in 1575 CE. During the penyesedan (clearing) of the forest, a beautiful bathing pool was discovered beneath a kenanga tree. The spring was believed to have healing properties, particularly for ailments such as measles. The kenanga tree inspired the name "Beji Nangga" where "Beji" means bathing garden.
During the continued penyesedan to rebuild Desa Bhun now known as Desa Sedang many participants experienced severe fevers and relentless itching. In desperation, they sought healing at the spring under the kenanga tree, now called Beji Nangga.
Pole Tree (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
Through the grace of the Creator, all those afflicted, including those suffering from skin diseases like smallpox, were miraculously healed after seeking holy water from the spring. This extraordinary event strengthened the belief of Desa Sedang's residents in the miraculous and sacred power of Beji Nangga. To this day, residents of Desa Sedang who suffer from smallpox or other skin diseases perform a nunas pengelukatan ritual at Pura Beji Nangga to seek healing.
Due to this miracle, a sacred shrine was established to worship the greatness of God in the manifestations of Hyang Wisnu, Ibu Dewi Danu, and Dewi Gangga as the embodiment of Hyang Maha Tirta (God of Holy Water). Pura Beji Nangga serves as a holy site for seeking blessings of health and healing, as well as a reminder of His grace and blessings.
Penglukatan Beji Nangga (Photo Source: Personal Collection)
In addition to being a place for purification rituals, Pura Beji Nangga also plays an important role in the spiritual traditions of Desa Sedang's community. It is often used as a site for:
- Nunas Tirta Pengentas: Requesting holy water for cremation ceremonies or as the final consecration of religious rituals.
- Nunas Toya Pemuput: Requesting holy water for purification and completion of various traditional ceremonies.
- Center for Pasemetonan Susuk Purification: A special place for the initial followers who participated in the penyesedan from the northern direction during the rebuilding of Desa Sedang.
With its long history and spiritual power that remains widely believed today, Pura Beji Nangga continues to be a center of faith and tradition for the community of Desa Sedang, as well as a symbol of the everlasting miracles of God's blessings.
