The Origins of Pura Penataran Pande in Besakih: The Bhisama of Mpu Siwa Saguna as a Guide for the Devotion of the Pande Community

The Penataran Pande Temple in Besakih is one of the most important temples for the Pande community in Bali, serving as a sacred site to venerate their ancestors and maintain a spiritual connection with Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. The existence of this temple is deeply rooted in a long history and the ancestral message enshrined in the bhisama of Mpu Siwa Saguna. This bhisama serves as a guiding principle that binds the Pande community to continuously uphold devotion at Besakih Temple, particularly at the Penataran Pande Temple.

The first bhisama given by Mpu Siwa Saguna to Brahmana Dwala at Pura Bukit Indrakila was a reminder for the Pande community to always worship at Pura Besakih and Pura Penataran Pande. This bhisama reads:

      "Mangke hiyun ira turun ing Besaki. Didine ane Penataran Pande. Kita aywa lupa bakti ring kawitan ring Besakih."

This means that Mpu Siwa Saguna instructed Brahmana Dwala to always show reverence and devotion at Pura Besakih. This bhisama later became a guide for the Pande community to maintain a spiritual connection with their ancestors enshrined at Pura Penataran Pande, Besakih. According to the bhisama, if the Pande people neglect this devotion, they will experience scarcity, even if they are materially successful.

Utama Mandala of Penataran Pande Temple (Source: Personal Collection)

The Abhiseka Title of Ida Bhatara at Pura Penataran Pande

In the Raja Purana Pura Besakih and Babad Dalem Tarukan manuscripts, it is explained that the abhiseka title of Ida Bhatara at Pura Penataran Pande in Besakih is Ida Ratu Bagus Pande. This title signifies the close connection between Pura Penataran Pande and Pura Penataran Agung in Besakih. The Raja Purana Pura Besakih outlines specific guidelines for Ida Bhatara's journeys, including a ritual pilgrimage every 10 years to Klotok, every 5 years to Yeh Sah, and every 4 years to Tegal Suci. These journeys highlight the important role of Pura Penataran Pande within the larger series of rituals at Pura Besakih.

Devotional Guidance from the Babad Dalem Tarukan

In the Babad Dalem Tarukan, whose authenticity has been confirmed by the Central Board of Para Gotra Sentana Dalem Tarukan, it is also stated that the Pande community must uphold their pamancangah (inscriptions) as proof of descent from Dalem Gelgel by performing ceremonies at Pura Besakih. In this bhisama, it is specified that when performing devotion at Pura Penataran Pande, the Pande community should use tri datu thread, daksina arta (offering money), gold leaf, and other ceremonial offerings. The use of these offerings symbolizes the Pande community's dedication to maintaining a sacred connection with their ancestors.

Utama Mandala of Penataran Pande Temple (Source: Personal Collection)

The Connection Between the Pande and Pasek Communities in Besakih

French researcher Jean Francois Guerpmonprez, in his dissertation "Les Pande De Bali" (1987), stated that no community in Bali has an ancestral place of worship as clearly defined as the Pande community’s shrine at Pura Besakih. According to Guerpmonprez, the Pande community also actively disseminates ancestral manuscripts that form the foundation of their genealogy, similar to the Pasek community, who also has a strong connection to Pura Besakih. This statement is reinforced in the Raja Purana Pura Pasar Agung manuscript, which mentions that the Pande and Pasek communities play an important role in preserving and honoring the temples at Besakih.

The Raja Purana Pura Pasar Agung also mentions that violating the teachings of the deities and neglecting the sacred places would bring disaster to Bali. The duty of the Pande and Pasek communities to maintain these sacred places is a generational responsibility that upholds the continuity of Bali’s natural and spiritual harmony.