The Sacred Kerug Stone at Pura Pegonjongan: A Sign of Rain and the Prayers of Traders
In **Sambirenteng Village**, **Tejakula District**, **Buleleng Regency**, stands an ancient temple rich in spiritual, historical, and cultural values known as **Pura Pegonjongan**. This temple is widely recognized for the presence of a **sacred Kerug stone**, which is believed to produce a sound three times as a sign that rain will soon fall.
The Kerug stone located within the Pura Pegonjongan area has a shiny surface and a distinctive natural form. According to local belief, this stone is able to naturally produce a sound three times. The sound is believed to be a sign of impending rainfall, particularly during certain seasons. This belief has been passed down from generation to generation and has become an important part of the local wisdom of the Sambirenteng community.
This phenomenon of the shiny stone is not viewed merely as a natural occurrence, but is also regarded as a niskala (spiritual) sign related to the harmony between humans, nature, and God.
Kerug or Guntur Stone(Source: Personal Collection)
Historically, Pura Pegonjongan has had a close connection with past trading activities. Its location along the eastern part of North Bali’s coastal area is believed to have once been a trading harbor, where ships docked and commercial exchanges took place. This made the temple not only a place of worship, but also a spiritual center for traders.
Enshrined in this temple are Ida Batara Ngurah Subandar and Ida Ratu Ayu Subandar, who are revered as the protectors and guardians of traders. To this day, many devotees especially traders come to Pura Pegonjongan to pray for smooth business operations, safety in trade, and abundant prosperity.
Temple Courtyard of Pura Pegonjongan (Source: Personal Collection)
Another unique feature of Pura Pegonjongan is the presence of a patirtan (holy water place), which is believed to be a legacy of Kebo Iwa, a legendary Balinese figure renowned for his extraordinary spiritual power.
This patirtan enhances the historical and spiritual value of the temple and is frequently used by devotees for spiritual purification before performing prayers.
The water from this patirtan is believed to possess purifying power, making Pura Pegonjongan an important site not only in a religious sense but also in a historical one.
Patirtan of Pura Pegonjongan (Source: Personal Collection)
Pura Pegonjongan is not merely a place of worship, but also a repository of beliefs, trading history, and local wisdom of North Bali. The sacred shiny stone believed to signal rainfall, the veneration of the protectors of traders, and the legacy of Kebo Iwa give this temple a profound meaning for the local community.
Through the preservation of Pura Pegonjongan, the spiritual and historical values embodied within it can continue to live on and be passed down to future generations.
