The Uniqueness of a Temple Carved on a Cliff

The existence of a place of hermitage and Hindu worship in Bali is inseparable from the temples that are often and easily found. These temples can be found in areas that are crowded with people or in remote areas that are sometimes difficult to reach. This is inseparable from the society and culture in Bali, where the majority of the population is Hindu and almost every culture contains religious matters. Although there are many temples scattered in many places, almost every temple in Bali has its own uniqueness, be it the uniqueness of the background, the story or the uniqueness and architectural beauty of the temple. Therefore, it is not surprising that many temples in Bali, in addition to being a place of worship, are also attractive tourist attractions to be visited by local and foreign tourists. One of the temples that has architectural beauty is Tegallinggah Cliff Temple.

Pancoran Temple Area (Photo source: Editorial Collection)

Tegallinggah Cliff Temple is a temple that is also a tourist attraction located in Tegallinggah Hamlet, Bedulu Village, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar Regency. This temple was discovered by Krijsman who was an archaeologist from the Netherlands. This expert stated that this temple is a relic building from the 12th century AD, which is around 1101 AD to 1200 AD. In the discovery of this temple is quite unique, which when found, this temple is still in a condition that is covered by dense and lush trees that grow around the temple. In addition, this temple building was directly chiseled on the existing cliff wall. This temple is similar in technique to the Kerobokan Cliff Temple, which is thought to date back to around the 12th century AD. At first the local community thought that the carvings on the wall were a gate, but further research conducted by Krijsman revealed something else. From this research, Krijsman found the complete existence of the temple in several niches.

Niche in the Temple Area (Photo Source: Editorial Collection)

Tegallinggah Cliff Temple is a temple that has a unique design. The process of making it directly by touching the cliff wall makes the attraction of this temple. This temple also has some uniqueness through seven niches and three phalluses found by researchers. The phallus in this temple is not merely an additional attraction but has a meaning in it. The phallus reflects or depicts the figure of Tri Murti in Hinduism, sure consisting of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and also Lord Brahma. There is also a niche that is a place of hermitage as a means of approaching God. In addition, the complex also consists of two main temple buildings carved into the cliff wall where there is a water fountain. The locations of the two main cliff temples are often used by local Hindus to perform worship or melukat rituals, which is the purification and cleansing of the mind and soul in humans. Melukat is usually done by washing the body in the existing shower and is believed to release holy water.

Tegallinggah Cliff Temple (Photo Source: Editorial Collection)

With a process that is done directly by carving on the cliff, Tegallinggah Cliff Temple looks like an unfinished temple building, and there are even some parts of this temple in the form of ruins. One of the parts that looks like ruins is found in the gapuranya. With such conditions, researchers estimate that during the construction process of this temple there was a disturbance. With such disturbances and situations, inevitably the process of construction and workmanship was then completely stopped. Even so, this building has uniqueness in it and not infrequently there are also some tourists who come to do yoga in this area.

Stairs to the Temple (Photo Source: Editorial Collection)

The journey to Tegallinggah Cliff Temple has a beautiful view. Visitors will find a beautiful stretch of rice fields when traveling to this temple. The terraced rice fields become the main dish that spoils the eyes and is added with a cool breeze. The main access to this temple can be done by going down the stairs. Not only that, visitors also find a natural area around this temple.

Water Flow in the Temple Area (Photo Source: Editorial Collection)

The situation around the area with lush trees and the sound of flowing water makes the atmosphere beautiful and shady so that visitors feel comfortable and calm when visiting this place. It has many unique buildings that make visitors have many choices of spots to take pictures.