Tracing the Ancestral History at Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda

Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda is one of Bali's sacred temples located at an elevation on the border between Lalanglinggah Village and Mundeh Village in Selemadeg Barat District, Tabanan Regency, Bali. Its location at the top of a hill, around 200 meters above sea level, adds a mystical and sacred aura to this temple. To reach Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda, visitors must undertake a long journey through challenging and steep terrain. However, the beauty and peace felt upon arrival at this temple are worth the effort.

The name Bukit Rangda derives from the words buket, meaning hill, and rangdu or rangda, which refers to spirit or mystical power. Thus, the name Bukit Rangda implies a hill inhabited or guarded by a powerful mystical presence. The local community believes that this hill holds spiritual strength that can protect humanity. Therefore, Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of protection for the surrounding community.

Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda (Photo Source: Editor's Collection)

This temple has a long history recorded in the Lontar Purana Jagat Bangsul, which mentions many sacred mountains in Bali, including Bukit Rangda. According to legend, Bukit Rangda was blessed by Sang Hyang Pasupati, an important deity in Balinese Hinduism, who designated this place as Kahyangan Hyang Ludra. This makes Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda one of the most revered and sacred temples for the Balinese community.

According to historical sources and local beliefs, Bukit Rangda has been a place of worship since the year 111 or 189 AD. At that time, the hill became a center of spiritual activities, as people believed that the large trees growing here, like the kepuh tree, were the abode of powerful guardian spirits. This tradition has been passed down through generations, and today, Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda continues to be a place of worship and spiritual protection.

In the 14th century, around the years 1315 to 1395 AD, a holy figure named Dukuh Mayaspuri settled on Bukit Rangda with several followers. His followers included significant spiritual figures like I Mucaling, Ratu Ngurah Tangekeb Langit, I Ratu Wayan Teba, I Made Jelawung, I Nyoman Pengadangan, I Ketut Petung, and Ni Luh Rai Darani. They were spiritual leaders with special abilities in mystical powers and mastery of spiritual energies. Their presence on this hill further established Bukit Rangda as a sacred place with a great mystical power.

The story continues with a spiritual conflict between I Mucaling and Rsi Markandeya, a wise sage known for his powerful spiritual abilities. I Mucaling, feeling entitled to the Bukit Rangda region, attempted to dominate the area by performing *pengeluhan*, a spiritual act intended to weaken the energy in the region. However, Rsi Markandeya successfully stopped I Mucaling's actions by sprinkling holy water, or tirta, around the hill. This holy water is believed to bring positive energy and protective power that shields Bukit Rangda from malevolent intentions.

Following this incident, I Mucaling eventually chose to leave Bukit Rangda and relocate to another area. He moved to Jungut Batu in Nusa Penida. However, the influence and power of Rsi Markandeya remain palpable to this day. He established Kahyangan Bhatar Ludra on the peak of Bukit Rangda as a symbol of unshakable spiritual protection. In the following era, around the years 1340 to 1418 AD, Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda further developed into one of Bali's significant places of worship.

Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda offers not only spiritual value but also stunning natural beauty. From the hilltop, visitors can witness spectacular views, with lush forests, hills, and steep ravines that enhance the natural and sacred ambiance of the place. The surrounding atmosphere is also very cool.

From the top of Bukit Rangda, visitors can enjoy views of Yeh Bakung Beach in the distance. This scenery creates a calming atmosphere, inviting visitors to pause and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. The pristine environment, far from urban noise, adds to the tranquility felt at this temple.

Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda (Photo Source: Editor's Collection)

The journey to the temple requires considerable effort as visitors must walk along narrow paths and traverse challenging terrain. The route to the temple passes through several villages, such as Bangkilas Jaran, Penataran, and others. Visitors coming from Denpasar city need to travel about 62 km to reach this temple. However, the effort is well rewarded with the spiritual experience and the views upon arrival.

For those planning to visit Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda, there are a few things to keep in mind for a more comfortable and meaningful journey. First, be physically prepared, as the path to the temple is quite challenging and requires good stamina. Make sure to bring enough drinking water and wear comfortable clothing for long walks.

Since Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda is a sacred place, it is essential to respect local customs and norms. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and follow the appropriate rituals for worship in the temple. Maintain cleanliness and avoid any actions that could damage the environment or be considered disrespectful by the local community.

The presence of large trees, such as the kepuh tree, around the temple adds to the sacred aura of this place. Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda is a living testament to the harmony between beliefs, nature, and spirituality, creating a place that is not only beautiful but also meaningful to all who visit it.

Pura Luhur Pucak Bukit Rangda is one of Bali's spiritual marvels, offering natural beauty along with a profound sacred atmosphere. Located atop a hill, this temple radiates mystical energy revered by the local community, with breathtaking natural panoramas. Its presence reminds us of the importance of preserving Bali’s cultural and spiritual heritage.