IF you happen to pass the route from Celuk to Batuan in Gianyar, not far from the traffic lights at Batuan T-junction, you might see many guests crossing from wantilan hall to the temple assisted by local pecalang or customary village security officers. It is the Puseh and Desa Temple of Batuan or better known as the Puseh Batuan Temple. This temple is almost never empty of visitors.
To visit this temple, each visitor is required to use a sarong and sash having been provided by the object management officers in the wantilan hall. If you cannot wear it, the officers will be happy to lend a hand. So far, the Puseh Batuan Temple object is still using a donation system, and has not yet applied the entrance ticket.
From an artistic point of view, this historic temple has a very typical building ornament with Balinese carvings and is made of red brick in combination with gray sand stone (paras aon) for the entrance gate and temple to the interior of the temple. This temple, which is one of the oldest temples in Bali, was built in Caka 944 or 1022 AD.
The development was carried out during the reign of King Sri Dharmawangsa Wardhana of the Warmadewa Dynasty. Until now, the ancient relics, which have high artistic value and magical aura vibrations very much felt by people who pursue spiritual practices, can be found in a building located at the back of the temple area.
Despite being old, the physical structure of this temple still looks tough and becomes a silent witness of history. As the name suggests, the temple itself is part of Kahyangan Tiga (three main temples) commonly owned by each customary village in Bali.
Broadly speaking, in the innermost courtyard there is Bale Agung, Bale Kulkul, kori agung or main entrance to temple innermost courtyard. This is the entrance used to get in and out of the gods, like pratima, a sanctified effigy in the form of small statue symbolizing the deity venerated here. The entrance is flanked by several giant statues symbolizing the guards. Meanwhile, on the left and right side of the main entrance, there are two small doors as a place for worshipers to enter and leave the innermost courtyard of the temple.
In the innermost courtyard of this temple there are various shrines such as meru or multi-tiered shrine and padmasana which functions as a place of worship of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi or God Almighty.
For additional information, this Puseh Batuan Temple tourist object is equipped with supporting facilities such as toilets and a large parking area. This temple is approximately 18 kilometers northeast of or about half an hour’s drive from Denpasar City.
