The Origins and History of the "Balinese Highlands"

Lempuyang Temple is located on the top of Bukit Bisbis or 'Mount Lempuyang', Karangan. This temple is thought to be the oldest existence in Bali, and some even predict that it already existed in pre-Hindu-Buddhist times, which was originally a sacred building made of stone, Lempuyang Temple as a Palace Hyang Gni Jaya or even Dewa Iswara.



History of Lempuyang Temple

In a book published by the Balinese cultural service '1998' titled (Lempuyang Luhur), it is said, Lempuyang comes from the word (lamp) which means light and (Hyang) to refer to God, like Hyang Widhi, from that word Lempuyang or lamp which is interpreted as the holy light of God that is brightly lit "highlight / highlight".

There is also another version that states that Lempuyang is a type of plant used for cooking spices, it is also associated with the name of Bajar around Lempuyang, Bajar Bangle and Gamongan Bangle and Gamongan as a type of plant commonly used for medicine and seasonings, there are also other versions that state Lempuyang is derived from the word (empu) or (emong) which is interpreted as guarding, Bhatara Hayang Pasupati who sent his three sons to go down to carry them to keep Bali stable from various natural disasters.



In the palm of Kutara Kanda Dewa Purana Bangsul is called, Sang Hyang Parameswara brought the mountains in Bali from Jambhudwipa "India", from Mount Mahameru, the pieces of Mount Mahameru were brought to Bali and broken into 3 big parts and also small parts , the middle part is made by Mount Batur and Rinjani, while the peak is Mount Agung, the smaller fractions are as a row of mountains in Bali that are related to each other, the mountains are Mount Tapsahi, auction, siladnyana, Beratan, Batukaru, Nagaloka , Pulaki, the summit of Sangkur, Trate Bang, Bukit Rangda, Padang Dawa, Sraya, Andhakasa, Uluwatu, and Lempuyang mountains, these mountains become the Palace of Gods manifestations of God to keep Bali.


In the ejection was also mentioned that the Parameswara assigned his son Sang Hyang Agnijayasakti to go down to Bali and maintain the welfare of Bali and he had a Palace on Mount Lempuyang along with other gods.


Around 1950, where the Lempuyang Luhur Temple was erected, there was a pile of stones and a large sanggar made from living trees, in the east stood a large Sidhakarya tree which at this time no longer exists, it is suspected that the tree fell or died slowly without generations. only to replace it, then in 1960 two twin lotus were built, and a single lotus bale piyasan.

Lempuyang Temple has an important status, just like Besakih Temple, both in the concept of Padma Bhwana, Loka Pala chess or even the gods of Nawa Sanga, in various sources of lontar or ancient inscriptions, there are 3 large temples that are often called besides Ulun Danu Batur and Besakih are Lempuyang Temple.


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Taking some ancient sources, Jero Mangko Gede Wangi, said the temple's stakeholders.


"The Balinese, whatever their nationality, should not forget this temple, at least once they take the prayer to visit this temple, because if they have never or forgotten to worship God whose manifestations are in this temple, during ordinary life they never find happiness, often check cok with family or with the community and short life. "

The Balinese obligation to worship Batara Hyang Gni Jaya in Lempuyang Luhur is stated in Bhisama Hyang Gni Jaya which is written in the Brahmanda Purana ejection as follows.

"Watu we Wong Bali, that we passed the ring of heaven, tan devotion we feel sapisan invitations, the sky ring of heaven ira Hyang Agni Jaya, hopefully we will tan dadi jadma, our wastu ping three hit drawa."


Jero Mangku Gede Wangi stated, to start learning science, what else is Hinduism, it is very good if it starts with the blessing of Lempuyang Luhur Temple, besides that, many officials like to go to this temple.

Jero Mangku Gede Wangi said, that in Lempuyang Luhur Temple there was still tirta pingit on a bamboo tree that grew diarrhea in Luhur Temple, when the people of Nunas Tirta, the temple stakeholders completed setting up, would cut a bamboo tree, the holy water / tirta from the bamboo tree on the shoulder. for various ceremonies, except Manusa Yadnya, "anyone should not do bad things like camping in a temple, if you don't want to be in danger," said Jero Mangku.


 

 


Abstinence in Lempuyang Temple


According to Jero Mangku Gede Wangi, there are some restrictions that must not be violated when going up to Lempuyang Luhur Temple and if violated it will have a negative impact, the restrictions are as follows.

1. From the beginning, thoughts, words, and actions must be purified

2. Must not say kasara when traveling

3. Cuntaka, menstruating women, breastfeeding, children whose baby teeth are still dated, should not go into temples or pray to temples.

4. Can not carry gold jewelry, because often when carrying gold jewelry will mysteriously disappear

5. Bring food or eat pork when you go to Lempuyang Temple, because pork is fairly spicy

According to a story from Jero Mangku Gede Wangi, there had been a group of prayers riding on Isuzu from another country, apparently, before going to Lempuyang the group mourned the dead first, the group's car fell into a muddle because it could not be climbed up next to Mangku Pasek's house, "I "I heard that one of the group had prevented from going straight to the Lempuyang Temple, but the suggestion was ignored," said Jero Mangku.


As Hindus, especially in Bali, as Jero Mangku Gede Wangi has said, we must not forget about Lempuyang Temple, we should take the time to try to get there, and we must remember and understand the restrictions.


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Route & How to get to Lempuyang Luhur Temple

Complete Location and Address:


Jl. Lempuyang Luhur Temple, Tri Buana, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali

Opening hours: Every day (7.00 - 17.00 WIB)




Lempuyang Luhur Temple is located on the Peak of Gamongan Hill. The location of this hill is about 17 kilometers from Amlapura, Karangasem. If you want to go to this temple, then there are quite a lot of travel cars that provide traveling services plus a driver for you. Well, you can use it to get a pleasant trip.


The journey can be started from Denpasar. From the capital of Bali, you can go to the Dasa Temple area in the city of Amlapura. Well, the road to Lempuyang Luhur will approximately take two hours. After that, you will see a big signboard related to the location of this temple.
Existing Facilities in Lempuyang Luhur Temple

Public facilities:


Parking area, toilet, small shop and rest room

No phone:


-

Although not purely as a tourist spot, Lempuyang Luhur Temple provides quite complete facilities for visitors. Some public facilities at this location are public toilets, rest rooms, and several other facilities that will spoil the visitors.





The price of admission to Lempuyang Luhur Temple

Price of admission:


Volunteer

Parking fee:


Rp. 5,000

Etc:


Rp. 10,000 (Sarong Rental)



Now, regarding the entry ticket, the manager does not charge the entrance ticket or free. It's just that visitors need to pay for vehicle parking. The parking fee charged may only be around Rp. 5,000 only. In addition, before entering the temple area, visitors are required to wear gloves. If you don't bring it, you can rent it to the local people.


Location details of Lempuyang Luhur Temple which is not too far from the city center makes this place easily accessible. Well, the best time to go to Lempuyang Luhur Temple is before dusk. Yes, from the top of the temple, you will be able to enjoy a special sunset with the amazing sunset.