Did you know that Pura Dalem Cemara is more than just a temple? It is a living story etched in stone and spirit. This sacred site has been a beacon of faith for generations. It stands as a testament to Bali’s rich cultural heritage.
Pura Dalem Cemara is located in Dusun Ponjok. It is in the Kelurahan Serangan area of Denpasar Selatan. The temple welcomes all Hindus in Bali. The local community of Desa Adat Serangan takes special care of it.
The temple’s history is not written in old books. Instead, it lives in the stories of the people who have cared for it. These tales tell of fishermen from nearby areas. They include Pamogan, Suwung and Batusasih. They crossed the bay near Tanjung Benoa. They sought blessings and guidance at Pura Dalem Cemara.
Look around and observe how Pura Dalem Cemara faces west. It is divided into three courtyards. These are the inner, middle and outer areas. The inner courtyard is the Utama Mandala or Jeroan. The middle courtyard is the Madya Mandala. The outer courtyard is the Nista Mandala or Jabaan.
Notice the walls around the inner and middle courtyards. They are made of limestone called “paras tombong.” The outer and middle courtyards connect through a split gate. This is known as a Candi Bentar. The middle and inner courtyards connect through a curved gate. It is called a Candi Kurung or Kori Agung.
In the inner courtyard, many buildings and statues stand tall. You will see the Candi Prasada. It serves as Gedong Ratu Agung. There is also Palinggih Tajuk, Gedong Bhatara Dalem Kahyangan, and Gedong Bhatara Lamun. Each has its own special meaning.
The middle courtyard features Palinggih Arca Prakangge. You can also see the Bale Kulkul and Bale Gong. The outer courtyard is a road on the west side. It is open without walls.
Pura Dalem Cemara is part of the “pura kahyangan tiga.” These temples share a unified territory. Long ago, this was Pura Desa, Puseh and Dalem. Today, it is home to Dewa Wisnu. He is the God of preservation. The nearby Pura Segara shares the water symbol of Lord Wisnu.
The Piodalan ceremony at Pura Dalem Cemara occurs every 210 days. It takes place on Buda Kliwon. This is Wednesday Kliwon, Wuku Sinta. It marks the day of Pagerwesi. As you leave this sacred space remember the stories. Remember the faith that has sustained Pura Dalem Cemara for centuries.