Penatih

Did you ever hear of a place named after “White Land”? Here in Penatih, that’s exactly the story. Penatih, nestled in Denpasar Timur, Bali, derives its name from “Tanah Putih,” or White Land. The name evolved from the words “pinih” and “tih,” meaning “first.” This fascinating etymology hints at Penatih’s rich history, stretching back to the arrival of Maha Rsi Markandeya and his disciple. They journeyed here, establishing sacred sites like Pura Gunung Raung and Pura Payogan. In Campuhan, they built Pura Tangga Hyang Api on the banks of the Hoos River. Bhujangga Sari, Markandeya’s disciple, desired to found a monastery on this very White Land. It was already inhabited by the Bali Aga people from Taro. The temple he built was named Payogan Hyang Api, a place to worship the tri sakti and a spiritual center for the community. Centuries later, after the Majapahit Kingdom conquered Bali, Patih Gajah Mada, acting on Queen Tribhuwana Tunggadewi’s orders, appointed Dalem Ketut Kresna Kepakisan as the Adipati of Bali. He arrived with his followers, among them Arya Wang Bang, who settled in Penatih with a considerable force of 35,000. Arya Wang Bang, known as Kyai Anglurah Pinatih Mantra, spearheaded significant developments. This included renovating the existing Pura Payogan Hyang Api. He expanded its purpose. He added ancestral shrines or palinggih kawitan. These included Palinggih Manik Angkeran, Pelinggih Dukuh Belatungan, Pelinggih Padma Siwa, and Pelinggih Padma Budha. The Padma Siwa and Padma Budha were constructed in honor of their ancestors, Mpu Sidhimantra and Mpu Sedah, followers of the Buddha and Siwa teachings, respectively. Today, Pura Penataran Agung Penatih stands as a testament to this layered history. The temple’s tri-mandala structure, consisting of the jaba sisi, jaba tengah, and jeroan, reflects its spiritual significance. It serves not only as a Pura Kahyangan Tiga, dedicated to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi, but also as a place of ancestral reverence, as seen in the palinggih kawitan within its walls. Penatih isn’t just a place; it’s a living narrative woven from spiritual journeys, royal decrees, and the enduring reverence for ancestors.