Was there truly a goddess who could command the sea? Here at the Vihara Setya Dharma Area, that question hangs in the air. The Vihara Setya Dharma Area, also known as Bao An Gong, meaning “temple for maintaining security”, isn’t your typical Balinese temple. It’s a Chinese temple, a vibrant splash of color and tradition nestled near the Benoa Port. This place is dedicated to Tian Shang Sheng Mu, a goddess believed to safeguard sailors and calm the turbulent waves. She is often called Mazu, meaning Mother or Grandma Mazu.
The story goes that Mazu was once a woman named Lin Mo, a shaman who lived in China between 960 and 987 AD. Legend claims she possessed extraordinary gifts, even as a child. A Taoist master recognized her Buddha nature, and by thirteen, she had mastered his teachings, gaining the ability to foresee the future and travel in spirit form. Imagine young Lin Mo, standing on the shore in her crimson robes, guiding fishing boats through stormy seas, her presence a beacon of hope. She healed the sick, banished demons, and even commanded the rain during times of drought.
Tragically, Lin Mo died young, unmarried, at only 27 or 28 years old. Some believe her celibacy stemmed from a vow taken after the devastating loss of her brother at sea. Legend says she ascended to heaven in a radiant beam of light, transforming into the goddess Mazu. From that day forward, she became the protector of seafarers, her worship spreading throughout coastal China and Southeast Asian communities.
The Vihara Setya Dharma Area stands as a testament to this enduring belief. Built with contributions from devotees in Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand, the temple took six years to complete, finally opening its doors on August 22, 2012. The name “Setya Dharma” itself means “true order” in Sanskrit, while “Vihara” is a term used for Buddhist and Chinese temples in Southeast Asia. It embodies the spirit of faith and the hope for safe passage across the often-treacherous waters. As you stand here, before the vibrant colors and intricate carvings of Vihara Setya Dharma, you can almost feel the presence of Mazu, her watchful gaze extending over the sea, protecting those who brave its depths. The Vihara Setya Dharma is more than just a temple; it is a beacon of hope, a symbol of resilience, and a testament to the power of belief.