“Have you heard of the Bisama oath?” I ask. It echoes through the grounds of Griya Agung Teguh Wana Tangguntiti. It is a sacred promise. It binds people together in times of joy and sorrow.
Let’s delve into the story of Griya Agung Teguh Wana Tangguntiti a revered place of worship. This Griya is linked to historical events and figures. It also connects to the kingdoms of Bali.
Two Pendeta or priests journeyed from different places. They each had their followers. These were Ida Pedanda Ketut Menesa and Ida Pedanda Mas Alangkajeng. They met in Tangtu near Padanggalak. They decided to build a Griya together. This Griya was then cared for by two groups of Brahmanas. These groups were Brahmana Keniten and Brahmana Mas.
After residing in Tangtu for some time Ida Pedanda Ketut Menesa moved to Sanur. He built a Griya there. Ida Pedanda Mas Alangkajeng journeyed to Bluwangan in Blayu.
Ida Pedanda Mas Alangkajeng had a son named Ida Mas Bluwangan. Ida Mas Bluwangan met Kyai Notor Wandira in Blusung. Kyai Notor Wandira rested in Blusung. He was returning from seeking blessings from Ida Betari Dewi Danu in Batur. Ida Mas Bluwangan was on a Tirtayatra to South Bali.
Kyai Notor Wandira and Ida Mas Bluwangan became close. Ida Mas Bluwangan always accompanied Kyai Notor Wandira. One day they made a Bisama oath in Alangkajeng. The oath stated that if Kyai Notor Wandira’s son became King. Ida Mas Bluwangan would be made a Griya. He would be ordained as their Bagawanta.
Time passed and Kyai Notor Wandira’s goal was achieved. His son became King of Badung. Kyai Notor Wandira built Puri Alang Badung. Ida Mas Bluwangan received a Griya in delod Pasar Alangkajeng. Ida Mas Bluwangan was ordained as the Bagawanta priest of Puri Alang Badung. He was given the title Ida Pedanda Mas Alangkajeng. His Griya was called Griya Delod Pasar.
The King then sent him to defeat Intaran. Kyai Branjingan accompanied him. Kyai Branjingan was from the Madyatara Subamia lineage. After defeating Intaran Ida Pedanda Mas Alangkajeng settled there. He built a new Griya. It was named Griya Delod Pasar Intaran. Kyai Branjingan built a Jero north of Griya Delod Pasar Intaran. It was called Jero Abiantimbul Intaran.
Over time Ida Pedanda Mas Alangkajeng had many descendants. His descendants founded several Griya. These include Griya Taman Sanur. They also include Griya Satria Denpasar and Griya Kajeng Abiansemal Badung.
Another story tells of Ida Pedanda Ketut Menesa. He was from the Brahmana Keniten lineage. He built a new Griya in Sanur. Ida Pedanda Ketut Menesa married a princess. She was from the Kyai Pemecutan I lineage. This marriage strengthened the Badung Kingdom’s control over Sanur. The Griya’s name changed to Griya Jro Gede Sanur.
Ida Pedanda Ketut Menesa had descendants. They founded Griya Puseh. They also founded Griya Belaluan and Griya Timbul. Other Griya founded were Griya Karang and Griya Liligundi in Singaraja. Descendants also founded Griya Sibang in Badung.
The Puputan Badung war occurred on September 20 1906. King I Gusti Ngurah Made Agung was accompanied by two priests. They vowed to defend the King even if they died. A Bisama oath was made. It solidified their commitment. It bound their descendants to always be together. The oath appointed Griya Telaga Tegal and Griya Beji Tegal as Bagawanta Puri. During the Puputan Badung war the King was with Bagawanta Puri. He was also with the royal army and loyal people. He fulfilled his duty as a noble warrior.
Ida Pedanda Griya Telaga Tegal and Ida Pedanda Griya Beji Tegal had descendants. Their descendants founded several Griya. These include Griya Taman Sari Tegal. They also include Griya Carik Tegal and Griya Sari Tegal.
Griya Agung Teguh Wana Tangguntiti stands as a reminder. It reminds us of oaths made. It reminds us of sacrifices given. It embodies the spiritual and historical essence of Bali.