“Tanah Kilap,” a name whispered with reverence, what stories does this sacred ground hold? Pura Geriya Tanah Kilap stands here. It blends Balinese tradition with Chinese aesthetics. Red pillars and lanterns adorn the temple. They create a unique visual experience. This cultural fusion began unexpectedly. A Qing Dynasty stone inscription was found. It evolved over time. Now Hindu and Confucian devotees worship here. This is especially true during the full moon.
Pura Geriya Tanah Kilap’s story starts in 1962. The Badung Regency Government established it. The name “Tanah Kilap” comes from the shiny soil. Locals called this soil legit or ampo. It shimmered red in the sun.
The temple’s construction is interwoven with mystical events. The Public Works Department planned a bridge. It would connect roads near Pura Geriya Tanah Kilap. Construction faced constant obstacles. An old woman appeared at Pura Geriya Tanah Kilap. Locals believed she was Ida Bhatara Ratu Niang. She requested a Pelinggih. It is a special shrine. She said the bridge would only be built if her wish was granted.
A Pelinggih was built on the bridge’s east side. After that, the bridge construction went smoothly. This mystical story became a unique attraction.
The late Anak Agung Made Suardana founded Pura Geriya Tanah Kilap in 1962. He encountered an elderly lady. She knew about his neck ailment. She offered a remedy. She invited him to her residence. He followed her to Pemogan. They arrived at a broken bridge. The lady pointed to a Santen Wood Tree. She then vanished. Anak Agung Made Suardana dreamt of her. They agreed he would manage Griya Ratu Niang if he was healed.
The ngatur ayah process follows a specific path. It starts at the Santen Wood Tree. There is a cave-like hole beneath its roots. Next is the Telagi Tree. Then the Sambung Tulang Tree is visited. The last stop is a Punyan Kayu Sugih tree. Graves surround it. A Qing Dynasty stone inscription lies there. It is worshipped in the Buddhist manner. This follows the era of Siwabudha. It became the Kongco. The journey returns to Griya Ratu Niang. It is at the Santen Wood Tree.
The government supported Griya Ratu Niang in 1986. This led to official recognition of Pura Geriya Tanah Kilap. The Parisadha Hindu Dharma and Nusa Penida Bali Water Department recognized it. The bridge construction proceeded without problems.
Pura Geriya Tanah Kilap expanded. It grew from 60 square meters to 17.8 hectares. The name Tanah Kilap was chosen carefully. The soil shimmered when exposed to sunlight. Anak Agung Made Suardana patented the name. It became the name for Ida Bhatara Ratu Niang’s residence.
Inside Pura Geriya Tanah Kilap, find several important shrines. There is the shrine of Ida Ratu Bhatara Niang Sakti. To the west are shrines of Ratu Bhatari Mas Melanting. Also find Ratu Ida Bhatara Segara. The shrine of Ratu Sang Hyang Siwa Baruna is located here. Don’t miss the Taru Agung Ratu Mas Manik shrine. To the south sits the shrine of Ida Ratu Gede Dalem. Next to it is the Kongco shrine. It was built in 2011.
Pura Geriya Tanah Kilap is easily accessible. It is located in the middle of the city. It is only 15 minutes by car from Denpasar. It is 10 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
As you leave Pura Geriya Tanah Kilap, reflect on its unique charm. It is a blend of cultures and a testament to faith. The mysterious stories and the shimmering soil will stay with you. They will make you remember this sacred place.