Ancient stones whisper secrets. Before you stands Pura Susunan Wadon a testament to Bali’s rich history. This sacred temple holds a captivating tale. A story of a queen’s anger a priest’s journey and the enduring power of faith.
Pura Susunan Wadon is more than just a temple. It’s a sacred site deeply connected to Pura Dalem Sakenan. Legend says the temple’s goddess Ida Bhatari Istri became furious at her husband. He had taken another wife. Her anger was so powerful that it shaped the very landscape. The husband’s shrine in Pura Dalem Sakenan faces west. His wife’s shrine here at Pura Susunan Wadon faces east. They are forever turned away from each other.
Another story involves Dang Hyang Nirartha. This revered priest journeyed across Bali. He found a sacred place. Here he meditated. The goddess Bhatari Durga appeared. She advised him to become Bali’s ruler before achieving moksa spiritual liberation. He refused. Instead Bhatari Durga guided him to Pura Uluwatu. Before leaving this sacred spot Dang Hyang Nirartha and the locals built a temple. They named it Pura Susunan Wadon. Wadon means woman. It reflects the temple’s dedication to the powerful goddess Bhatari Durga.
Pura Susunan Wadon is a Dang Kahyangan temple. It’s a sacred site among Bali’s most important temples. Its annual ceremony Piodalan takes place every 210 days. It’s celebrated on a Sunday Umanis Kuningan. These are important dates in the Balinese calendar. This temple honors Mpu Kuturan and Dang Hyang Nirartha. They were influential religious figures in Bali’s history. Pura Susunan Wadon also serves as a Kahyangan Jagat temple. This means it’s a sacred place for the entire world.
Notice the temple’s architecture. It’s divided into three courtyards. The inner courtyard is the most sacred. The outer courtyard is for the public. Walls made of limestone separate each courtyard. The inner and outer courtyards are connected by beautiful gates. These gates are examples of traditional Balinese craftsmanship. Inside you’ll find various structures and statues. Many statues are carved from limestone. They are hundreds of years old. Each statue has a purpose and meaning. They represent deities protectors and important figures.
The temple’s structures were built between the 15th and 16th centuries. The main shrine is large and impressive. It’s dedicated to the goddess Ida Bhatari Lingsir Dalem Susunan Wadon. There are also statues of Nandi the sacred bull. Nandi is the mount of Lord Shiva. The temple also features dwarapalas. These are guardian figures. They stand at the entrance and protect the sacred space. There are also statues depicting figures from the Panji tales. These tales are famous throughout Indonesia.
So gaze upon Pura Susunan Wadon. Feel its history and legend. Let the stories of queens priests and goddesses transport you to another time. Remember this temple’s significance. It’s a sacred place deeply rooted in Bali’s spiritual and cultural heart.