Ever wondered how a group of high school students could spark the creation of a temple? That’s the story of Vihara Asoka Arama.
Welcome to Vihara Asoka Arama in Denpasar. It is a sanctuary born from the dreams of young Buddhist students. This unique temple stands on the banks of the Tukad Mati River. It offers a serene escape from the city.
In 1983, Buddhist religion classes began at SMAN 1 Denpasar. Soon, students formed a group and practiced in a small prayer house. This house was located on Jalan Setiaki Gang 2. As more students joined from other schools, the prayer house grew into a temple. Bhikkhu Girirakkhito Mahathera gave it a new name. This name was Vihara Asoka Arama. The students even started a savings plan in 1991. They wanted to buy land for their temple.
One of the founders was Gede Brata. He was the father of I Gede Yuda. By 1998, they had enough money to purchase land. It was seven acres near the Tukad Mati River. A year later, on Asadha Day, they began building the darmasala. This is the temple’s main hall.
Widhiana Kusuma was the head of construction then. He designed the darmasala like a wantilan. A wantilan is a traditional Balinese open pavilion. This design reflects the temple’s open and welcoming philosophy. The roof usually has two tiers. But this one has three tiers. They symbolize the Tiratana: Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. The entrance gate blends Balinese and Mataram styles. It also features a Borobudur stupa.
In 2020, a Balinese-style dragon statue was added to the entrance stairs. The Buddha statue inside was replaced with a larger one. The new statue shows the Dhyana mudra. The stone for this statue came from Mendut in Central Java. The old Buddha statue was moved under a Bodhi tree. The seeds for this tree came from India.
Today, Vihara Asoka Arama includes monk residences and a Sunday school. But the altar with Buddha’s footprint makes it special. It sits beside the Tukad Mati River.
During Kathina in October-November, devotees gather here. Kathina is a time for giving to the monks. At Vihara Asoka Arama, they celebrate Siripada Puja. It is a ceremony to honor Buddha’s footprint. They release flowers and candles into the river. Not every temple can do this. Vihara Asoka Arama has easy access to the river.
I Gede Yuda explains that the temple belongs to everyone. It is managed by the Sangha Theravada Indonesia Foundation. Although Theravada traditions are upheld, all Buddhists are welcome. Even non-Buddhists can visit. The name Asoka Arama comes from King Asoka. He found peace after meeting a monk. Bhikkhu Thitaketuko Mahatera gave the temple this name in 1999.
Vihara Asoka Arama stands as a testament to youthful dedication. It is a place of learning and peace for all. A true oasis of calm.