The Petitenget Temple, by the locals referred to as the 'Pura Petitenget', is an important, ancient Hindu temple on Bali and one of the few cultural attractions of Seminyak. Pura Petitenget maybe not as impressive as some famous temples of Bali, but with its central location on the beach near Jalan Petitenget, it is walking distance from most locations in Seminyak.
The temple is built of red brick and sandstone, giving it an old, so it looks like an ancient temple. The Puri Seminyak is also part of series of sea temples on the south coast of Bali, which are built on the initiative of the legendary Hindu priest Dang Hyang Nirartha. The temple is overgrown with some ferns and other green plants.
|
The words from the name of the temple, "Peti" (witch group) and "Tenget" (witched), are related to legend from the 15th century, which age is about the origin of the temple. The residents believed that a spirit named "Bhuti Ijo", lived in the dark and deep jungle.
Villagers noted that anyone who went into the jungle, came out sick. It was believed this was due to the dark spirit "Bhuti Ijo". To solve this problem, Dang Hyang Nirartha advised to build this temple. And so it happened.
The Pura Petitenget temple was built and it is now a serene place, which generates no longer an eerie feeling. But it has still legendary views. When you visit the Pura Petitenget at sunset, it is remarkably picturesque. |
|
The temple still functions as a place of worship from the good. There are still held regularly lively, religious ceremonies. Some of these ceremonies are taken place on the beach. It depends on what day you'll visit the temple. With a little luck you can watch the ceremonies on the beach. If not, you most likely will see locals offering at the altar, burning incense and offering food wrapped in banana leaves.
If you visit the temple, enjoy the tropical environment of Petitenget Puri, which was surrounded by jungle formerly. You'll hear the singing of the birds, when you walk through the gate. Take notice of the small images and the long stone altar in the courtyard at the right. Also note the detailed carvings of the doors and the pagoda. The bulging eyes of the surrounding images that resemble warriors.
In addition to these important temple is the smaller, the Masceti Ulun Tanjung Temple. This is a temple where the locals come to pray for protection. In earlier times they were praying against hunger and disease. If you are lucky and you visit the Petitenget on a "Merakih" Wednesday (210th every day Pawukon Balinese calendar), then the temple colorful decorated with banners, umbrellas and pilgrims jostle for prayer in their religious clothing. This is, of course, the chance to make a pair of fantastic pictures.
