JAGATNATHA TEMPLE
JAGATNATHA TEMPLE IS A BEAUTIFUL BALINESE HINDU TEMPLE LOCATED IN THE CENTER OF DENPASAR CITY
Bali Jagatnatha Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple located in the center of Denpasar City and is the largest Hindu temple in the capital of Bali Province. The holy place is built to the east of the Puputan Badung square park and is used to worship Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa (the name for the Hindu god). The temple is very easily accessible from any direction due to its strategic location on Mayor Wisnu Street and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Denpasar City. Jagatnatha Temple is often visited by Hindus, especially during holidays and the full moon (Purnama). Visiting this temple provides a unique experience, as you can see the beauty of the temple in the city center. If you want to pray here, you can wear traditional Balinese clothes and buy offerings at the shops in front of the temple. It is a special experience to see Jagatnatha Temple, located in the center of Denpasar, up close.
If you visit Jagatnatha Temple, here’s what you need to know:
- Location of Jagatnatha Temple
- Jagatnatha Temple History
- Unique Jagatnatha Temple
- Meaning Name of Jagatnatha Temple
- Jagatnatha Temple Facilities
Location of Jagatnatha Temple
Jagatnatha Temple is located in the center of Denpasar City, making it easy to find. The address is Surapati Street, Dangin Puri, East Denpasar District, Denpasar City, Bali, 80232. The temple is located in front of the Puputan Badung field and next to the Bali Museum, a very strategic position. If you want to reach this temple by private vehicle, you can take a direction from Puputan Badung Field and use Google Maps to navigate you to the location. If you find it difficult to find this location, Bali Driver Hire can help by providing a Hire Car and Driver program with affordable prices and satisfactory service. This will make your trip even more enjoyable. Enjoy your vacation in Bali by visiting Jagatnatha Temple, located in the center of Denpasar City.
Jagatnatha Temple History
The construction of Jagatnatha Temple began on February 5th, 1963, with the approval of Anak Agung Bagus Sutedja, who was the governor of Bali at the time. On January 1st, 1965, Anak Agung Bagus Sutedja asked Anak Agung Ketut Anggara of Banjar Belong, Denpasar, to design the drawings of the temple and to lead Bali’s master builders (undagi) to begin construction. However, construction was halted during the events of September 30th, 1965. On July 28th, 1967, construction resumed with the laying of the foundation of the Padmasana building in the form of Bedawang Nala. The construction process was carried out in stages, and on October 15th, 1967, the construction reached the middle stage. Finally, on December 13th, 1967, the entire Padmasana building of Jagatnatha Temple was completed. On February 5th, 1968, the construction of the Candi Bentar was completed. The entire Jagatnatha Temple complex was then inaugurated on May 13th, 1968, which coincided with the full moon day (Purnama). A Melaspas ceremony was held to cleanse and purify the temple. Since then, many residents of Denpasar and also those outside the city have come to pray at Jagatnatha Temple.
Unique Jagatnatha Temple
Jagatnatha Temple is built facing west, towards Mount Agung, which is considered the palace of the gods. The courtyard of this temple is quite spacious, in contrast to other temples that follow the Tri Mandala concept with three courtyards, while Jagatnatha Temple only has one courtyard, namely the Padmasana Temple area. The uniqueness of this temple can be seen when entering, especially the Padmasana temple, which is up to 15 meters high. The top of the Padmasana features an image of Acintya, which is a symbol of the embodiment of God. It used to be covered in gold and was stolen around 1981. Besides the Padmasana, there are two temples to the left and right of the Padmasana. On the left, there is a temple of Ratu Niang, and on the right, there is a temple of Dalem Karang. As with other temples, Jagatnatha Temple is also equipped with Bale Kulkul (wooden bell), Pamiyosan, Bali Paselang, Bali Gong, Candi Bentar, and Kori Agung. The most striking uniqueness is the height of Padmasana Temple, the main temple in Jagatnatha Temple, which is made of white natural stone with Balinese carvings in every corner, adding to the beauty of this temple. When visiting this temple, you can take pictures with the Padmasana, which is very Instagrammable.
Meaning Name of Jagatnatha Temple
The name Jagatnatha Temple is different from other temples on Bali Island, which generally take names from the location of the temple, such as Besakih Temple, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Uluwatu Temple, and others. The name Jagatnatha comes from two words, namely “Jagat”, which means “World” or “Universe”, and “Natha” which means “Protection”. Thus, Jagatnatha Temple can be interpreted as “Protection of the World” or “Protection of the Universe.” This shows that this temple serves as a place to ask for protection from the universe, which is the embodiment of Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa (God in Balinese Hinduism), to always be given safety and health. Ceremonies at Jagatnatha Temple are similar to those at other temples, but the difference is that Jagatnatha Temple tends to be more universal. This can be seen during the Galungan and Kuningan holidays, where this temple is crowded with Hindus in Denpasar who cannot return home to pray. Jagatnatha Temple is an alternative for those who cannot pray at the temple in their hometowns on holidays. So, many Hindus who live in the city and cannot return home for various reasons will gather at Jagatnatha Temple to pray.
Jagatnatha Temple Facilities
Jagatnatha Temple in Denpasar is one of the Denpasar places of interest that offers complete facilities for Hindus and tourists visiting or praying there. A large parking area around the Puputan Badung field makes it easy for visitors. There are also restrooms available for visitor use. In addition, those who want to enter the temple must use a shawl as a requirement to enter the sacred area. For those who wish to pray at Jagatnatha Temple, it is important to bring canang (offerings), which can be purchased at the stall in front of the temple. After visiting the temple, visitors can explore around the Puputan Badung field to see the activities of the Denpasar people who come to rest or exercise. A visit to Jagatnatha Temple provides a spiritual experience as well as entertainment with the holy atmosphere of Hindus and the beauty of Puputan Badung Field. The complete facilities provided at this temple will make visitors feel comfortable and at home during their visit.