BALI LEMPUYANG TEMPLE

BALI LEMPUYANG TEMPLE IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST TEMPLES IN EAST BALI AND IS ALSO KNOWN AS THE GATE OF HEAVEN

Bali Lempuyang Temple is a sacred Hindu temple complex dedicated to the worship of Ida Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, who manifests as God Icwara. Located at the top of Bisbis Hill in the eastern part of Bali Island, it offers a breathtaking view of Mount Agung, the largest mountain in Bali. The most famous temple among tourists is the Gate of Heaven Lempuyang Temple.  Lempuyang Temple is located in Tribuana village, Abang sub-district, Karangasem city. Located at the top of Bisbis Hill, the temple faces directly to Mount Agung, providing a spectacular view. This temple is a sacred place to worship Ida Sanghyang Widhi Wasa in the form of Icwara. Known as one of the “Sad Kahyangan Jagad”, this temple is considered a sacred place that symbolizes the balance of the universe, especially in the eastern part of Bali Island.

If you visit Lempuyang Temple, here’s what you need to know:

• Location of Lempuyang Temple
• History of Lempuyang Temple
• Meaning Name Lempuyang
• Why is Called Gate of Heaven
• Gate of Heaven Photo Effect
• Spot Photo at Lempuyang Temple
• Facilities at Lempuyang Temple

History of Lempuyang Temple

Lempuyang Luhur Temple and other Sad Kahyangan temples were built in the 11th century AD, when Mpu Kuturan accompanied King Udayana to rule Bali with his consort. Sad Kahyangan Temple was built with the aim of protecting Bali so that its inhabitants would still adhere to religious teachings. The construction of Lempuyang Luhur Temple is closely related to the legend of the descent of “Bhatara Tiga” from Mount Semeru in Bali and the important events that followed. From the many sources available, it is important to cite three of them as follows:

1. In Lontar Kutara Kanda Dewa Purana Bangsul, it is mentioned that Sang Hyang Parameswara brought mountains from Jambhudwipa (India) to Bali, including Mount Mahameru. Mount Mahameru was then brought and divided into three large parts and several small parts in Bali. The middle part became Mount Batur and Mount Rinjani, while the peak was Mount Agung. The smaller parts formed interconnected mountain slopes in Bali, such as Mount Tapsahi, Pengelengan, Siladnyana, Beratan, Batukaru, Nagaloka, Pulaki, Puncak Sangkur, Bukit Rangda, Trate Bang, Padang Dawa, Andhakasa, Uluwatu, Sraya, and Mount Lempuhyang. In the Old Javanese language, Lempuh means “gamongan”. This mountain, according to Sang Hyang Parameswara, was made a residence for the gods as a manifestation of God to protect Bali Island.
2. In Lontar Kutara Kanda, the Purana Dewa Bangsul also mentions that Parameswara ordered his son, Sang Hyang Agnijayasakti, to descend to Bali and look after the welfare of the island. Sang Hyang Agnijayasakti was placed on Mount Lempuhyang, or Mount Gamorangan, along with other gods.
3. In the Sading C inscription of 1072 Saka, Mount Lempuhyang is also referred to as Mount Adri Karang. It is on Mount Adri Karang that King Jayasakti resides, so this mountain is also known as Karangsemadi. Sang Hyang Guru ordered King Jayasakti to go down to Bali and build a temple to make the island safe and prosperous. King Jayasakti invited his priests, servants, and people to carry out Sang Hyang Guru’s order by building a temple on Mount Lempuhyang as a place of worship to God as Sang Hyang Iswara. This action became the first step for King Jayasakti in building a peaceful life in Bali.

Pemangku in Lempuyang Temple is always inherited from generation to generation according to patrilineal lineage, while the “pengangge” used in Lempuyang Luhur Temple is always white and yellow in color. When the aci or piodalan ceremony takes place, all preparations are done by the “Truna” (youth), while the execution is done by the “Daha” (krandan), who are teenage women. The aim is that all the materials used in the ceremony are considered spiritually holy, although not necessarily completely holy.

Meaning Name Lempuyang

The meaning of the word “lempuyang” has many versions depending on interpretation and available information. As there has been no in-depth research revealing the exact meaning, there are three commonly accepted versions based on inscriptions, folklore, and history. The following is an explanation of some of the meanings of the word “lempuyang” based on these three versions.

1. According to the first version, the origin of the name “lempuyang” comes from a cultural book that states that the word is composed of “lampu”, meaning “light”, and “hyang”, meaning “god”. Thus, “lempuyang” is interpreted as the holy light of a bright god. Lempuyang Temple is believed to be the palace of Hyang Gni Jaya, or Lord Isawara.
2. In the second version, it is said that the word “lempuyang” has its own meaning in Java, referring to a certain type of bamboo plant. It is also associated with the banjars around Lempuyang, called bangle and gamongan. Both of these banjars are named after a type of plant that is commonly used as a medicine or spice.
3. In a third version, it is explained that the word “lempuyang” comes from “empu” or “emong”, which means “to guard”. The story begins when Bhatra Hyang Pasupati sent his three sons and daughters to keep Bali stable from natural disasters. These three sons and daughters are Bathara Hyang Putra Jaya, who resides in Tohlangkir (Mount) Agung with Parahyangan in Besakih Temple. Batari Dewi Danuh, who resides in Ulun Danu Batur Temple. Batara Hyang Gni Jaya, who resides in Mount Lempuyang.

Lempuyang Temple has a very high status, comparable to Besakih Temple, which is the largest temple on Bali Island. This is regardless of any version of the meaning of the name “lempuyang”. Its high status is reflected in the concepts of teratai buwana, catur loka pala, or even Dewata nawa sanga. In ancient lontar or inscriptions, three major temples are often referenced, namely Besakih Temple, Ulun Danu Batur Temple, and Lempuyang Temple. These three temples have had an important and great status since ancient times as very important places of worship for ancient Hindus.

Why is Called Gate of Heaven

The tourists who come to Lempuyang Temple and take pictures at the gate with Mount Agung in the background give the impression that this place is the Gate of Heaven. They liked that the photos were stunning and suitable for publishing on social media, especially with Bali’s sacred Mount Agung in the background. Visiting the gate that is beautifully carved in Balinese style and being able to see Mount Agung clearly when the weather is clear is a mesmerizing experience, making for great photos. This phenomenon sparked great interest on social media, inviting many tourists to come and capture the moment at Lempuyang Temple. The uniqueness and beauty of this place make it worthy of its nickname, the Gate of Heaven, and it continues to be the destination of many tourists who want to experience the wonders of this place and capture their rare moments here.

Gate of Heaven Photo Effect

For Lempuyang Temple, when taking pictures at the Gate of Heaven, the results are amazing, with the shadows giving fantastic photo results. If you think that this is a pool of water that reflects shadows when photographed, it is not true. In fact, it is a dark mirror placed underneath your camera, and the photo results create an amazing effect. Because of the beauty of the photo effect, it is no wonder that it is called the Gate of Heaven. As there is only one Heaven’s Gate, you will have to wait in line to take a photo here, as it is crowded with tourists every day. If you come in the morning, the place is not too crowded, so you can get your turn quickly to take pictures at this phenomenal Gate of Heaven in eastern Bali.

Spot Photo at Lempuyang Temple

Lempuyang Temple is known for its amazing view of Mount Agung. Many tourists take pictures at the gate of Lempuyang Temple with Mount Agung in the background. The view at Lempuyang Temple is really spectacular. Gate of Heaven is the nickname given by tourists who take pictures at this gate with the beautiful background of Mount Agung. Visitors often refer to it as the Gate of Heaven because of its beauty, especially when taking pictures at the gate. Most guests claim this place as the Gate of Heaven. At Lempuyang Temple, there are interesting photo spots like the Heaven’s Gate at Penataran Agung Pura Lempuyang, with the stunning backdrop of Mount Agung. You can use the photo service using your cell phone with interesting water effects, as well as sitting in the center of the rattan circle with the charming Mount Agung in the background for Instagramable photos. In addition, there is a lotus photo spot in the pool with statues around it, providing a beautiful backdrop of Mount Agung for interesting photos. Because of the beauty of the Instagramable photo results, Lempuyang Temple has become one of the Karangasem places of interest that are often visited by tourists.

Facilities at Lempuyang Temple

As a well-known tourist destination in eastern Bali, Lempuyang Temple is equipped with complete facilities. These include toilets, the provision of free sarongs included in the entrance ticket, as well as snack and drink shops around the temple. However, from the parking area, visitors must use the shuttle bus provided, as the road to Penataran Lempuyang Temple is very steep and winding. This is done to avoid traffic congestion and ensure the safety of visitors. Although using this shuttle bus requires additional costs, it is a wise step to avoid possible accidents. If you are on vacation to Bali Island, you can consider taking the Bali Gate of Heaven Tour, which is provided by Bali Driver Hire. This tour includes to visit Lempuyang Temple, which is the Gate of Heaven on Bali Island.