SANG HYANG AMBU GATE
SANG HYANG AMBU GATE, OR KNOWN AS THE GATE OF MOKSHA AND GUMANG GATE, IS A BEAUTIFUL GATE THAT LOOKS LIKE ROAD TO HEAVEN
The Sang Hyang Ambu Gate, also known as Moksha Gate and Gumang Gate, is located on Sang Hyang Ambu Hill with a very beautiful view of the surroundings, featuring stunning hills, sea, and mountains. Gumang Gate, often referred to as Sang Hyang Ambu Gate, acts as the entrance gate to the Gumang Temple located on Gumang Hill. This place is perfect for nature lovers who want to enjoy the enchanting sunrise, with the dim sunlight enhancing the beauty of the panorama. Besides its beauty, Gumang Hill is also home to tame monkeys. This place is popular for its Instagrammable views, so for those who are around the east of Bali Island, this place is worth a visit. Because of the stunning natural scenery and the uniqueness of Sang Hyang Ambu Gate, Bali Driver Hire include it as one of Karangasem places of interest for an unforgettable travel experience.
If you visit Sang Hyang Ambu Gate, here’s what you need to know:
- The Gate of Moksha
- History of the Gate
- Design of the Gate
- Construction Gate
- The Gate Philosophy
- The Gate Impression
The Gate of Moksha
This gate is also known as the Moksha Gate, a nickname that refers to its function as access to the holy place of Parahyangan for Balinese Hindus. This gate connects to the Gumang Temple at the top of Gumang Hill. On ceremonial days, many people use this gate to make a sacred journey to the shrine. In the Vedic teachings, it is mentioned that “Moksartham Jagadhita ya ca iti dharma”, which means the purpose of life is to achieve prosperity in this world and attain moksha, which is happiness in the afterlife, or “the path to attain moksha”. The gate was created to facilitate Hindus on their spiritual journey, with the design of the stairs similar to the path to heaven. Therefore, the term “Moksha Gate” is very suitable for this Hyang Ambu Gate. In addition, this gate is also known as Bugbug Greets, which was created by Bugbug village with the aim of welcoming people who are traveling to or from Karangasem.
History of the Gate
The construction of Gumang Gate began with the inspiration of I Nyoman Purwa Ngurah Arsana, who had just been inaugurated as the Head of Bugbug Traditional Village in October 2022. He wanted to surprise the families of the manca desa, the five villages that serve as pengempon (guarding, caring for, and preserving) Gumang Temple. The manca desa consists of Bugbug, Ngis, Datah, Jasri, and Bebandem villages. The idea was to surprise them by visiting the old house and sacred place, Gumang Temple, to perform prayers. This gate leads directly to Gumang Temple, shortening the time compared to the old route. With easier access to Gumang Temple through the Sang Hyang Ambu gate, it is expected to facilitate mobilization during the ceremony and become a new tourist attraction in Bugbug village, Karangasem. The welcome at the main gate gives a pleasant first impression for visitors from abroad. Their happiness energizes their spiritual journey, including climbing the hill to the 279-meter-high peak to worship Bethara Gede Gumang at Gumang Temple. We believe and hope that this way of welcoming will leave a lasting impression.
Design of the Gate
Gumang Gate, or Sang Hyang Ambu Gate, is the work of architect Ir. Wayan Winaja, who presents a unique design that is different from the usual gate. The design consists of two separate buildings but is still one unit, becoming the main foundation of the “Bagalan” master plan. This design carries the ancient nuances of the megalithic era with the aim of honoring the older generation, who have simple thoughts but are able to innovate and provide extraordinary enthusiasm for progress. This gate is a symbol of the journey of civilization that continues from one generation to the next, able to adapt to the times. This concept is a brilliant idea from the architect, where every detail and corner of the gate building has a deep philosophical meaning, which is expected to inspire future generations to continue to develop and adapt to the times.
Construction Gate
Sang Hyang Ambu Hill, located in Bugbug village, is home to the monkeys that are the original inhabitants of this hill. The hill is located on the main road to Karangasem City. The construction of Gumang Temple on Sang Hyang Ambu Hill aims to provide an alternative route to Gumang Temple. It is expected that during major ceremonies, it will facilitate the mobilization of equipment and ceremony participants, especially for the elderly. In addition, the construction of this road is also intended to become a new tourist destination in Bug Bug Village, Karangasem. The route from the Sang Hyang Ambu Gate to Gumang Temple is about 3 kilometers. Along the way, you will be treated to stunning views, including the ocean, mountains, and Mount Agung. This natural beauty makes your trip an unforgettable experience, and every moment of the journey will provide pleasant surprises.
The Gate Philosophy
The Sang Hyang Ambu Gate was created with a very interesting design, combining carvings from ancient Balinese architecture with stone-age influences that give it a very interesting and Instagrammable look. The design is inspired by the growth of a fern tree that keeps coiling to form new branches continuously, depicting the ever-evolving cycle of life. In addition, the gate also exudes a spiritual energy (taksu) that mesmerizes visitors. It’s beautiful design reflects the sacredness of this gate and invites visitors to experience its philosophical majesty. If you are in the vicinity of this area, it is highly recommended that you stop for a moment and experience the beauty and philosophical meaning embedded in this gate, as it can leave a very deep impression.
The Gate Impression
With the impression given by this magnificent main gate, the residents of the five villages will feel very happy to see the beauty and splendor of the gate. Their happiness will motivate them to perform prayers at Gumang Temple, where they will climb the top of the hill at an altitude of 279 meters above sea level to worship Bethara Gede Gumang, who resides in Gumang Temple. The existence of Sang Hyang Ambu Gate is expected to leave an unforgettable impression. In addition to being a new tourist destination that prioritizes local wisdom in architectural design, this gate is also the initial marker that accompanies the journey in Karangasem Regency. The extraordinary beauty of this gate will greet you as you cross the main road. You can stop here for a moment to rest after a long journey and appreciate this phenomenal work.