Gunung Kawi Sebatu is located at Tegallalang, Kab. Gianyar, Bali near Tirta Empul Temple
Below is the location of the temple on the map :
This temple is deeply connected to the spiritual journey of the sage Rsi Markandeya, who lived around the 9th century BC. Rsi Markandeya traveled from Taro village to Mount Agung with 400 followers. During their long journey through hot weather, his followers became exhausted.
They decided to rest in the Pangkung Dawa valley, where Rsi Markandeya discovered a peaceful spot. He carved images on the temple to honor Sang Hyang Giri Pati (Lord Shiva) and Sang Hyang Ari Murti (Lord Vishnu). These carvings were intended to invoke Tirta Amerta, a sacred water believed to provide salvation and quench the thirst of his followers, as well as to rejuvenate their spirits.
During their stay, a holy spring emerged in Pangkung Dawa, known as Tirta Dawa Gunung Kawi. The name Gunung Kawi comes from the word “kawi,” which means “carving” or “sculpture,” reflecting the temple’s symbolism of mountains.
As Rsi Markandeya continued his worship, another spring appeared on the land, named Tirta Empul. Tirta Empul is renowned for its several springs, and according to Hindu and Balinese beliefs, this water is used for self-purification and healing various ailments. Self-purification involves cleansing oneself of negative deeds affecting both the soul and the body.
This temple is also linked to Tirta Empul Temple and Mengening Temple in Tampaksiring, which also features a significant spring. In Hinduism, water holds great spiritual significance, representing a source of strength, life, and prosperity. The spring water irrigates around 100 hectares of rice paddies, divided into three subaks (traditional Balinese irrigation systems): Subak Delod Belumbang, Subak Cebok, and Subak Tengah Padang, all located in Tegallalang District.
Sebatu Village and its subak members (approximately 200 families) are responsible for performing ceremonies and maintaining the Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple. The temple’s annual ceremony, held during Purnamaning Sasih Kasa (every July), is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, a manifestation of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, who oversees cosmic maintenance in Hinduism. Additionally, the temple honors the Goddess Ganga.
Things To Do At Gunung Kawi Sebatu
At Gunung Kawi Sebatu, visitors can enjoy a variety of meaningful and cultural experiences:
- Explore the site : Take a peaceful stroll through the three main sections of the temple—Jaba Pura (outer courtyard), Jaba Tengah (central courtyard), and Jeroan (inner courtyard). You’ll find ancient architecture, intricate stone carvings, and a deep sense of history.
- Witness Cultural Ceremonies : If you’re lucky to visit during a religious festival or ceremony, you can witness traditional Balinese rituals, where locals offer prayers and make offerings, creating an unforgettable spiritual atmosphere.
- Discover the Mythology : Learn about the captivating legend of King Mayadenawa and Batara Indra, a story that adds layers of meaning to the temple and its sacred waters.
- Relax and Reflect : With its serene environment, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere, Tirta Empul is the perfect place to relax, meditate, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Shop for merchandise : Many small art shop that sell beautiful merchandise around the site road.
Some caution when entering the temple
If general tourists wish to enter the temple area, there are several rules they must be aware of and follow. This is because the Gunung Kawi Sebatu temple’s primary function is not as a tourist site, but as a place of worship.
- Just like in other places of worship, there are sacred objects in the temple that should not be touched or handled carelessly. Never touch any buildings, items, or objects in the temple without permission from the temple’s caretaker or your guide. Some items, like stones on an altar, may seem ordinary, but to the locals, they are considered very sacred. Avoid touching them, and never sit on them.
- It’s also important to refrain from using foul or disrespectful language in the temple, as it is a sacred space.
- When entering the temple, travelers must wear appropriate clothing. This means covering areas that should remain private, such as the chest, hips, thighs, and similar parts of the body.
- Women are not allowed to enter the temple or sacred areas within the temple grounds during menstruation. This rule is important for maintaining the temple’s sanctity and ensuring personal safety.
- It is recommended to have someone accompany you in the temple, or you can hire a local guide to provide accurate information about the temple. Be sure to ask about their rates and agree on the price beforehand.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Gunung Kawi Sebatu site is IDR 30.000 for adults and IDR 15.000 for children. The site is open for tourist and traveler from 08:00 AM until 18:00 PM. the exception for prayers is allowed for 24 hours to enter the temple. Sarongs to wear to the temple is borrowed for free including ticket purchases.
Purification at Gunung Kawi Sebatu
For purification you must bring offerings for this purposes. If you not bring your own offerings, you can search or buy ine that sell near the entrance gate. The price is vary, for the simple offerings the price is around Rp.20.000. If you need a leader for your purification process please ask the information at the officers at the entrance ticket.
For purification purpose you must rent different sarongs for purification at the pool. The rent for the sarong that use for purification is Rp 10.000 /pcs.
That is the point and information to visit Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring. Below are more heritage place around Gianyar that interesting to visit.
Other Heritage Temple you can visit : Yeh Pulu, Tirta Empul, Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring, Gunung Kawi Sebatu, Pura Mengening, Goa Garba, Candi Tebing Tegallinggah.
Follow this link to show the map from other Heritage place nearby : 7 most visited heritage Places