Mengening Temple is located in Banjar Sareseda, Tampaksiring Village. This temple is an ancient site in Gianyar – Bali, a relic from the reign of King Marakata in 1022 AD. There are fascinating artifacts around this area, and several sacred springs can also be found here.
Fish ponds filled with large freshwater fish can be found here. This place is ideal for a spiritual journey, offering a serene environment for prayer and meditation. It is surrounded by large trees and natural spring water sources. The staircase at the main entrance is slightly steep. The entrance fee for Mengening Temple is Rp 30,000 for adults and Rp 15,000 for children.
Mengening Temple was first discovered by W. F. Stutterheim between 1925 and 1927, although it was not detailed at that time. Later, in 1960, Bernet Kempers reported the existence of a temple with remnants of the structure located on the top of a small hill.
According to the report, excavation and research revealed the temple in an incomplete state, along with a Yoni phallus located in the temple hall, which is considered sacred by the local community.
The temple is situated in the Pakerisan River valley, an area rich in water sources. The water is collected in a pond and flows through a shower. The Pancoran at Pura Mengening is used for both religious ceremonies and agricultural irrigation, with the water channeled through the Pakerisan River.
This site is very interesting to visit; in addition to exploring the relics of ancient kings, you can also admire the beautiful river. The river’s water is used to irrigate the surrounding rice fields and extends to the Pejeng and Bedulu areas.
Near Mengening Temple, you’ll find Tirta Empul Temple. To the south, there is also Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring Temple. While you need to take the main road to reach it, it’s not far from Mengening Temple. The best itinerary for visiting these sites is to start at Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring, then head to Mengening Temple, and finally visit Tirta Empul Temple. After your journey, you can relax and enjoy a local meal around the Tirta Empul Temple parking area.
Things To Do At Mengening
At Mengening Temple, visitors can enjoy a variety of meaningful and cultural experiences:
Purification Ritual: The highlight of your visit is the sacred purification ritual. Here, you can bathe under 30 water spouts in the holy pools, which is believed to cleanse both body and soul, offering a sense of spiritual renewal.
Explore the Temple: 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.
See the Presidential Palace: Perched above the temple, the palace built during President Sukarno’s era offers beautiful views and a glimpse into Indonesia’s modern history.
Relax and Reflect: With its serene environment, lush greenery, and tranquil atmosphere, Mengening Temple is the perfect place to relax, meditate, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
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 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.
