Pura Samuan Tiga, Bali Overview

Situated in a corner of the quaint village of Bedulu in Gianyar, Pura Samuan Tiga is a majestic temple that dates back to the eleventh century. The glorious place of worship is believed to represent the concord among three different religious sects of Hinduism. In local dialect, the name Pura Samuan Tiga literally translates to the ‘Temple of the Meeting of Three’, which speaks about the historical harmony of the various communities that were in conflict in former times.

The alluring Pura Samuan Tiga receives visitors from places near and far owing to its mesmerizing ancient beauty. The lush gardens that encompass the temple are well-maintained and large trees like the sacred banyan grow around the temple complex. Fringed by two gushing rivers, namely Tegeding and Pande to the east, and the remnants of an old pool to the west, the site offers spectacular views.

History

Standing tall since the eleventh century, the captivating Pura Samuan Tiga had been constructed during the reign of the Warmadewa dynasty. Following the earthquake which damaged the region, the picturesque Pura Samuan Tiga was almost entirely rebuilt in 1917. In former times, the different sects of the Hindu religion were in constant conflict with each other.

These conflicts were moderated as well as solved with success by Mpu Kuturan, who was formerly known as Mpu Rajakerta. Owing to the incessant unrest between the communities, Mpu Kuturan was offered a position of authority, following which he started to preach his teachings that finally led to peaceful coexistence among the Balinese sects.

They started following the same heritage and cultural practices. Kuturan was a firm believer of Karma, and without paying any attention to social distinctions, treated everyone as his own. His selfless, noble work led him to be honoured with the revered title of Brahmanasista, which is also known as Pandita, by the Manawa Dharmasastra Library.

Architecture

The dignified Pura Samuan Tiga is one of the places that showcase the traditional Balinese architecture with its intricate sandstone carvings and the grandiose sliced temple gates. The most significant difference between Pura Samuan Tiga and other Balinese temples is the fact that unlike the latter, which primarily have three sprawling courtyards, the former has seven.

These lush open spaces are divided by split gates as well as walls while being wonderfully interlinked by staircases at the same time. Past the elaborate main gate in the inner courtyard is situated a number of Meru shrines as well as small thrones dedicated to the deities of the temple.

The Meru shrines are ornate with intricate touches of gold as well as paintings of scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Across the courtyard is an elevated platform with paintings at the back, while the roof houses rafters on which a fascinating sculpture of Garuda is perched.

Best Time to Visit

Even though the Pura Samuan Tiga is thronged by devotees throughout the year, the religious landmark also serves as a backdrop annually to one of the oldest rituals of the Balinese Hindu religion.

A festival called Siat Sampian takes place on every tenth full moon, which is popularly known as Purnama Kadasa among the locals, and is witnessed in the month of April. Usually starting at six o’clock in the morning, the ceremony goes on till one o’clock in the afternoon.

The key highlight of this festive ritual is the hundreds of pilgrims who begin attacking each other in good humour by throwing arrangements made of young coconut leaves, locally known as sampian, back and forth until a friendly battle breaks out.

Tips

1. Balinese temples require a specific dress code, without which, entry may be prohibited. A sarong is to be tied around the waist before entering the Pura Samuan Tiga.

2. These sarongs can be rented from the security post of the temple for no extra cost.

How To Reach Pura Samuan Tiga

Pura Samuan Tiga is situated in a village called Bedulu which is a part of Blahbutuh in Gianyar.

The breathtaking Pura Samuan Tiga lies at a distance of about thirty kilometers from Denpasar and may be reached in around forty minutes by private transport via Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra.

From Ngurah Rai International Airport, the Pura Samuan Tiga lies at a distance of about forty kilometers and it takes about an hour to get there by private transport via Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai.

The only mode of public transportation is the taxi.