Bali certainly has a special reason that earned it the nickname as the Island of the Gods. One of them is because Bali has so many temples in almost every region. Temples for Balinese people have an important meaning. Namely as a place where the gods live. Well, a walk to see the temple or the temple can be interesting activities during the holidays.

Tebing Tegalinggah Temple 

This temple was originally discovered accidentally by an archaeologist from the Netherlands, Krijsman. According to him, the temple building is a relic from the 12th century AD. At that time Krijsman was conducting an investigation by carrying out excavations in a small building in the Pakerisan River valley. The building was apparently carved on a cliff wall. Initially, local residents thought that this building was a gate. But after further inspection, apparently, there is a ladder that can be used leading to the top of the building. He then discovered the existence of another temple, complete with several overdrafts.

After exploring through the remnants of the building that still stands today, this temple actually has a unique design. This is illustrated from the stairs used to climb to the top of the temple. Where in ancient times, rarely found a ladder in the temple building. The manufacturing process that is done directly by sculpting on a cliff wall is actually reminiscent of the existence of Gunung Kawi Temple, which is also located in Gianyar. Carving on a cliff wall is not an easy job. However, with the talents and abilities possessed by ancient Balinese people, this intricate artwork can also be created. 

Unlike the Gunung Kawi Temple building which still stands firm and intact, unfortunately, Tebing Tegallinggah Temple is seen as a temple building that is still half-finished. In fact, some parts of this temple are now in the form of ruins. The gate is one part that is now in ruins. 

With the condition of the discovery of a half-collapsed building, the researchers estimated that there were disturbances during the temple construction process. It is probable that disruption will occur in the form of an earthquake. With obstacles like this, inevitably, of course, the process of working on the temple must be stopped completely. Considering the carving is done on a cliff wall that could threaten the safety of the workers. 

Although not in the form of a complete building, the Tebing Tegallinggah Temple has several features. Namely, there are seven ceruk (niche) and three lingga (phallus) found by researchers. The phallus in this temple is a phallus that depicts the figure of the trinity in Hinduism, namely Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma. Meanwhile, the niche becomes a sacred location for visitors who want to do austerities as a way to get closer to Sang Hyang Widhi. 

Tebing Tegalinggah Temple is located in Bedulu Village, Blahbatuh District, Gianyar Regency. To get to this temple, you will pass a very interesting natural landscape in the form of a stretch of green rice terraces. Plus, the climate in Gianyar tends to be cool, making the atmosphere more comfortable when driving to the temple, especially in the morning. Although you have to travel tens of kilometers if you drive from Denpasar. 

The ruins of the Tebing Tegalinggah Temple building are silent witnesses of the ancient Balinese-Hindu civilization. Although the exact history behind this temple is unknown, it is certain that the temple cannot be separated in the lives of Hindus since ancient times.