Called as the Island of the Gods, Bali certainly has many temples as a place of residence for the gods. Temples in Bali also have various functions and purposes. Some of the oldest temples in Bali are used as cultural heritage so tourists can learn about Balinese history from there. One of the oldest temples in Gianyar is Pura Penataran Sasih.

Pura Penataran Sasih 

Pura Penataran Sasih is one of the oldest temples and is a cultural heritage site in Bali. According to the history, this temple is used as a place of worship since the beginning of life in the world. Based on the findings of ancient objects in the temple area, Pura Penataran Sasih had existed before Hindu influence entered Bali. Because of its long existence, this temple also has several items that contain sacred values in it.

One of the sacred objects that you can find in the temple is Nekara or bronze drum. This Nekara shape resembles a drum that has a waist in the middle, has two sides of the percussion, where one part of the percussion is opened. The height of Nekara reaches 1.86 m with the center line of the field at around 1.6 m. On each side of Nekara, you can find interesting symbols in the form of animal patterns, arranged tumpal patterns, a pair of masks, and others. 

In the legendary story of the Nekara, it is told that the sky has 13 moons. One day, one moon fell to earth. This moon emits bright rays from morning to night. But the thieves were disturbed by this incident. They could not carry out the crime because the moon was always shining. Finally, the moon was urinated by a thief to extinguish the light. At that moment, the moon was smashed to pieces and one of the remaining pieces was Nekara. 

Based on the story, Balinese people then believed that this object had supernatural powers. Nekara is often used as a medium of worship to invoke rain. Because there are symbols of frogs that are identical as callers of rain in Balinese mythology. Not only that, Nekara is also considered a symbol of ancestors, used as a war drum, and as a protective force for the people of Bali. 

You can see this Nekara in a special building called Pelinggih Ratu Bhetara Sasih on the temple courtyard. Since this bronze Nekara is sacred and used as a medium of worship, ceremonies are often held on certain days and given splashes of holy water. Besides Nekara, Penataran Sasih Temple is also famous for its sacred dance, Sang Hyang Jaran. The dancers will usually experience possession before performing this dance. 

If you are curious to see this Nekara, just come to Pura Penataran Sasih located in Pejeng Village, Tampaksiring District, Gianyar Regency. It is only 20 minutes from Tirta Empul Temple. So after diving in Tirta Empul, you can stop by for a while to see Nekara in the Sasih Penataran Temple.