History of Tanah Lot Bali
Ditulis pada: November 09, 2021
A visit to the Island of the Gods, Bali, will never be complete without visiting the famous tourist area of Tanah Lot. However, maybe not many know about the history of Tanah Lot Bali.
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is one of the tourist icons of the island of Bali which is very loved, both by domestic and foreign tourists. Tanah Lot is located in Beraban Village, Kediri District, Tabanan Regency. Approximately 30 minutes from Denpasar, if taken by motor vehicle.
Although the Tanah Lot area consists mostly of rocks and coral. However, in Tanah Lot, tourists will be spoiled by beautiful views at sunset or sunset atmosphere.
Tanah Lot is believed to be the best place to watch the sunset. The color of the sky becomes golden yellow when sunset in Tanah Lot.
No wonder there are so many tourists and local residents who don't want to miss the amazing moments presented by nature in Tanah Lot.
Tanah Lot is a very large boulder, so that on it can be built a temple to worship the God of the Sea. The temple itself is indeed called Tanah Lot Temple.
The location of Tanah Lot is indeed in the middle of the beach. So, when the sea is high tide, Tanah Lot will look like a big boat that is floating. In Balinese, Tanah Lot means land that floats in the ocean.
History of Tanah Lot
Listening to the history of Tanah Lot, can not be separated from the role of the propagator of Hinduism from the island of Java. It was the Brahmin named Danghyang Nirartha who in the 15th century traveled to spread Hinduism on the island of Bali.
Danghyang Nirartha was also known as Tuan Semeru in the East Nusa Tenggara and West Nusa Tenggara regions at that time. Danghyang Nirartha also spread Hinduism to the point where he came from the Mount Semeru area on the island of Java.
On his journey on the island of Bali, Danghyang Nirartha has been along the coastlines on the Island of the Gods. Until one day, he arrived at a village near the sea.
Danghyang Nirartha was amazed by the natural scenery and atmosphere of the area. The natural atmosphere and the waves of the southern sea coast in the village made Danghyang Nirartha stop his journey for a moment.
Finally, Danghyang Nirartha decided to stop for some time in the village. He teaches the principles of Hinduism to the surrounding community.
The existence of Danghyang Nirartha in the village is very well liked and accepted by the people in the village. The residents are happy to get a teacher who can teach character and love lessons.
And how to thank the Creator who has sent down and provided prosperity in the world. This includes beautiful natural conditions, as well as abundant food supplies.
Unlike the villagers who loved Danghyang Nirartha and loved the teachings he spread. The village leader, namely Bendesa Biraben, did not really like the presence of Danghyang Nirartha, the propagator of Hinduism in his village.
This is because since the Brahmin was in his village, Bendesa Beraben's followers have gradually decreased. Indeed, at that time, a village leader tended to be followed and obeyed because he was considered to have certain advantages.
But since the presence of Danghyang Nirartha in the village. The trust, obedience, and obedience of the villagers to the Bendesa Biraben are fading.
It was not because of the invitation or call of the Brahmin to stay away from Bendesa Biraben. However, it is more about the process of awareness, enlightenment of the soul and mind of the village community about the meaning of life.
Also the meaning of interacting with others, to the attitude towards nature after they understand and understand Hindu teachings.
Because of the envy and dislike of Bendesa Biraben for Danghyang Nirartha, Beraben asked the Brahmin to leave his village.
At that time, Danghyang Nirartha did not immediately confront the Bendesa Biraben. In fact, he fulfilled the will of Bendesa Beraben who told him to leave his territory.
But before leaving the village, the Brahmin asked the villagers to build a place of worship or heaven or a temple called Pura Pekendungan. This temple was later named Tanah Lot Temple.
In various stories, it seems that the history of Tanah Lot Bali has been mixed between legend and mythology. There is a story that has been passed down from generation to generation, it is said that when the Bendesa Beraben expelled Danghyang Nirartha to immediately leave his village.
However, before leaving the village that had made him feel comfortable, Danghyang Nirartha asked to build a temple on a very large rock.
So with his spiritual power Danghyang Nirartha lifted a very large stone that he chose and then threw it slightly to the middle of the beach and closer to the ocean. Then, there he meditated and built the Tanah Lot Temple.
To prevent the arrival and protect the boulder from the followers of Bendesa Biraben, Danghyang Nirartha threw his shawl which later became snakes that roamed around guarding Tanah Lot's existence. So none of the followers of Bendesa Beraben dared to approach Tanah Lot Temple.
Even according to history, later on, Bendesa Beraben was amazed at the greatness and supernatural power of Danghyang Nirartha. So Bendesa Beraben changed his mind and finally wanted to become a follower of Danghyang Nirartha's teachings.
This story about the history of Tanah Lot continues to be preserved by the children and grandchildren of the Balinese people in general. Until now, there are still snakes that inhabit Tanah Lot, namely the black and yellow striped flat tail snake.
This snake is also considered a sacred snake and is believed to be a snake that came from Danghyang Nirartha's shawl when he was going to protect Tanah Lot Temple. In Tanah Lot there are two temples which are also Sad Kahyangan.
So Tanah Lot Temple is one of the joints of the island of Bali. Every 201 days it is celebrated as Hari Raya Pura. Then Tanah Lot Temple will be crowded with Hindus who will pray.
To this day, Tanah Lot is even busier and more famous to foreign countries, the beautiful Tanah Lot area is able to provide economic prosperity to the surrounding community by selling various souvenirs.
They also sell Balinese accessories or Tanah Lot nuances to tourists who visit Tanah Lot. Around Tanah Lot there are also various other facilities that can make the visitors more comfortable.
If you want to enjoy the exotic nature around Tanah Lot, or even to spend the night. In Tanah Lot, there are now many places such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, and international class resorts.
So, if you and your family have enough free time on vacation in Bali. Don't forget to visit a very exotic place with sunset views, namely Tanah Lot.
