Billy Bagus
Jun 18, 2025
Nestled high in the mountains of Kintamani, at an altitude of 1,745 meters above sea level, Pura Puncak Penulisan stands as one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bali. Located in Desa Sukawana, Bangli Regency, this majestic sanctuary is a profound testament to Bali’s megalithic heritage and its enduring spiritual traditions. Known also as Pura Tegeh Koripan or Pura Pamojan, this sacred site offers more than just a stunning panorama—it embodies centuries of religious devotion, architectural brilliance, and cultural continuity.
Located in Desa Sukawana, Bangli Regency, this majestic sanctuary is a profound testament to Bali’s megalithic heritage and its enduring spiritual traditions.
A Sacred Site With Ancient Roots
Accessible via the Kintamani–Kubutambahan road and just 1.5 hours from Denpasar by car or motorbike, Pura Puncak Penulisan welcomes visitors with cool mountain air and tranquil surroundings. The temple’s serene atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for meditation, introspection, and spiritual retreats.
Pura Puncak Penulisan is believed to have been established around the 3rd century AD, making it one of Bali’s earliest religious structures. Archaeological evidence suggests that the temple evolved through different historical periods—from the megalithic era to the Hindu-Buddhist period, continuing through the classical Balinese kingdoms, including the Warmadewa dynasty and the era of Majapahit in the 14th century. This continuity of purpose over such a long span of time highlights its spiritual and historical significance.
The Symbolism of Seven Tiers
One of the temple’s most distinctive features is its Sapta Loka-inspired tiered layout. Comprising seven ascending levels, each tier represents one of the seven realms in Hindu cosmology. These levels are interconnected by staircases and are home to various pelinggih (shrines), each dedicated to different deities such as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Saraswati, Ganesha, Chandra, and Indra. At the very top lies the main sanctum for worshiping Shiva Mahadewa, emphasizing the temple’s role as a sacred space for divine communion.
This architectural concept mirrors the sacred structure of a mountain or pyramid, known in Hindu cosmology as Mount Meru, the mythical axis of the universe. It also reinforces the belief that elevation brings worshippers closer to the divine.
A Repository of Prehistoric and Hindu Artifacts
Pura Puncak Penulisan is not just a place of worship but also a living museum. Scattered throughout the temple grounds are hundreds of ancient artifacts dating back to the megalithic and classical periods. These include stone lingga—some paired, others solitary—that symbolize the energy of Lord Shiva. Additionally, there are carved stones adorned with sun and moon motifs, believed to represent Bhatara Brahma, and miniature shrines symbolizing the abodes of gods.
Visitors will also find intricately carved statues made of andesite, depicting deities, royal figures, and symbolic animals—each offering insight into the temple’s layered religious past.
Home of the 700-Year Ceremony
The fascinating aspect of Pura Puncak Penulisan is its role in hosting an extraordinarily rare ritual called Pengurip Jagad Bali Kabeh. Held only once every 700 years, this sacred ceremony is intended to spiritually “revive” the world, particularly the island of Bali. The highlight of the ritual is Kebo Roras, in which 12 water buffalo are symbolically planted—or buried—within the central courtyard of the temple.
This ritual signifies fertility, renewal, and cosmic balance, and is performed with high levels of spiritual preparation and sacred protocol. The ritual access is so exclusive that only Jro Kubayan—a highly respected temple custodian—is permitted to enter the most sacred inner sanctum where the temple’s holy spring emerges.
Spiritual Center of 'Gebog Domas'
Pura Puncak Penulisan is jointly managed and spiritually supported by a traditional alliance known as Gebog Domas, which consists of 30 desa adat (customary villages) and 26 administrative villages. Desa Sukawana, where the temple is located, holds the position of pemucuk or head among these contributing villages. This close-knit stewardship underscores the temple's vital place in Balinese Hindu cosmology and community life.
From its multi-level structure and rich archaeological treasures to a sacred ritual held just once in seven centuries, Pura Puncak Penulisan is a crown jewel of Bali’s spiritual and cultural heritage—an awe-inspiring site that continues to captivate and enlighten all who make the ascent.
