VISIT GATE OF HEAVEN ,EXPLORE THE TOP OF Mt.BISBIS
Lempuyang Temple, locally referred to as Pura Lempuyang Luhur, is one of Bali’s oldest and most highly regarded temples, on par with Besakih (aka the ‘mother temple’ of Bali). It is also believed to predate the majority of Hindu temples on the island. Definitely a highlight on any travel itinerary for the fit and adventurous, the main temple lies at 1,175m above sea level, up on the peak of the namesake Mount Lempuyang in East Bali. The heights are reachable via a steep staircase of over 1,700 steps, with attractions along the way including several other temples and hordes of grey long-tailed macaques that
inhabit the surrounding cool mountain forests.
While avid hikers will love the blend of mountains and cultural excursions that Bali’s eastern region has to offer, those unwilling to take on the ascent up to the peak at Lempuyang Temple can still enjoy the splendid views at the grand Pura Penataran Agung temple at the foot of the mountain. The first to come into view on the pilgrimage, this temple offers an impressive sight with its towering dragon staircases – perfect for photos. The best views are higher up the stairs, where you can see all the way across the green forested slopes and neighbouring Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak and abode of Besakih Temple.
Lempuyang Luhur Temple is located in Gamongan Hill, on the peak of Bisbis Hill or also called Mount Kembar ( Twin Mountain) in Purahayu Village, Abang District, Karangasem Regency. The distance from the city of Amlapura is approximately 22 km, the direction to the north through Tirtagangga to Ngis village in Abang sub-district then turns east to the village of Purahayu. Both motorized vehicles and bicycles can only reach the village of Ngis, then walk to the village of Purahayu and then walk on the hill to the Pura on the top of the Bisbis hill.
THE MYTH AND HISTORY
Lempuyang Luhur Temple is thought to be one of the oldest temple in Bali. Its thought to have existed in pre-Hindu-Buddhist times which were originally sacred buildings made of stone as it found and renovated in 1950. For Balinese ,Lempuyang Temple is believed as home of the Hyang Gni Jaya or known also has Dewa Iswara. There is an few story believed a bright light appeared from this hill was been observed from outer space, a very bright light shooting to the skies that believed came from something at the eastern end of Bali Island. But it is not known exactly where the light is, but it is thought to be from Mount Lempuyang.
There are various version about the ‘Lempuyang’ name meaning. In the book published by the Bali Culture Service (1998) entitled ” Lempuyang Luhur ” mentioned, the Lempuyang name comes from the words ” Lampu ” which means rays and ” Hyang ” to refer to God. From the word “lempuyang” or “lamp” which is interpreted by the holy light of God that is bright (shoving / highlighting). Another version says ” lempuyang ” came from Java language, “lempuyang” refers to a kind of spices ( wild ginger ). It is also linked to the village around Lempuyang named Bangle and Gamongan, both of which are similar spices that can be used as herbs or cooking ingredients. Another version also mentions the words ” empu ” or ” emong ” which means keeping. The myth is Batara Hyang Pasupati sent two of his sons and one daughter down to nurture in order to maintain Bali’s stability from various natural disasters. The three sons were Bathara Hyang Putra Jaya finally settled in Tohlangkir (Mt. Agung ) with his area including Besakih Temple, the daughter Batari Dewi Danuh reside at the Batur lake and her palace is Temple of Ulun Danu Batur and Batara Hyang Gni Jaya settled on Mount Lempuyang. However, whatever version of the temple, Lempuyang Temple itself has a very large temple complex, just like Besakih. In various sources of lontar papyrus or ancient inscriptions, there are three large temples which are often referred to besides Besakih and Ulun Danu Batur namely Lempuyang. Lempuyang Luhur Temple, which is located very high on the top of Bisbis Hill or Mount Lempuyang, is thought to include the oldest temple in Bali.
INTO THE PEAK OF MT.BISBIS
Mt.Bisbis elevation are 1.174 m above sea level , theres where the Lempuyang Luhur temple located on the peak of the hills. The best time to hike up is morning around 7 or 8 AM. But most of the time for Balinese to exploring and pilgrimage the whole temple complex in Mt.Bisbis, they will climb at midnight or early morning at 1 or 2 AM. Thats will be exploring round at the belt of Mt.Bisbis until around sunrise 5 or 6AM will be end up at the peak of Mt.Bisbis, known as Puncak Lempuyang Luhur ( the peak of Lempuyang main temple) .According to local and the holy man at Lempuyang ,Mangku Gede Wangi, there are some rule and things that forbidden during do hiking or climb Mt.Bisbis or visiting the main temple,should not be violated when going up to Lempuyang Luhur Temple and if they are violated they will have a bad impact. The prohibition is as follows: from the beginning, thoughts, words, and deeds must be sanctified ,you can’t say rude words when hike or climb. People who considering as un-holly such menstruation women, breastfeeding, children who have not dated milk teeth should not enter the temple or pray to the temple You should not bring gold jewelry, because often if you bring gold jewelry it will disappear mysteriously .Bring food contain pork or eat pork when going to Lempuyang Temple, because pork is considering forbidden or proscribed meat by God of Mt.Lempuyang.
And as it’s considering holy site, and one of the biggest temple in Bali. Respect the rule and always climb up with local or guide is must to avoid any disrespect action or any problem caused by lack information. As we have to remember for Balinese it’s unseen world with unseen rule are exist in the island.
Including wearing sarong and semi formal clothes are must during the trekking, due the trek and the area considering as holy.
There are four routes to reach Lempuyang Luhur Temple. The easiest trek it can pass Purwayu Village. From this route can pass through the Pura Penataran, Penataran Agung, Telaga Mas, Pasar Agung then to Lempuyang Luhur. Other route by passing Gamongan village, passing the Pura Lempuyang Madya, continue to Pura Telaga Sawang and Pura Pasar Agung. While if start from east side of Mt.Bisbis from Batu Gunung village, the Bukit Village passes through the Angrekasari Temple, passing few holy spring temple such; Tirta Suniamerta, Tirta Jagasatru, Tirta Manik Ambengan, Hyangsari Silatana Temple, Tirta Sudamala, Tirta Empul, Windusari Temple, Pura Pasar Agung (peneling) then to Lempuyang Luhur. The last route are via Jumenang village, passes through the Pura Penataran Kenusut, Pura Pasar Agung (disambangan) and rises to Lempuyang Luhur.
From the normal route via the Puma Penataran Agung Lempuyang or know among tourist as The Gate Of Heaven, its will take approximate 30-40 mins to walk up to the first step of 1700-1800 path leading to the peak of Mt.Bisbis.
Climb of to the peak will crossing a green lush of gigantic pandanus tree and pines tree forest along the route. In some spot it will be a slippery stones and soil path instead of a stair. And it’s a rest area with small hut will appear after climb 300-500 metres can use as rest area, for stop by inhaling the cool and fresh oxygen, or just drink water. But make sure always pay attention, as after round 700-1000 metres above sea level, a group of grey macaque monkey will be seating along the route hiding or following us just try to get something from us. Some will jump around at the high tree and make noise. Make sure to always put all belonging including water inside the backpack, as the monkey in this mountain are wild monkey which their behaviour are bit different with monkey at Ubud Monkey Forest or Uluwatu. The monkey at Mt.Bisbis and Lempuyang temple are still scare of human, but sometimes they will try to threaten visitor to get some food or water by following them in group. As many Balinese almost every day will go up to the main temple Puma Lempuyang Luhur on top of the Mt.Bisbis, to get a holy water, the offerings will be one of the monkeys target. Bring a wooden stick will help to scare this wild long tail grey macaque monkey.
During rain season, as it’s high area rain can easily fall in sometimes heavily and very quick, make sure to bring also your raincoat.
THE HOLY WATER INSIDE THE BAMBOO
Once you step in into the main temple, it’s just a small area of temple almost 100m2 as its located on the highest cliff. From main temple you can see Mt.Agung in distance and a green lush of forest and farm surrounding the hill, and the blue water ocean line both Amed bay on Northern east side and Candidasa bay at distance. Please be more respectful as it’s small temple area, and sometimes flood by Balinese who just come to pray or do a procession of get the holy water from the holy bamboo that grows in the temple are, for the purposes of prayer rituals and other ceremonies such as Ngaben cremation. So please give space to this local during they do the procession. And also pay attention with the groups of monkey who will be hundreds of them will waiting for everyone to be careless to take something from the offerings.
This holy water inside the bamboo is believed by Balinese as one of polywater they must had for all highest level ceremony. This holy water called ‘Tirta Pingit’ comes from Sanskrit. “Tirta” means holy water. While “Pingit” means secret. So “Tirta Pingit” means secret holy water. Tirta Pingit is found in Lempuyang Luhur Temple.
In addition to the beauty of the mountainous panorama on the one of east Bali peak, Lempuyang Luhur Temple also presents another unique and mystery, named Tirta Pingit, is found inside the bamboo cluster that grows in Lempuyang Luhur Temple area. There are only 3 (three) bamboo clumps that grow in that place. From this bamboo come out the holy water to be given to Pemedek (devotees who performed the worship ceremony) and tourists who prayed at that place. To get the Tirta, the Pemangku or priest or holy man of the Lempuyang Temple will cut a piece of bamboo, from which the cut bamboo stems will come out of the water for Tirta. And strangely, the bamboo clump never runs out even though it’s often cut. For Hindus and tourists who want to come to prayer to Sad Kahyangan Lempuyang Luhur Temple, one thing that is worthy of preparation is physical endurance, and of course a sincere heart is pure.
If you plan to visit the Gate of Heaven on the foot hill of the Mt.Bisbis, you can also try to visit the peak just to feel the atmosphere and the vibration of this holy site.
Just contact Adimelali or drop us e-mail or call /SMS/WhatsApp to +6281337795381.
Let The Journey Begin !
