Beji Temple at Sangsit Village

Sangsit for Beji Temple Subak Members of Venerated

Indonesia has many Islands worth visiting. it is just that Bali is the most popular. More tourists visit this island compared to others and similarly Bali is not only Kuta, Sanur or Nusa Dua, it is Singaraja in the north and Amlapura in the east.

Cultural tourism in Buleleng is interesting as we have many temples; one of these is Beji Temple. Some say this is the largest temple and Subak temple in North Bali.

This temple is located in Sangsit village, (the district of Sawan) and it is about 8 km east of Singaraja and about 500m to the beach from the main road. It is easily assessable by any type of motor vehicle and if you are in Lovina it will probably take you just under thirty minutes to get there.

SANGSIT Village, Sawan Subdistrict is one of the villages in Bali which has a large and sacred temple as well as specially venerated by subak members (farmers). Sacredness of the temple is visible from the carving design of the shrines. In addition, the Beji Temple is very old and even has existed before the establishment of Sangsit Village. It has already stood majestically along with the Dalem Purwa Temple located about one kilometer to the north of the Beji Temple.

Priest of the Beji Temple, Jro Mangku Nyoman Bakti, recounted that history on the founding of the Beji Temple was not known for sure. Historical evidence like inscription regarding the existence of the temple did not exist until today. Nevertheless, based on a number of information from the predecessors, the Beji Temple was estimated to have been established around in the fifteenth century. Additionally, certain information related to the total area of the Beji Temple was not surely recorded.

For local people this temple is known as Pura Subak; subak here refers to the organization for water supply or irrigation. Pura Subak is a holy place and here you can worship Dewi Sri the Goddess of rice and the symbol of prosperity. Village elders tell us that the village temple is presumed to have belonged to “Pura Desa Adat Sangsit” and it is the village temple of Sangsit a traditional village.

The temple is picturesque and full of ornamental carvings mostly in the form of rambling plants and floral motives as is the typical style of Buleleng. The most significant thing in this temple is that every surface has a carving so it is extremely artistic. Moreover all of the carvings are painted thus making this colorful temple very unique.

There is no clear evidence as to when this temple was built, but historians state that in was in the XV century during the Majapahit Kingdom period – centered in Java.

As with other temples on Bali it is divided into three courtyards, the outer courtyard then the middle and inner courtyards. At the outer courtyard you will find two dragon statues that symbolize the temple guards and upon entering the temple you are advised to wear sarong and sash.

Facilities at the temple are limited by way of parking and refreshments but it is usually always included in a tour-operators itinerary because of its uniqueness.