Petitenget Temple which is also referred to as ‘Pura Petitenget’ by the locals is one of the significant old temples found in Bali. It is also a rare cultural landmark that stands out at the island’s beach resort area where you can spot many a hotel Seminyak has to offer such as Alila Seminyak Bali. The temple is a very important feature that any tourists heading to Seminyak must visit. It really lights up and becomes active during the temple’s 210 day anniversary festive period and during the times when traditional dance rehearsals are held frequently by the locals at a grand pavilion found nearby.
The temple’s beautiful and colourful architecture shines mainly with red bricks and sandstone which make up most of the building’s construction. This reflects an antique nature to the temple. You will discover a massive courtyard when you walk up the dragon staircase where you can find 12 different pavilions and shrines decorated with draped Balinese chequered cloths. This temple is one of those which form the island’s Dang Kahyangan cluster of sea temples which are believed to guard Seminyak’s island borders. This formation of guardian temples is known to have been established by a Hindu priest by the name of Dang Hyang Niratha when he visited the island from Java during the 16th century.
There is another smaller temple by the side of the main temple which is named Masceti Ulun Tanjung where local villagers pay regular homage especially praying for protection against floods, diseases and famines. During the festival times the main temple is adorned with banners and parasols. Pilgrims flock to the holy place clad in their best reverent attire to pray, which is a spectacular sight to capture as memorable photos. The grand celebrations during the annual festivals bring the temple and its surrounding to life in a stunning vibrant manner.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.