Nestled in the serene village of Pemuteran, in Bali’s Buleleng Regency, Pura Bukit Batu Kursi stands as both a revered spiritual sanctuary and a captivating tourist destination. Perched atop a hill, the temple offers a breathtaking panorama of Pemuteran’s landscape, with sweeping views of the village below and the endless expanse of the sea beyond.
The name “Batu Kursi” originates from a large, naturally shaped stone at the peak, resembling a chair. Locals believe that this mystical stone possesses sacred energy, and the temple is dedicated to Bhatara Lingsir Bagawan Cakru Geni, a deity closely linked to Pura Pucak Manik.
Despite its long-standing presence, the temple’s spiritual significance only came to light in 1984. Before that, the site was merely considered part of the rugged hills. It was Jro Nyoman Cara, a local spiritual practitioner, who first experienced a trance-like state while meditating there, unveiling the site’s mystical nature.
Around the same time, a nobleman from Puri Pemecutan received a divine message— a revelation about a chair-shaped stone imbued with supernatural power hidden within these hills.
Legends surrounding Pura Bukit Batu Kursi have since flourished. Among the most intriguing is the mysterious appearance of claw marks on a nearby palm tree, believed to be left by a spectral tiger sharpening its talons— a sign of an unseen guardian residing at the temple.
The temple is also renowned as a pilgrimage site for those seeking divine guidance, particularly regarding career and leadership aspirations.
Many visitors, from aspiring politicians to individuals hoping for career advancement, embark on spiritual journeys to this temple, believing it holds the key to their success. In the lead-up to elections or key appointments, the site sees a surge in visitors praying for prosperity and good fortune.
Reaching Pura Bukit Batu Kursi involves a scenic trek from Pemuteran, approximately 123 kilometers from Denpasar or a 46-kilometer drive from Lovina Beach. The journey uphill rewards visitors with stunning landscapes, making it a favorite among trekkers and spiritual seekers alike.
Surrounding the temple are other significant landmarks, including Pura Pulaki, Pura Pemuteran, and the world-famous Menjangan Island, celebrated for its vibrant marine biodiversity.
Historically, the area where Batu Kursi now stands was known as “Batu Negok” and was regarded with fear. Villagers believed that disturbing the land— whether by collecting firewood or grazing livestock— could bring misfortune, illness, or other calamities.
The turning point came when a spiritual figure from Puri Pemecutan followed a divine revelation that led him to the stone. His journey was marked by inexplicable phenomena— a sudden gust of wind whisking away his golden pendant, which reappeared only after he performed an elaborate ritual at the site.
Guided by sacred instructions received in a trance, he returned with offerings and a rare black sugarcane stalk, symbolizing the spiritual authority of the temple’s guardian. The rediscovery of his lost pendant cemented the belief in the stone’s powerful energy, transforming the site into the revered temple it is today.
Pura Bukit Batu Kursi is more than just a religious monument; it is a confluence of history, mysticism, and natural beauty. For those seeking tranquility, spiritual enlightenment, or simply an awe-inspiring view, this temple offers a profound experience— one that lingers in the heart long after the journey ends. (BT)
