Kahyangan Tiga: Understanding the Three Temples in Every Balinese Village

In every nook and corner of the Island of the Gods, you can find numerous temples constructed in every area of Bali. The Kahyangan Tiga in each desa adat (customary village) is however of extreme importance because they consist of three sacred places or temples that worship the Trimurti gods of Hinduism, that is Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa with different function and philosophical values.

The three temples in a Balinese compound are Pura Desa or the Village Temple (deifying creator of the universe Dewa Brahma), situated in the center of the village. Pura Puseh or the Central Temple, that deifies preserver Dewa Wisnu, is often situated on the northern part of the village called kaja. Pura Dalem or the Temple of Death is deifying destroyer of the universe, Dewa Siwa, and is often situated in kelod direction, near the cemetery of the village.

Our garden setup goes beyond a simple planting of three trees; it represents the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana or the harmony of three things — spirit, human and nature. Kahyangan Tiga translates to three temples and it was formalized in ancient times by King Udayana Warmadewa and Queen Gunapriya Dharmapatni. In those days, Bali was in a rather chaotic state with nine sects each with its own God and it took the leadership of the King and Queen and the guidance of priest Mpu Kuturan to impose a unified spiritual practice and the three temples became the focus of communal worship.

Kahyangan Tiga remains an integral part of the life of villages throughout Bali, representing not only religion but also social bonding and culture. For new residents and tourists as well as parties from outside of Bali who are interested in investing in Bali, it would be helpful if they were able to understand and respect the traditions of Bali and the structures of the local communities.

Potential risks and conflicts arise when new development encroaches on such significant cultural sites or contradicts customary land use and practice. Builders and investors seeking to build sustainable developments are advised to be aware of the sites location, significance and protected status, and for communities to voice their views should they feel that new development may adversely affect such sites and their cultural heritage, and cause potential problems at permit application stage and thereafter.

What This Means for Your Bali Plan:

1. Staying in less urbanized villages will have the added advantage of temples called Kahyangan Tiga governing daily social activity and may also influence how land is zoned in the village.
2. Understanding local customs, particularly those that relate to the locations of temples and rituals, can make new-build negotiations and community relations much easier.
3. Investigate some villages with intact Kahyangan Triage and see what potential they have for real estate, these locations could appeal to property buyers who are looking for more than just a commercial space, but a space with culture and tradition intact.
4. Try to make no or minimal advance plans that encroach on customary local land use such as along the coast line, river beds, ridges and surrounding high areas. Any advance plans in such locations could interfere with local use and cause problems that could lead to refusal of a permit.

Kahyangan Tiga in Bali culture offers more than just an insight into a traditional Balinese way of life. It opens up a whole new perspective as to how the island’s spiritual and social structures shape the way its people live and even affect property developments and lifestyles in Bali.