Billy Bagus
Aug 11, 2025
In the serene village of Pejeng, nestled in Gianyar’s lush highlands about 27 kilometers northeast of Denpasar, stands one of Bali’s most storied sacred sites, Pura Penataran Sasih. This centuries-old Hindu temple is more than a place of worship. It is the guardian of a rare prehistoric treasure that has captivated historians, archaeologists, and spiritual seekers alike: the Nekara Pejeng, also known as the Bronze Moon of Bali.
Perched at 207 meters above sea level, Pura Penataran Sasih holds both religious and historical weight. It is a living testament to Bali’s remarkable prehistoric craftsmanship.
The Myth of the Bronze Moon
Local legend breathes life into the Nekara Pejeng. According to Balinese myth, this enormous bronze drum once shone brightly in the night sky as a celestial moon. Its light illuminated the land day and night, foiling thieves who could no longer hide under darkness. Frustrated, one thief urinated on the moon to extinguish its glow, causing it to fall to Earth and lose its radiance forever. The fallen moon, locals say, became the Nekara Pejeng, preserved within the temple as a sacred relic.
Another version of the myth ties the Bronze Moon to the legendary giant Kebo Iwa, a figure of immense strength and supernatural power credited with creating several of Bali’s most important ancient sites, including Goa Gajah and Gunung Kawi.
An Extraordinary Relic
The Nekara Pejeng is no ordinary relic. Standing at 1.86 meters tall with a 1.6-meter diameter at its striking surface, it is one of the largest bronze drums in the world. Shaped like a giant drum or bedug, it features intricate decorations including star motifs, bird feather patterns, inverted triangles, stylized “F” shapes, and even paired masks. These designs hold both artistic beauty and spiritual symbolism, reflecting the high level of skill and creativity in Bali’s Perundagian (Bronze Age) culture.
Archaeological finds support the claim that ancient Balinese craftsmen possessed advanced metalworking technology. Stone molds used to cast smaller drums with identical decorative patterns have been discovered in Gianyar, confirming that the art of bronze casting flourished here long before modern tools existed.
Symbolism and Sacred Use
Historically, bronze drums like the Nekara Pejeng served multiple purposes. They were used to signal war, to call for rain in agricultural rituals, to symbolize ancestral spirits, and to act as spiritual protectors of the community. In modern times, the Nekara Pejeng continues to hold deep spiritual significance.
It rests within a dedicated shrine called Pelinggih Ratu Bhetara Sasih inside the temple’s main courtyard. On sacred days, priests perform rituals to bathe the relic in holy water, a practice that, while spiritually important, accelerates the drum’s natural corrosion and encourages the growth of surface fungi.
A Treasure Among Many
The Bronze Moon is not the only cultural gem in Pura Penataran Sasih. The temple complex houses an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts including statues of Ganesha, guardian dwarapalas, depictions of Hindu deities, and symbolic lingga-yoni stones. Ancient chronograms carved into the temple gates commemorate a major restoration in 1966 CE, tying the temple’s physical preservation to Bali’s modern heritage efforts.
Recognized as a cultural heritage site by the Indonesian government under SK No. 260/SK/UPT.BD/22.VII/2003, Pura Penataran Sasih benefits from conservation programs that include documentation, zoning, protective shelters, and interpretive signage. The temple remains both a functioning place of worship and a point of cultural tourism, with management ensuring that visitor contributions support ongoing maintenance.
