Alas Kedaton

Alas Kedaton temple is a megalithic sacred Bali Hindu temple relics of ancient times, Alas Kedaton temple located in the middle of the Alas Kedaton monkey forest, precisely in the village of Kukuh, Marga district,Tabanan regency. Alas Kedaton temple or Pura Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton is located approximately 35 kilometers from the city of Denpasar Bali.

Alas Kedaton temple was built by Mpu Kuturan or Mpu Rajakertha during the reign of King Cri Masula Masuli, according to the inscription of Sading village, Mengwi, Badung Regency mentions that King Cri Masula Masulistart reigning in Saka 1100 (1178 AD). The inscription put on the Saka 1172 (1250 AD) which also mentions that King Cri Masula Masuli ruling in Bali island for 77 years, which means the government ended in Saka 1177 or 1255 AD. The position of Alas Kedaton temple is facing towards west and has 4 gates as entrances and exits of the temple, this shrine has a unique yard, the position of inside yard (in Balinese called Jeroan or Utama Mandala) is lower than middle yard (in Balinese called Jaba or Madya Mandala), unlike other temples in Bali which normally has a inside yard which is higher than the middle yard.

The ceremony of Alas Kedaton temple is in Anggara Kasih Medangsia (Balinese Calendar), 10 days afterKuningan day. Unlike other temples, other uniqueness that can be encountered in this temple is during the ceremony may not use incense and Kwangen during worship. Similarly, the use of Penjor, when the ceremony performed at Dalem Kahyangan Kedaton temple we will not found Penjor like other temple ceremonies in Bali and this is also something that is unique. The ceremony should be finished before sunset because they are not allowed to use lights as a means of confinement using fire, when the ceremony is completed, will be followed byNgerebeg tradition. Ngerebeg means run with spears, Tedung (traditional Balinese Umbrella), and some leafy tree branches. Everyone cheered and shouted with joy to follow this ngerebeg tradition.

Alas Kedaton temple located in a forest inhabited by thousands of monkeys and hundreds of big bats. Monkeys in the Kedaton forest are very friendly and very close to the visitors as they always feed them with nuts and other snacks, but caution should still be taken care of even though they are very friendly but sometimes they can also attack when they feel disturbed. Alas Kedaton Holy Monkey forest is one of the famous monkey forest in Bali island.