At Grokgak

Temple of Pulaki

Location

This temple is situated in the village of Banyu Poh, Grokgak district, Buleleng regency, about 50 kilometers from the town of Singaraja or approximately 1 hour drive from Gilimanuk. This is one of the largest temple in North Bali. This temple or Khayangan as well as a shrine to venerate and adore Hyang Widhi Wasa, the God Almighty, and His manifestation. This temple is also a place to glorify and worship the holy spirit of Ni Ayu Swabhawa, one of the daughter of Danghyang Nirartha who was given the title  Bhatari Melanting.

A bit of History

Pulaki temple is associated with Nirartha trip to Bali. At that time his wife was named Sri Patni Kaniten from Blambangan - East Java, tittled Mpu Istri Ktut was in a state of fatigue, asking her husband Nirarta to take arrest until her health recovery. Danghyang Nirartha allowed his wife to stay at rest Pulaki accompanied by his daughter named Ni Ayu Swabhawa, and one of his son Pangeran Bajra.

Due to long frustrating wait for the arrival of her husband, Sri Patni Kaniten pleaded the Gods that she and all citizens are given the opportunity to wait for the arrival of her husband till indefinite period of time without any age. The God granted his request with the requirements of her form is not visible to humans. Lightning flashed and thunder boomed, at that time Sri Patni Kaniten with group disappeared from view. She has become a holy Bhatari Dalem Melanting, became deva and worshiped by villagers. All of her followers also disappeared from view and they turn into wong gamang, unvisible humans.

The place of Moksha Patni Kaniten or Mpu Isteri Ktut was later on were built a temple named Pura Pulaki. This as a place to glorify and adore Hyang Widhi Wasa. Dyah Ayu Melanting, her daughter, then shrines in Pura Melanting, while the Prince of Bajra occupy Pura Kerta Kawat as Pangeran Mentang Yuda.

There are researchers who argue that Pulaki temple is actually located in the woods, not in today place. Location of the temple which is now estimated as pengayatan because residents do not dare go into the woods because it was inhabited by wild beasts, so it may not get into inside forests. 

Piodalan

Piodalan in Pulaki temple falls on Purnama Sasih Kapat according to balinese calencar.