On the eastern slope of Mount Penanggungan lies an ancient sacred site that still radiates a mystical aura to this day: Candi Belahan, or Belahan Temple. This place is not a towering stone monument like Prambanan, nor a massive stupa complex like Borobudur. Instead—Belahan is a holy bath, a petirtaan: a water sanctuary built with profound philosophy, artistry, and deep spiritual meaning.

In Javanese tradition, water is not merely a natural element.
 Water symbolizes purity, life, and authority.
It is no surprise that on the slopes of sacred mountains—especially those revered since the Hindu-Buddhist period—we find numerous bathing temples constructed as sites for purification, rituals, and royal legitimacy.

Belahan Temple is one of the finest examples of this tradition.

This article presents a comprehensive discussion of Belahan Temple, including:

• its historical context,
• its religious function,
• its connection with the kings of East Java,
• the myths surrounding it,
• its architecture and iconography,
• and academic analysis through historical and archaeological perspectives.

Mount Penanggungan: A Sacred Landscape

Mount Penanggungan, located between Pasuruan and Mojokerto, has long been regarded as a sacred mountain in Javanese tradition. It is often associated with the concept of Mahameru, the cosmic mountain in Hindu-Buddhist cosmology.

Its slopes host dozens of religious sites: hermitages, reliefs, shrines, and sacred water structures.

Belahan Temple is found on the eastern side of this mountain, in Belahan Jowo Hamlet, Wonosunyo Village, Gempol District, Pasuruan Regency. It sits at an elevation where natural spring water emerges from the mountain’s body.

This location is not random.
 The sacred water emerging from the earth was regarded as a divine blessing—making the site ideal for a holy bathing sanctuary.

A Petirtaan, Not a Monument — The Function of Water

Belahan is more accurately described as a petirtaan rather than a temple. In archaeological terms, a petirtaan is a sacred bathing structure used for physical and spiritual purification prior to religious rituals.

Belahan Temple contains key features such as:

• a ritual bathing pool,
• water spouts emerging from sculpted figures,
• carefully arranged andesite blocks,
• and iconography of deities carved into stone.

These features demonstrate that water rituals played a major role in East Javanese civilization during the Hindu-Buddhist period. The water here served not just for bathing but as a symbolic medium for cleansing and for legitimizing political authority.

The Historical Context: Belahan and King Airlangga

Archaeological studies often associate Belahan Temple with the reign of King Airlangga (1019–1042 CE), founder of the Kahuripan Kingdom, the forerunner of subsequent East Javanese kingdoms.

Why Belahan Temple is connected with Airlangga:

1. Iconography of the Three Main Figures

Belahan features three major statues:

• Dewi Sri,
• Dewi Laksmi,
• and a male figure believed by many scholars to represent Airlangga.

Although no inscription explicitly states “Airlangga built this,” the stylistic elements closely match the artistic period of his rule.

The male figure—originally standing upon a mythical creature resembling Garuda—suggests Airlangga as a manifestation of Vishnu, the protector deity. Airlangga was often associated with Vishnu in inscriptions.

2. Airlangga’s Relationship with Waterworks

Historical records show that Airlangga restored irrigation systems, constructed dams, and revitalized agricultural infrastructure after the collapse of the previous kingdom.

A sacred water sanctuary like Belahan fits perfectly into this royal program.

Important clarification:
There is no surviving inscription stating directly that Airlangga commissioned Belahan Temple.
The association relies on archaeological interpretation: style, symbolism, and historical context.

Architecture and Iconography of Belahan Temple

The Belahan complex consists of several important components:

A. The Ritual Pool

A rectangular pool built with andesite stones, fed by crystal-clear water emerging from the mountain.

B. The Three Statues

Located in niches carved into the rocky cliff:

1. Left Statue: Dewi Sri

The goddess of fertility and agricultural abundance.
 Water flows from her breasts—a powerful symbol of the earth nurturing life.

2. Right Statue: Dewi Laksmi

A goddess associated with prosperity and purity.
 Water flows from her breasts as well, representing sacred rivers.

3. Central Statue: Male Figure (Possibly Airlangga)

Though not fully preserved today (the original statue is no longer in situ), the figure once depicted a man standing on a mythical creature.

Many researchers interpret this as Airlangga in the form of Vishnu, though this remains an academic interpretation, not a confirmed fact.

C. Water Engineering

The most impressive aspect:
 The water is natural spring water, not artificially channeled from outside sources.

Ancient engineers sculpted stone pathways to direct the water through the breasts of the goddess statues—demonstrating remarkable precision and mastery of water management.

Functions of Belahan Temple

Belahan served multiple purposes:

1. Ritual Purification

Visitors cleansed themselves before performing religious rites.

2. Symbol of Fertility

Water flowing from the breasts of the goddesses symbolizes fertile land and life-giving abundance.

3. Royal Legitimacy

If connected with Airlangga, the site represents a king deriving divine legitimacy from the gods—especially Vishnu.

4. Cosmic Harmony

Belahan embodies the ancient Javanese worldview where water, mountains, gods, and humans form an interconnected cosmic unity.

Historical Background: Collapse and Renewal

Belahan Temple makes sense only when understood through its historical setting:

A. Collapse of the Medang Kingdom

After a major attack from the north (historical debates continue regarding the exact cause), the Medang Kingdom in East Java fell in the early 11th century.

The region entered chaos.

B. Airlangga Restores the Kingdom

Airlangga rebuilt political structures, revived agriculture, and repaired waterways.
 He became a symbol of renewal and rebirth.

C. Petirtaan as the Symbol of “Rebirth”

In Hindu-Buddhist cosmology, water symbolizes:

• beginnings,
• fertility,
• purification,
• and renewal.

Belahan is a perfect metaphor for Airlangga’s mission:

“From water, new life emerges.”

Belahan Temple in Modern Cultural Life

Belahan remains culturally significant:

A. A Place for Ritual Blessings

Locals use the water for traditional rituals, particularly those relating to fertility and healing.

B. A Spiritual Tourism Site

Many visitors believe the water carries blessings—consistent with its ancient sacred function.

C. Cultural Preservation

Efforts continue to maintain the site, though conservation challenges remain.

Myths Surrounding Belahan Temple

In Javanese culture, sacred sites inevitably develop myths.
 It is important to distinguish:

• cultural narratives
• from historical evidence.

Common myths include:

• Belahan as the bathing place of Dewi Sri,
• the water as divine “tirtha”,
• the male statue as Airlangga in disguise.

These myths enrich cultural heritage, though they do not all have archaeological basis.

Academic Conclusions

Based on archaeological and historical research:

1. Belahan is an 11th-century petirtaan
   —supported by art style and architectural context.
2. It has strong conceptual ties to Airlangga
   —though not proven by inscription.
3. Its primary function was ritual purification and royal symbolism.
4. Control of water symbolized political authority.
   Water was life—and the king who managed it held power.

Belahan Temple: A Legacy of Water and Kingship

Belahan Temple is a remarkable remnant of Hindu-Buddhist East Java.
 Its greatness does not lie in towering structures but in:

• its philosophical depth,
• its symbolic mastery of water,
• and its connection to political renewal in Airlangga’s era.

Belahan teaches us that:

• water connects nature, gods, and humans,
• rulers claimed legitimacy not only through war but through cosmic symbolism,
• spirituality, engineering, and art were deeply intertwined.

Belahan is not merely a bathing place.
 It is a testament to cosmic order, royal authority, and ancient civilization.

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References

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• Marwati Djoened Poesponegoro & Nugroho Notosusanto. Sejarah Nasional Indonesia II. Jakarta: Balai Pustaka.
• Fontein, J. The Sculpture of Indonesia. National Gallery of Art, Washington.
• Simanjuntak, Truman. Arkeologi Indonesia: Sebuah Pengantar.
• Munandar, Agus Aris. Gua, Ceruk, dan Pertapaan di Gunung Penanggungan. Jakarta: Universitas Indonesia Press.
• Krom, N.J. Hindoe-Javaansche Kunst. Martinus Nijhoff.