The existence of Pura Penataran Agung Penatih is linked to the journey of Maha Rsi Markandeya, who was accompanied by his disciple, Bhujangga Sari. Together, they built Pura Gunung Raung, Pura Payogan, and in Campuhan, they built Pura Tangga Hyang Api on the banks of the Hoos River. Bhujangga Sari, who had long pursued knowledge, wished to establish a monastery on a piece of white land, which was already inhabited by the Bali Aga people from the Taro region. The temple built on this White Land was named Payogan Hyang Api as a worship site for tri sakti and as a place of worship for the local community (pakraman).
The term "Tanah Putih" (White Land) is the origin of the name "Penatih," which comes from the words pinih and tih, meaning "first" (Dhaksa, n.d.). After Bali was conquered by the Majapahit Kingdom around the 14th century AD, Patih Gajah Mada, under the command of Queen Tribhuwana Tunggadewi, sent Dalem Ketut Kresna Kepakisan (Dalem Samprangan) to be appointed as the Adipati (duke) of Bali. He was accompanied by several followers, including Arya Kanuruhan, Arya Demung, Arya Belog, Arya Mengori, Arya Tumenggung, Arya Kenceng, Arya Delancang, Arya Kepakisan, Arya Pangalasan, Arya Kutawaringin, Arya Gajah Para, Arya Getas, and Arya Wang Bang.
The Penatih region was settled by Arya Wang Bang Pinatih, who held the title Kyai Anglurah Pinatih Mantra, with a force of 35,000. During the reign of Kyai Anglurah Penatih Mantra, many developments occurred in Penatih, including the construction of several sacred structures. Pura Payogan Hyang Api, which had already existed during Bhujangga Sari's time, was also renovated. Originally, it was a place of worship for tri sakti, and several ancestral shrines (palinggih kawitan) were added, including Palinggih Manik Angkeran, Pelinggih Dukuh Belatungan, Pelinggih Padma Siwa, and Palinggih Padma Budha (Padma Kurung). The construction of the two Padma (Siwa and Buddha) was in honor of their ancestors, Mpu Sidhimantra, a follower of the Buddha teachings, and Mpu Sedah, a follower of the Siwa teachings (Dhaksa, n.d.).
Pura Penataran Agung Penatih has a tri-mandala structure, which includes the jaba sisi (nista mandala), jaba tengah (madya mandala), and jeroan (utama mandala). Pura Penataran Agung Penatih is characterized as a Pura Kahyangan Tiga Tunggal (Puseh, Desa, Dalem) where worship is offered to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi. Additionally, it has genealogical significance (kawitan/family), as evidenced by the presence of Pelinggih Manik Angkeran and Pelinggih Dukuh Belatungan.
1. Kemuncak Bangunan Candi
This building fragment is placed to the left of Pelinggih Gedong Ratu Agung and is part of a temple building material, such as the pinnacle/corner tower, which has a peg to fit into a square-shaped hole beneath it. The body of this building fragment has a hole at the top with decorated molding and bell-shaped sides, complemented by circular tenons. The hanging simbar decoration remains only in one corner, and the pedestal is square-shaped. The arrangement of the pinnacle and its body is believed not to be the original pair, as the size of the peg and hole do not match or fit properly.
2. Susunan Batu
This stone arrangement is located in front of Pelinggih Gedong Ratu Agung and consists of four layers: the bottom layer is a fragment of batu padas with scratches, which are estimated to have been used for sharpening weapons. The layer above it consists of smaller batu padas, and the top layer is made up of two smaller andesite stones.
3. Lingga Semu
This lingga is placed in front of the left side of Pelinggih Bhatara Siwa, and it is not a lingga of the tri bhaga type because it is simply cylindrical and is set on a square pedestal. The upper circle of the lingga is larger than the lower circle.
4. Lumpang Batu dan Palung Batu
The stone mortar and stone trough are located in front of the right side of Pelinggih Bhatara Siwa. Both stone mortars are made from andesite, while the stone trough is made from sandstone. The stone mortar serves as a base for pounding/crushing grains, whereas the stone trough was historically used as a container for water and a feeding place for livestock.
5. Kemuncak Bangunan Candi
This peak is placed in front of the left side of Pelinggih Pangaruman Kelod and is part of the roof of a temple building, featuring a peg designed to fit into a square hole beneath it. The top is shaped like a circle with three tiers, and the feet on all four sides are adorned with hanging decorations. The body of this building fragment has a hole at the top, decorated with a frieze, and the side of the bell is equipped with a hole above it. The base of the structure in the lowest layer is octagonal in shape. It is estimated that this peak and its body are not the original pair, as the sizes of the pegs and holes do not match.
6. Arca di Atas Lilitan Ular
The statue is placed in front of the left side of Palinggih Gedong Pangiasan, seated cross-legged on a coiled serpent, without any decorations on its body. The head is missing, the left hand is gone, and the right hand is resting on the thigh. Statues with characteristics of serpent and skull attributes are typically associated with tantric art (Bhairawa), similar to several statues found at Pura Kebo Edan Pejeng, Gianyar.
7. Arca Perwujudan Bhatari Bersayap
The statue is placed in front of Palinggih Gedong Pangiasan, with both legs bent backward (kneeling) on a round pedestal. It wears a papudakan crown adorned with petitis and ron-ronan, accentuating the breasts, with half-closed eyes and ears decorated with subeng. Both hands are raised upward, accompanied by wings, and it is draped in a thick cloth with striped decorative motifs.
8. Arca di Atas Lilitan Ular
The statue is placed in front of the left side of Pelinggih Pangaruman, sitting cross-legged on a serpent's coil, without any adornments on its body. The head is missing, both arms are gone, and there is only a decorative fold of wiron at the back of the statue. Statues featuring serpent and skull attributes are typically associated with tantric art (Bhairawa), similar to several statues found at Pura Kebo Edan in Pejeng, Gianyar.
9. Kemuncak Bangunan Candi
This building fragment consists of four layers placed in front of the right side of Pelinggih Pangaruman Kelod. The top fragment resembles a miniature temple or may indeed be a part of a temple (the decoration on the corner of the temple roof). Its shape decreases in size as it rises, adorned with hanging decorations at each corner, measuring 62 cm in height and 41 cm in width. The fragment below the pinnacle/corner tower, specifically the second layer from the top, is a plain square shape measuring 28 cm in height and 39 cm in width. The third layer from the top is a square fragment measuring 16 cm in height and 70 cm in width. The condition of the fragment is worn on all sides, and on one side of this fragment, there is a spout for draining water (yoni fragment). The bottom fragment is a plain rectangular shape measuring 46 cm in height and 33 cm in width.
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