The Inscription Of Blanjong

The Inscription of Blanjong: Sanur’s Oldest Written Record

The Inscription of Blanjong stands apart from Bali’s many historical sites not because of its visual impact — it is a modest stone pillar in a functioning temple — but because of what it represents: datable, written evidence of Bali’s political and religious history from over a thousand years ago. Dating to 914 CE, the Inscription of Blanjong predates most of Bali’s famous temples and confirms that Sanur was already a significant ceremonial site in the early tenth century.

The Inscription of Blanjong is written in two scripts and two languages: Old Balinese and Sanskrit, using both the Nagari and Old Balinese scripts. This bilingual format is rare among early Indonesian inscriptions and reflects the sophisticated administrative and religious culture of the kingdom of Sri Kesari Warmadewa. Scholars of early Southeast Asian history consider the Inscription of Blanjong a primary source of exceptional value. Learn more about the Blanjong pillar on Wikipedia.

The Inscription Of Blanjong

Visiting the Inscription of Blanjong at Pura Blanjong requires basic temple etiquette: a sarong, respectful demeanour, and awareness that this is a functioning place of worship rather than a museum. The stone is visible in a dedicated shelter within the temple grounds. For context on Sanur’s wider cultural landscape, explore our guide to Pantai Karang Beach. Sanur’s combination of a long, calm beach, a walkable village layout, and sites like the Inscription of Blanjong make it one of the most rewarding areas in Bali for visitors who want depth alongside relaxation. The neighbourhood around Pura Blanjong is quiet and genuine — a short walk from the beach promenade but a world away in atmosphere. Anyone with a genuine interest in pre-Hindu Bali and the island’s earliest documented history will find the Inscription of Blanjong one of the most quietly significant stops they make on the island.

The inscription Of Blanjong located at Pura Blanjong, Sanur, is made from a solid stone, in the form of a stone pillar with a lotus shape on the top. The 177 cm high and 62 cm diameter historical pillar is well-preserved and is kept inside a protective pavilion to prevent further damage from weather. Visitors can view the inscription when they visit Blanjong Temple in Sanur.

The site may be small and hidden, but the significance of this inscription certainly is substantial because it provides valuable historical and epigraphic information about Bali during the period of King Warmadewa, the historical ruling dynasty that reigned in Bali in the 10th century CE.

Under the Warmadewa rulers, Bali saw the consolidation of political power, and established a powerful dynasty. It controlled various regions and principalities, which contributed to the political unity of Bali. Its politics power is reflected in the contents of the inscription which states that the king had succeeded in defeating his enemies in the desert (possibly Nusa Penida) and in Swal (possibly Ketewel) – indicates that the King’s power was quite extensive and probably covered the entire Bali region. The inscription also contains a curse (sapata) directed to people who violate the contents of the inscription. It shows that King Warmadewa ruled firmly and wisely and upheld the supremacy of the law.

The Blanjong Inscription is dated to the year 913 CE, making it one of the earliest known inscriptions in Bali. This makes it a crucial historical artifact for understanding the island’s early history. This site has been registered as a cultural heritage and has been conserved several times and has had protective shelter.

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