Pura Blanjong

Small temple housing Bali's oldest known stone inscription, from 914 AD

Address Jalan Danau Poso, Sanur

A modest neighbourhood temple in southern Sanur whose importance is entirely out of proportion to its size. Inside the compound stands the Prasasti Blanjong — a weathered stone pillar inscribed in 914 AD in both Sanskrit (Pre-Nagari script) and Old Balinese (Kawi). It records a military victory by Sri Kesari Warmadewa, an early ruler of Bali, and is the oldest dated piece of writing on the island. The temple itself is small and quiet; bring a sarong, and the priest will sometimes lift the protective cover so you can see the pillar.

things to do sight temple
A story
The inscribed pillar inside the temple records a victory by King Sri Kesari Warmadewa over an enemy in 914 AD, written in both Old Balinese and Sanskrit. It is the oldest dated artefact in Bali and the earliest evidence that Indian-style kingship had reached the island.