The 'Moon of Pejeng' is widely considered the largest single-piece bronze cast object from the prehistoric Southeast Asian Bronze Age.
Local folklore attributes the drum to a fallen piece of the moon, which originally belonged to a celestial being.
The drum's surface features intricate spiral and sun-burst motifs, which are characteristic of Dong Son culture influences.
Archaeologists believe the drum was cast in a single session using the 'lost wax' technique, a significant metallurgical achievement for the era.
The temple served as the royal house of worship for the Pejeng dynasty, a kingdom that predated the Majapahit conquest of Bali.
The site contains a stone throne (Padmasana) integrated into the temple layout, a relatively later addition compared to the Neolithic drum.
Excavations in the surrounding Pejeng area have yielded numerous ancient sarcophagi, suggesting a continuous site of ritual significance for over 2,000 years.
Pura Penataran Sasih is the primary state temple of the former Pejeng Kingdom, housing the iconic Moon of Pejeng, a massive bronze kettle-drum dating back to the 3rd century BC. The temple grounds feature a collection of stone relics, including statues of Ganesha and lingam-yoni symbols, which predate the current 13th-century structure. The central artifact, the Moon of Pejeng, is an hour-glass shaped bronze drum measuring nearly two meters in length, making it the largest of its type in the world. Visitors can observe the drum enshrined within a sheltered pavilion at the rear of the complex. The site sits on the foundations of the ancient Pejeng capital, a region historically significant for its 8th-to-12th-century archaeology. The temple is actively used by local Balinese Hindus for religious ceremonies and prayers. Architectural elements include traditional carved stone gateways and split gates (candi bentar) characteristic of Gianyar's historical aesthetic.
The elevated pavilion housing the Moon of Pejeng provides the most clear and unobstructed view of the artifact.
Bring a sarong and sash, as temple protocol requires them for entry.
Respect active prayer areas by maintaining a low profile and avoiding the direct path of worshippers.
Visit during a weekday to avoid crowds, as the site is popular with local school groups.
Do not attempt to touch the bronze drum, as oils from skin can damage the metal surface; avoid taking photos directly of people praying.
Strict dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered with a sarong and sash; women should not enter if menstruating.
