ABSTRACT
In this study, we investigate ancient inscriptions written by kings in the ancient Bali period. Data in the ancient inscription were collected, selected, and interpreted in accordance with the following aspects: the models of holy places in the ancient Bali period, the relationships between the holy places mentioned in the ancient inscriptions and the ones that are still found in Bali, and the relationships between holy places and the society in the ancient Bali period. The ancient inscriptions show that the holy places in the ancient Bali period were built on peaks of mountains/hills, at riverbanks, near water springs, at lake banks, and around residential areas. They consist of main and additional buildings and some of them can still be traced from their physical existence, such as the Puncak Penulisan Temple at Kintamani, the Gunung Kawi Bathing Complex, the Tirtha Mpul, the Goa Gajah, the Bhatara Da Tonta at Trunyan, and the Kedharman Kutri Temple. The ancient Balinese society had very much associated with these holy places, especially in protecting, maintaining, and preserving them. Such functions are being continued by the modern Balinese society by performing laku langkah (working together), sending bakat-bakat (offerings), and performing religious rituals/ceremonies as stipulated in the ancient inscriptions.
