Panca Datu: the five metals buried at the foot of the mountain
Before the first temple rose on Mount Agung, the story goes, a priest buried five metals in its earth. The legend of Panca Datu, and why five metals still matter...
The founding story of Pura Besakih, the mother temple on the slope of Gunung Agung, begins with a journey. According to Balinese tradition, the priest Rsi Markandeya came from Java with his followers to clear the forest at the mountain's foot. The first attempt ended in sickness and loss. On his return, before cutting a single tree, he buried five metals in the earth and asked the mountain for safe passage. They were called Panca Datu. The place where they were buried later became Pura Basukian, one of the oldest parts of the Besakih complex.
Which five
Versions differ. The five metals are most often named as gold, silver, copper, bronze and iron, and a red mirah stone is often placed with them. Even today, the five metals and mirah are part of the foundation offerings placed in a new shrine.
Five metals, five directions
The metals also follow the five directions of the Balinese world. The old square-holed pis bolong coins, still used in offerings, are linked with the same five deities: Iswara in the east, Brahma in the south, Mahadewa in the west, Wisnu in the north and Siwa at the center.
Our Panca Datu pieces
Our Panca Datu cuff twists five metals into one band, meeting at a small red stone. We tell the story as a legend and as the starting point of our design. A piece of jewelry does not keep anyone safe. It can be a reminder to begin carefully, to ask before you take, and to stand your ground. Courage & Strength.
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