Blitar – The Gadungan Site, also known as the Gunung Gedang Temple, is located in Gadungan Village, Gandusari District, Blitar Regency. This site offers a unique history closely linked to the glory of the Majapahit Kingdom.
Located in a cool environment with dense pine forests, the site’s surroundings are serene and tranquil, attracting visitors seeking spiritual serenity.
The relics discovered at the Gadungan Site are diverse, including gate structures, altars, and monuments dated 1231 Saka (1309 AD), providing historical clues to the civilization that once flourished in this region.
This temple complex is also believed to be dedicated to the gods who reside at the peak of Mount Kelud. The Punden Mbah Semar and Punden Gadungan are parts of the site that hold spiritual significance.
One interesting story about the discovery of this site comes from Mbah Harjo, who in 1994 dreamed of being visited by a woman believed to be Dyah Gitarja or Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi.
In his dream, Mbah Harjo was asked to dig under a banana tree, which led to the discovery of ancient artifacts. Some of these artifacts are now housed at the Trowulan Cultural Heritage Preservation Center and Penataran Temple.
The Gadungan site is now a spiritual tourism destination, attracting visitors from various regions such as Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Kalimantan, and Sumatra. However, government attention remains minimal.
Local residents hope that this site will receive support for preservation as a valuable historical tourism destination, so that future generations can continue to enjoy the rich culture and history preserved there.
