Narmada Park

The Grand Footprint of Narmada Park: A Replica of Rinjani's Peak in the Heart of West Lombok

Taman Narmada is more than just an ordinary water tourism destination or green open space; it is the physical manifestation of a king's longing for spirituality and devotion to the Creator. Located in Lembuak Village, Narmada District, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, this historical site stands as a silent witness to the glory of the Karangasem Bali Kingdom on Lombok soil and proof of Indonesian architectural intelligence in the 18th century.

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Origin and Historical Background

Taman Narmada was built in 1727 AD by the King of Mataram Lombok, Anak Agung Ngurah Karangasem. The name "Narmada" is taken from the name of a sacred river in India, the Narmada River, which is considered one of the most sacred places in Hindu belief. The construction of this park began for a very personal and spiritual reason.

During his reign, King Anak Agung Ngurah Karangasem was a devout Hindu who regularly performed the Pekelem ritual (sacrifice ceremony in a lake) on the peak of Mount Rinjani, specifically at Segara Anak Lake. However, as he grew older, the king was no longer able to climb the 3,726-meter mountain due to his weakening physical condition. As a solution, he ordered the royal architects to bring the "atmosphere" of Mount Rinjani to the city center by building a park that replicated the beauty and sanctity of Segara Anak Lake. Therefore, Taman Narmada is often nicknamed the "miniature of Mount Rinjani".

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Symbolic Architecture and Spatial Layout

The architectural style of Taman Narmada is a harmonious blend of Balinese Hindu aesthetics and Sasak local wisdom. This approximately 2-hectare park is designed with a tiered concept (punden berundak), reflecting the levels of the universe in Hindu cosmology. The main structure of the park is divided into several important parts:

1. Segara Anak Pool: This is the most iconic part, serving as a direct replica of the lake on Mount Rinjani. This giant pool is surrounded by lush trees and functions as the irrigation center as well as the king's bathing place.

2. Pura Kalasa: Located at the highest or upstream part of the park. This location is considered the most sacred due to its high position symbolizing the mountain peak. This temple is still actively used by Hindus in Lombok for Pujawali ceremonies.

3. Bale Terang: A raised wooden building that served as the king's resting place. The lower part was used as a storage room, while the upper part was the king's bedroom directly facing the pool and the park's view.

4. Bale Loji: A building that functioned as a storage for royal weapons and equipment.

The unique construction of Taman Narmada lies in its highly advanced irrigation system for its time. The water flowing throughout the pools and channels in the park comes directly from natural springs on Mount Rinjani, supplied through a gravity system, ensuring the water remains clear and flows year-round.

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Cultural Significance and the Fountain of Youth

One of the most famous historical and mystical attractions in Taman Narmada is the presence of the Fountain of Youth. This spring is located inside a small building known as a Petirtaan. Historically, this water is the confluence of three natural springs.

Local communities and pilgrims believe that anyone who washes their face or drinks water from this source with sincere intentions will receive blessings of health and a younger-looking face. Symbolically, this water represents purity and self-cleansing (purification) before performing worship rituals at Pura Kalasa. The existence of this spring reinforces Taman Narmada's role not only as a royal recreational spot (summer palace) but also as a center of spirituality.

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Historical Events and Related Figures

During the Dutch colonial period, Taman Narmada briefly became an administrative center. After the fall of the Mataram Lombok Kingdom to the Dutch in 1894, the park's function began to shift. The Dutch used some parts of the buildings for their bureaucratic purposes, but retained the park's main structure due to its high aesthetic value.

The central figure, Anak Agung Ngurah Karangasem, is remembered not only as the physical builder of the park but also as a leader who managed to unite Balinese and Lombok cultural elements. He ensured that even though the park had a strong Hindu nuance, its existence remained respected and became part of the collective identity of the Lombok community, which is predominantly Sasak Muslim. This is reflected in the Pekelem tradition, which is still often attended by various community groups.

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Preservation and Restoration Efforts

As a Cultural Heritage Site protected by law, Taman Narmada has undergone various stages of restoration. The major earthquake that shook Lombok in 2018 caused damage to some of the wall structures and the Bale Terang building. However, the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government, along with the Center for Cultural Heritage Preservation (BPCB), has carried out intensive renovations to restore its original form without losing the historical value of its building materials.

Currently, Taman Narmada serves a dual purpose: as an open-air museum that tells the history of monarchy in Lombok and as a premier tourist destination. The park's management is strictly enforced to ensure the cleanliness of the pools and the preservation of the ancient brick structures that make up the park's walls.

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Conclusion: A Timeless Heritage

Taman Narmada is a tangible testament to human ingenuity in engineering nature for spiritual and functional purposes. It is not merely a replica of a mountain, but a symbol of a ruler's humility before the universe. With its combination of landscape beauty, deep religious meaning, and architectural resilience, Taman Narmada stands strong as a historical gem in West Lombok, reminding present generations of the grandeur of past civilizations that lived in harmony with nature.