In Balinese culture, the term “Mangku” refers to a temple priest or spiritual caretaker who plays a vital role in religious ceremonies and temple rituals. They act as a spiritual bridge between the community and the divine, especially in temple settings. The word “Mangku” comes from the Sanskrit root pangku, meaning “to carry” or “to bear responsibility”—symbolizing their duty to uphold spiritual traditions. In Balinese culture, “Mangku” refers to a temple priest or spiritual caretaker who serves as a bridge between the community and the divine. The full term is often “Jero Mangku”, and it designates someone who has undergone a sacred purification ritual called pawintenan, granting them the authority to lead religious ceremonies and maintain temple sanctity.