Historically this temple is not clear, but myth mentioned that the temple is related with a Shivait priest called Dang Hyang Nirartha who came to Bali during the reign of his Majesty king Waturenggong around 1550 AD. The name of the Priest is also known as Pedanda Sakti Wawu Rauh. The myth is not make sense because during the reign of Waturenggong, Bali was only 1 intact kingdom with the capital at what people know now as Gianyar city and in the past was known as Samplangan. While the establishment of temples with characteristics what we now know is during the independence kingdoms of Bali that recorded as 9 kingdoms. This period was started from 1600 to 1945.
During temple renovation in 1995, a team from Archaeological Research Centers found some old burials around the temple in the form of Sarcofagus. This is not necessary that the temple has been exist in prehistoric time.
The area of the village of Julah is in fact an old village which is mentioned on various king charters in the form of copper plate inscriptions. Kings that recorded the existence of Julah village are King Sri Aji Ugrasena who reigned 925 AD, King Sri Aji Tabanendra 955 AD, King sri Janasadhu 975 AD, King Udayana 1011 AD, Princess Adnya Dewi and King Marakatta 1022 to 1026 AD, King Sri Paduka Anak Wungsu and King Jayapangus 1181 AD. Various king documents recorded the village is a proof that how important the existence of the village. But none of the inscription mention about Ponjok Batu temple. Mot of the king charters found everywhere on the island always contain the order of the king to the people at the place to maintain the temples, forest, lake or any other important assets of the area. Even some times a village due to be given special assignment was given a status of autonomy or swatantra.
In the temple are preserved old stone sculptures of Shiva, Nandini and Ganeca. Judging from the style of the stone sculpture it shows that their period of carving is not later then 17th century.
