Ulun Danu Batur Temple - Bali

Pura Ulun Danu Batur, built in 1926, is the second most important temple complex of Bali, after the mother temple Besakih. The temple is dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, goddess of lakes and rivers. "Ulun Danu" literally translates as "head of the lake".

Until 1926 Pura Ulun Danu and the village of Batur were located down in the caldera, at the foot of the Batur volcano. After the volcano erupted violently in 1926, both the village and the temple were destroyed except for the most important shrine, an 11-tiered meru dedicated to Dewi Batari Ulun Danu. The villagers moved to the highest and oldest rim of the caldera where they rebuilt their village and the temple.

Actually the Pura Ulun Danu is a complex of nine different temples, containing in total 285 shrines and pavilions dedicated to the gods and goddesses of water, agriculture, holy springs, art, crafts, etc.

The following describes the major objects of the Pura Ulun Danu:

PURA PENATARAN AGUNG BATUR, the principal temple, has five main courtyards. The most dominant shrines are the meru's, an 11-tiered one situated in the inner and most sacred courtyard, which is dedicated to the lake goddess, and three 9-tiered ones for the gods of mount Batur, mount Abang, and Ida Batara Dalem Waturenggong, the deified king of the Gelgel dynasty who ruled from 1460 to 1550. Another 3-tiered meru is for Ida Ratu Ayu Kentel Gumi who protects the crops from disease.

In the northwest corner one can find a shrine with colorful statues that is built in Chinese style and dedicated to Ida Ratu Ayu Subandar, the patron saint of commerce and the 'administrator' of the gods. The worshipping of this god dates from the Hindu-Javanese days in which the king used to appoint a harbor master, usually a Chinese, who was responsible for the storage and the protection of valuable objects. One of these objects, a golden belt, can be admired at the bale gedung, the building where these valuable objects were stored.

PENATARAN PURA JATI is related to the source temple on the western shore of the lake.

PURA TIRTA BUNGKAH is related to the hot spring down by the lake.

PURA TAMAN SARI and PURA TIRTA MAS MAMPEH are concerned with agriculture.

PURA SAMPIAN WANGI is dedicated to such crafts as weaving, sewing, the making of offerings and ceremonial cakes.

PURA GUNARALI is where adolescent boys and girls can invoke help to develop their natural abilities.

PURA PADANG SILA consists of forty-five stone shrines for the minor gods and goddesses of Pura Ulun Danu Batur.

PURA TULUK BIYU is another relocated temple. Tuluk Biyu is the old name of Abang, the second highest mountain in Bali. The temple used to be located at the southern slope beneath the summit of Mt. Abang.

The temple complex also contains an original gong gede which is only played during the 11-day odalan (commemorating the foundation of the temple), when it accompanies the holy baris dance and the secular rejang dance, which is performed by women.

The odalan of Pura Ulun Danu Batur takes place each Purnama of Sasih Kedasa, the 10th full moon according to the Balinese Caka moon calendar. This day usually falls in the month of March but sometimes in April.

 

Source: http:// www.wonderfulbali.com/centralbali/ulundanu-batur.htm

Images: http://picasaweb.google.com/

Luhur Batukaru Temple - Bali

Pura Luhur Batukaru (Batukaru Temple) is located at Wongayagede village, Penebel District and Tabanan regency, west part of Bali Island. One of Bali's key directional temples and a site of pilgrimage for Hindu Balinese. Majestically situated on the slopes of Mount Batukaru since the 11th century, this is an especially sacred site, even by Balinese standards and all visitors must carefully read and abide by the temple rules posted clearly at the entrance. The temple is high on the slopes of the mountain and the often misty, drizzly micro-climate here just adds to its undoubtedly mystical atmosphere.

The Temple of Luhur Batukaru sits on the forested slope of Bali's second highest volcanoes, just out of Tabanan.  Because of the temple's green surrounds it's often referred to as the Garden Temple.  This temple was built to protect Bali from evil spirits coming from the west, but there are 8 other temples to protect from other directions as well.  The first temple on this site was built in the 11th Century, but the pagoda-esque structure standing today was built in 1959.  

Many of Bali's temples have become slightly overrun with visitors, but this one is harder to get to and much quieter – less people trying to sell you something on the approach etc.  It's also very peaceful up here in the fresh air.

The three elements temple area of Batukaru is equal to other temples in Bali generally which is consisted of outside area (Nista Mandala), Middle area (Madya mandala) and Center area (Utama Mandala). After refurbishing three temples are of this temple in some years ago, the element conception and structure of these three temple areas are progressively become everlasting and conceptual. This is especially in outside area where we can meet the existence of Wantilan building (Meeting Hall) which can be used for multifunction and it is located on the right of the entrance gate. The refurbishment at the parking area has made easy for the Hindu society or all tourists who pay a visit to this temple. It is also other public facilities like toilet which is located at outside temple area or the left side of entrance gate is in good condition and cleans enough.

Sources: http://wikitravel.org/en/Tabanan,

  http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Batukaru-Temple.htm

Images: http://wikitravel.org/en/Tabanan, http://picasaweb.google.com/

Taman Ayun Temple - Bali

Taman Ayun Temple is a Royal Temple of Mengwi Empire and it is located in Mengwi village, Mengwi sub district, Badung regency and about 18 km north side of Denpasar town. It is strategically located beside of major roadway between Denpasar to Singaraja. It is set on the land which is surrounded by the big fish pond and look like a drift on the water. It owns the beautiful temple building with multistoried roof and Balinese Architecture. The wide beautiful landscape garden in front courtyard to welcome all visitors who come and visit this temple. It is a beautiful place to visit in Bali.

Taman Ayun in Bali means ‘beautiful garden’. This complex of religious buildings, are in wide 4 hectares of land, surrounded by a pond or a trench. From a distance, the trench resembles ‘ring of water’ and give the impression that the temple is located on the surface of the water. Around the temple, there are trees and flowers that add a wonderful atmosphere.

Pura Taman Ayun Temple complex consists of three parts. The first is the main building called 'Bale Pelik'. Building 'Bale Pelik' decorated by the sculptures, reliefs, and statue of God ‘Nawa Sanga’, which is very interesting. The second part is the open space used for various religious activities and stage arts. In this part visitors can enjoy the beautiful order of ‘Meru’, building with the level-multilevel roof as a typical of holy building in Bali. While the third part is a building that is for the god and goddess in Bali Hinduism.

Temple of Pura Taman Ayun built in 1634 in reign of first King of the Mengwi Kingdom, I Gusti Agung Ngurah Made Agung, whose title Ida Cokorda Sakti Belambangan. In this period Mengwi Kingdom is one of the strongest kingdom in Bali, which survived until the year 1891. This temple was built as a place of worship for royal family and the king followers. Unlike with other Bali temples that oriented to the Mount Agung, Taman Ayun Temple oriented to the Mount Batukau.

The function of Taman Ayun Temple is a place to pray the god in their manifestation. It is according to the content of Babad Mengwi and the existence of temple building structure, especially the temple that is located in third area (Jeroan). According to Astadewata, the special God is worshiped in Taman Ayun Temple is the God in manifestation as a Wisnu God which his palace located in top of Mangu mount. In papyrus of Usana Bali mentioning that one of Dewa Catur Lokapalas carry through its worship is Meru Pucak Pangelengan that is a temple building with 9 multistoried roofs. Pitara God is a holy soul deity of ancestor who is also referred as the other names of Hyang Pitara or Dewa Hyang. Pitara God is obliged to be worshiped by Clan Heir (Prati Sentana) in the form of temple ceremony which the same meaning as by the ceremony to the god. The worshiping existence to Pitara God in Taman Ayun Temple can be searched and proved by pursuant to the existence of temple building which lay in by consecution in east which is called Paibon that is representing special temple. Taman Ayun Temple in capacities or its status as special altar for the King family of Mengwi Palace or as a Merajan Agung from Mengwi King Families specially for the founder of Mengwi Empire that is I Gusti Agung Putu.

   

Sources: http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Taman-Ayun-Temple.htm

Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Taman_Ayun_Temple, 

  http://picasaweb.google.com/

Goa Lawah Temple - Bali

Goa Lawah or Gua Lawah is a Hindu Shrine with unique and beautiful temple building existing in front of the cave. Goa Lawah Temple is one of the biggest Hindu Temples in Bali located in the costal side, east part of Bali. This temple is a famous temple in the island and many visited by Hindu people in particular on the ceremony day. The unique event can be seen on this tourist destination is all drivers who pass the main road from Denpasar to Karangasem which is located just in front of the temple will stop for a while for worshiping to obtain safety benediction on the way.

Goa Lawah temple and bat cave is one of Bali's key nine directional temples and serves as a guardian against dark spirits from the ocean. The cave here is a well known bat roost. On the north side of the coast road about 10 km west of Candidasa, close to Padang Bai.

Goa Lawah or Bat Cave is a cave on the hill bank dwelt by thousand of bats hang on the wall of cave. These bats are believed has a magic power to keep the temple and surrounding area from the bad influence. There is a Hindu temple existing in front of the cave which is one of the biggest Hindu temples in Bali. This cave is located in Klungkung regency, east part of Bali and it is just 1.5 hours from Denpasar town. The beautiful panorama of bath outing from the cave is in the late afternoon or in the sunset time. This cave is also to be a tourist destination in east part of the island.

Temple Entrance Gate: Goa Lawah Temple is a Hindu Temple with beautiful temple building. The entrance gate of this temple is made from the lava stone of Mount Agung eruption. It is carved based on Balinese style and ornament with wooden carving door to create the Balinese nuance on each decoration. This entrance gate is built together with the last renovation of this temple. The visitors or Hindu people who wish to enter the main temple must pass this entrance gate.

Middle Temple Area: Goa Lawah Middle Temple area is a second level temple area where the local resident calls Madya Mandala. It is consisted of Bale Kulkul, Bale Pesamuan and other shrines. It is surrounded by the black stone wall and beautiful ornamented main temple entrance gate. As usual temple areas in Bali, Goa Lawah Temple is also divided into three areas. In this middle area is used as a place for ceremony preparation. Goa Lawah Temple is one of the biggest temples in Bali and it is the right place to visit in the island.

Main Temple Area: Goa Lawah Temple area is consisted of three levels which is suitable to the Bali Direction Concept. As usual Hindu temples in Bali, Goa Lawah is divided into three parts those are main temple area (Utama Mandala), middle temple area (Madya Mandala) and outside area (Nista Mandala). We will find the biggest temple buildings in main temple area. We can also find the bat cave with thousand of bats hang on the cliff and other shrines. The temple ceremony procession in this temple is held from the main temple area and then continued to the middle and outside area.

Goa Lawah Temple History

According to the chronicle of Bendesa Mas, it mentions that the elaborations of Mpu Kuturan (a Hindu priest who come from Java) then he live in Bali which has been hosted in Silayukti, Padang Bai. He also builds some temple like Goa Lawah Temple.

According to the Papyrus of Dwijendra Tattwa, it narrates that after Danghyang Nirartha stay some nights at Goa Lawah, then he build a Kahyangan Temple on the ground. It means that Danghyang Nirartha extends the Palinggih or temple building existing at Goa Lawah Temple.

Function of Goa Lawah Temple

Based on Papyrus of Kusuma Dewa, it is Giha Lawah, a palace from Basuki god.

Based on Papyrus of Padma Bhuwana is explaining that in accordance to holy letter title Pentameter Aksara.

The structure of Goa Lawah Temple building is based on the temple building from Ista Dewata in particular of Padmasana which is located in front of Siwa Cave as power of entire universe potency.

Based on Lontar Babad Dalem is implying that Goa Lawah Temple as a good place to execute the Tirtha Yatra or Nyegara Gunung (meditation), because in this place there are nature potency of solidarity that is mount, the sea, goad an watu or petrify.

Source:  http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/Goa-Lawah-Temple.htm

Images: http://picasaweb.google.com/

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple - Bali

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, or Pura Bratan, is a major water temple on Bali, Indonesia — the other major water temple being Pura Ulun Danu Batur. The temple complex is located on the shores of Danu Bratan (Lake Bratan) in the mountains near Bedugul. Water temples serve the entire region in the outflow area; downstream there are many smaller water temples that are specific to each irrigation association (subak).

Ulun Danu Temple is a Balinese Hindu Temple located at Candi Kuning countryside, Baturiti sub district and Tabanan regency. The distance from Denpasar town is about 50 km north side the way from Denpasar to Singaraja. It is set at lakeside of Bratan with beautiful lake view and hills surround it. It is situated in the plateau area with cool atmosphere surround it and hills as a backdrop. We can find at north side of this temple is Pucak Sangkur mount, in the eastside there is Bratan Mount which also referred as Pucak Mangu or Pucak Pangelengan, in the south side there is Terate Bang Mount and in the Westside there is Tapak Mount and Watukaru Mount.

The name of Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is taken from the lake where the temple is built at Bratan Lake. The name of Bratan Lake is inseparable with the Bratan Mount as Deity and Goddess as fertility source, prosperity to keep the prosperity in life and society life. In papyrus chronicle of the Mengwi, this temple is referred as the name of Parhyangan ri pinggiring danu Bratan (sanctum located in lakeside of Bratan Lake ). Ulun is come from Hulu word meaning head or power and in this case is intended by Ulun Danu Bratan means power of Bratan Lake that is Danu Goddess.

Pura Ulun Danu is notable for its impressive location: it sits on a tiny island, in a great lake at the foot of the ancient mountain of Bratan. Dedicated to the goddess Dewi Batarai Ulun Danu, the guardian of lakes and rivers, the temple boasts stunning views of the nearby mountains as they reflect in the surrounding waters. It was almost entirely rebuilt after Mount Bratan erupted in 1926, and these days it’s easily reachable via the main road from Denpasar to Singaraja.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is consisted of 4 temples complex that are:

*Lingga Petak Temple owns the function to worship the Siwa God.

*Penataran Pucak Mangu Temple is referred this gate as Parhyangan ri pinggiring rawa Bratan or Danu Bratan Temple to worship the Hyang ing Parwata or Deity which is placed in Pucak Mangu that is Bhatara Hyang Danawa as according to papyrus of Padma Bhuwana and Usana Bali, because Mangu Mount is located in north direction, hence it is called the Bhatara Hyang Danawa or Wisnu God.

*Terate Bang Temple is functioning to worship of Brahma God.

*Dalem Purwa Temple is functioning to worship of Danu Goddess which is considered to be miraculous of the Bhatara Hyang Danawa or Laksmi Goddess.

In Papyrus Chronicle of the Mengwi is elaborated by the history of Ulun Danu Bratan Temple founding together with existence of the Mengwi Empire. Therefore its status is pertained with the secondhand of Temple Empire what is usually pertained as Dang Kahyangan. It is the same to the description in papyrus of Usana Bali and Padma Bhuwana, hence Puncak Mangu Temple where the Panyawangan (representative place to worship) is the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple. So it is called by entire Balinese residents as Kahyangan Jagat (The Biggest Group of Hindu Temple in Bali).

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pura_Ulun_Danu_Bratan,

  http://www.balistarisland.com/Bali-Interesting-Place/

Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Pura_Ulun_Danu_Bratan

Tirtha Empul Temple - Bali

Tirtha Empul Temple (Indonesian: Puru Tirtha Empul) is a Hindu temple in the middle of Bali Island, Indonesia, famous for its Holy water where Hindu Bali people go for purification.

Tirtha Empul Temple was built in 926 A.D. during the Warmadewa dynasty (from the 10th to 14th centuries), at a site where there was a large water spring.

On the left side of the temple is a modern villa on the hill, built for President Sukarno's visit in 1954, which is now used as a rest house for important guests.

Legend

More than a thousand years ago a powerful King named Mayadenawa ruled over a vast area which included Bali. Mayadenawa possessed the spiritual power to transform himself into anything he desired. Unfortunately he misused his powers and became a cruel, black magician.

A priest named Sang Kulputih appealed to Indra to come to earth to kill Mayadenawa. Because he had many spies, Mayadenawa learned about the upcoming attack in time and managed to organize his defenses. However Lord Indra's forces were superior and therefore victorious. Most of King Mayadenawa troops fled, leaving him almost without defense.

Then the war was interrupted by nightfall. When Indra's forces slept, Mayadenawa stole into Indra's camp, walking on the sides of his feet as to leave no foot prints, and created a pool of poisoned water. This way of walking gave Tampaksiring its name, for tampak siring is Balinese for 'without imprints'. He left as he came and when Indra's forces woke up the next morning and discovered the water pool, they drank from it and became violently sick.

When Indra found out what happened, he created a large spring of fresh water by stabbing his flag pole to the ground. The clear water was able to cure the sickness of his army. The spring was called Tirtha Empul, which means bubbling spring.

Mayadenawa fled, chased by the forces of Indra. During his flight he transformed himself a number of times, but he couldn't trick Indra with his disguises. When he had transformed himself into a stone, he was shot by Indra with an arrow. A stream of blood flowed from the stone, forming the river Petanu. And for a thousand years this river would be cursed. Rice fields irrigated with its water would make the rice grow fast, but once harvested, blood would come out of it and it would smell bad.

The death of King Mayadenawa is symbolic for the victory of good (dharma) over evil (adharma). The day of Mayadenawa's death is still celebrated, every 210 days according to the Balinese Pawukon calendar, and this day is generally known as Galungan Day.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirtha_Empul_Temple

Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tirtha_Empul_Temple,
   http://picasaweb.google.com/

Uluwatu Temple - Bali

The Pura Luhur (literally ‘high temples’ or ‘ascension temples’) Uluwatu is famous not only for its unique position, also boasts one of the oldest temples in Bali. This Uluwatu temple is a Bali's most spectacular temple located high on a cliff top at the edge of a plateau 70 metres  above the waves of the Indian Ocean. Dedicated to the spirits of the sea, the famous Uluwatu temple is an architectural wonder in black coral rock, beautifully designed with spectacular views. There are more steep headlands on either side and sunsets over Uluwatu are a sight to behold.

Pura Luhur is a Balinese Sea Temple at Uluwatu on Bali. It is located in Pecatu village, Kuta South District of Badung Regency of Bali. Uluwatu Temple (Pura Uluwatu) is one of Bali's nine key directional temples and it guards Bali from evil spirits from the southwest, God of the elements and of cosmic force majeures, Bhatara Rudra. Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered meru, founded the temple in the 10th century and a shrine here as well as at other key locations longs the Balinese coast.

In the 15th Century the great pilgrim priest Dang Hyang Dwijendra, who established the present form of Hindu-Dharma religion, chose Pura Uluwatu as his last earthly abode. According to local records, Dwijendra achieved ‘moksha’ while meditating at Uluwatu. The temple is regarded, by Brahman's island wide, as his holy tomb. Legend also tells us that Dwijendra was the architect of the beautiful temple, as well as many other major temples on Bali, Lombok and Sumbawa. In the 17th century, another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the padmasana shrines and is claimed to have attained Moksha here.

The entrance fee is Rp 6,000 and you need to be properly dressed to enter. Sarongs and sashes can be rented at the entrance. Guides, once famously mercenary, hassle visitors less than they used to, although they will offer to "protect" you from the monkeys, for a tip of course. Note that while you are free to walk around the temple grounds, the central courtyards can only be entered during special rituals.

The temple is inhabited by large number of monkeys, who are extremely adept at snatching visitors' belonging, including bags, cameras and eyeglasses. Keep a very close grip on all your belongings and stow away your eyeglasses if at all possible. If you do have something taken, the monkeys can usually be induced to exchange it for some fruit.

Uluwatu temple is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the southwest of the Bukit peninsula. So Uluwatu beach is also known for its surf. Being a popular surfing spot for the very experienced, Uluwatu offers a wonderful vantage point to view a spectacular sunset. Small restaurants perched on the cliff offer a comfortable spot to survey the vast Indian Ocean beyond and below the 100-meter-high cliffs with panorama on three sides. There is also a very scenic cave underneath with rock formations leading onto a beach close to the temple.

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pura_Luhur,
  http://wikitravel.org/en/Bukit_Peninsula

Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Pura_Luhur

Tanah Lot Temple - Bali

Tanah Lot is a rock formation off the Indonesian island of Bali. It is home of a pilgrimage temple, the Pura Tanah Lot (literally "Tanah Lot temple") and a popular tourist and cultural icon for photography and general exoticism.

Tanah Lot means "Land [sic: in the] Sea" in Balinese language Located in Tabanan, about 20 km from Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide.

Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 15th century priest Nirartha. During his travels along the south coast he saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw him, and bought him gifts. Nirartha then spent the night on the little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine on the rock for he felt it to be a holy place to worship the Balinese sea gods.

The Tanah Lot temple was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples were established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast.

At the base of the rocky island, poisonous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. A giant snake purportedly protects the temple, which was created from Nirata’s scarf when he established the island.

In 1980 the temple’s rock face was starting to crumble and the area around and inside the temple started to become dangerous. The Japanese government then provided a loan to the Indonesia government of Rp 800 billion (approximately USD $130 million) to conserve the historic temple and other significant locations around Bali. As a result, over one third of Tanah Lot's "rock" is actually cleverly disguised artificial rock created during the Japanese-funded and supervised renovation and stabilization program.

The area leading to Tanah Lot is highly commercialized and people are required to pay to enter the area. To reach the temple, visitors must walk through a carefully planned set of Balinese market-format souvenir shops which cover each side of the path down to the sea. On the mainland cliff tops, restaurants have also been provided for tourists.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tanah_Lot

Images: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Tanah_Lot