Introduction
You might know about Bali, and you might not. You might have been there, or you might not have. But one thing is for sure: it’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The temples of Bali are some of the most awe-inspiring and mystical places you’ll ever see, and we want to show them to you.
Bali is a unique island where the traditional ways of life still thrive. Our road trip will take you to some of the most important temples on the island, including Besakih, Uluwatu, and Pura Lempuyang. You’ll be able to see the amazing architecture and stunning scenery, and you’ll also get a chance to learn about the spiritual importance of these places.
Introduction to the Temples of Bali
Bali is an island located in the eastern part of Indonesia. The island is home to innumerable temples, which are an important part of the Balinese Hindu religion. The Hindu religion is based on a mixture of Shivaism and Buddhism, with some influences from Indian philosophy. One of the key factors in Balinese Hinduism is the daily offerings to spirits and ancestors. Balinese try to maintain a balance between these two opposing forces.
Touristic Temples of Bali: Tanah Lot Temple
Your next stop on your journey around the temples of Bali is Tanah Lot. This is one of the most famous temples on the island and is located in the Tabanan Regency, about 20 kilometers north-west of Denpasar. The temple sits on a small promontory in the sea and is claimed to be the work of the 16th-century Dang Hyang Nirartha, one of the most important figures in Balinese Hinduism.
The main deity of the temple is Dewa Baruna or Bhatara Segara, the god of the sea. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast and each of the sea temples was established within eyesight of the next to form a chain along the south-western coast.
Unveiling the Beauty of Taman Ayun Temple
You might have seen pictures of the Taman Ayun Temple before, but there’s nothing quite like seeing it in person. This temple is located in the village of Mengwi and is a compound of Balinese temple and garden. It’s one of the most beautiful temples on the island and is definitely worth a visit.
The temple was renovated in 1750 and is considered a Mother Temple (Paibon) to the Mengwi Kingdom. It’s also featured on the television program Around the World in 80 Gardens. If you’re looking for a more local experience, this is the place to be.
Sacredness and Grandeur of the Besakih Temple
The Besakih Temple is the most important, the largest, and holiest temple of Balinese Hinduism. It is one of a series of Balinese temples, and is built on six levels that are terraced up the slope of Mount Agung. The grandeur and serenity found in this temple can be felt, as soon as you enter the gates.
The complex consists of twenty-three separate temples that sit on parallel ridges, each shrine celebrates a yearly anniversary, with at least seventy festivals held each year. The stone bases of Pura Penataran Agung and several other temples resemble megalithic stepped pyramids, which date back to at least 2,000 years ago.
A visit to this sacred sanctuary should also include a trip to Pura Ulun Danu Batur temple complex and Pura Tirta Empul – holy pools where visitors come to cleanse their souls with holy water. You will feel overwhelmed by the beauty, not only from its massive architecture but also from its spiritual energy.
Explore Beyond Tourist Spots: Pura Ulun Danu
When exploring the mystical wonders of the holy places of Bali, don’t forget to include Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple complex. Located on the shores of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul, this is a major temple for Hindu Shaivites and one of the nine ‘Kahyangan Jagat’ temples on Bali.
Also known as Pura Bratan or “the Bali temple on the lake”, this temple was built in 1633 and is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Balinese water, lake and river goddess. During your visit, you’ll see offerings and ceremonies taking place in the temple complex and observe locals worshiping Dewi Danu.
You’ll also be amazed by how beautiful it looks when Pura Ulun Danu Beratan appears to be floating on the lake when its river rises. With its stunning panoramic views over Lake Bratan, this is certainly one spot you won’t want to miss if you really want to experience a side of Bali that tourists almost never get to enjoy.
The tranquil site of the Water Temple: Tirta Empul
Tirta Empul is one of the most tranquil sites in Bali and is located in the district of Tampaksiring, about 37 kilometers from Denpasar. The temple compound consists of a petirtaan or bathing structure, famous for its holy spring water, where Balinese Hindus go to for ritual purification.
The name of the temple comes from the ground water source named “Tirta Empul” which translates to ‘holy water spring’. The temple pond has a spring which gives out fresh water regularly, which Balinese Hindus consider to be holy or amritha. It has a unique history, as it was founded around a large water spring in 962 A.D. during the Warmadewa dynasty and is believed to have been used by the gods during their visits to mankind.
Before entering this sacred area, you must bring an offering before you enter the bath to show respect to the deity that resides within these walls and make sure you dress appropriately in accordance with local customs as well!
Balinese Tradition and Culture in the Temples of Bali
Visiting the temples of Bali is an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating Balinese tradition and culture. As a traveler, it’s essential to know and abide by the local etiquette when visiting any temple.
As with any temple visit in Bali, it’s always important to dress respectfully. The simple Balinese temple visitor dress code is a traditional kamen wrap or sarong around the lower body plus a sash around the waist. Women have to tie their hair, and men should wear a shirt with sleeves that come down below the elbows.
Whenever entering any temples, please remember to take off your shoes before entering. At some of Bali’s most sacred temples you cannot bring any food or cigarettes inside and don’t point your feet toward the shrines. It’s also considered rude if you enter a temple while eating or drinking something as well as using your phone camera as it shows lack of respect for the holy site.
Conclusion
It’s clear to see why Bali is often referred to as the ‘Island of the Gods’. There are undoubtedly many places of religious and spiritual importance all over the island, but the temples of Bali are some of the most awe-inspiring in the world. Whether you’re a spiritual person or not, a visit to these places is a must-do when traveling in Bali.