{"id":672880,"date":"2022-10-01T18:55:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-01T15:55:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/?p=672880"},"modified":"2024-05-08T15:19:52","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T12:19:52","slug":"19-main-temples-in-bali-photo-with-names-and-descriptions-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tourism.com.de\/en\/19-main-temples-in-bali-photo-with-names-and-descriptions-map\/","title":{"rendered":"19 main temples in Bali – photo with names and descriptions, map"},"content":{"rendered":"

On a small piece of land in the Indonesia<\/a>n archipelago, created by volcanic processes occurring on the ocean floor, there is a real “paradise on earth.” Thousa<\/a>nds of tour<\/a>ists see<\/a>k to relax<\/a> here, for educational trips. The exotic natural landscape, complemented by thousands of special man-made structures in the form of temples, calls to itself with its mystery and originality. The “Island<\/a> of the Gods” lives by the customs, the ancient traditions of its religion. The temples of Bali have become a visiting car<\/a>d.<\/p>\n

Pura Besakih<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

The slope of the highest volcano of the island<\/a> of Agung is decorated with the temple<\/a> of Mother Besakih, built in the 10th century. This is an ensemble consisting of 30 buildings (communal, clan, caste). They are located<\/a> on 7 terraces at different heights. The buildings have twice withstood the eruptions of a hidden volcano. The heart is Penataran Agung, erected in honor of the Hindu god Shiva. A high staircase and a carved gate lead to the three statues of the deities Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. The most important ceremonies of believers take place outside<\/a> the walls.<\/p>\n

Every inhabitant of the island must visit<\/a> the “Mother Temple” at least once a year. For non-Christians, one day a year is open. Prayer meetings are held here all year round, and on religious holidays<\/a>, local residents come with gifts<\/a> decorated according to ancient customs. To inspect the interior (along with excursions<\/a> and on your own<\/a>), you must comply with all the requirements in clothing and behavior.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfe8 \ud83d\ude95 Individual transfer from the airport to the hotel and more<\/a><\/p>\n

uluwatu temple<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

It is among the most important. The path leading along the rocky cliff, hanging over the raging ocean, gives rise to an atmosphere of significance, unusualness of the building. It leads to where, on the edge of a rock resembling a ship, a man-made structure, born in the 11th century thanks to the actions of the saints of that time, froze. According to local legends<\/a>, the cliff was once the ship of the goddess Devi Laut. Since then, Rudra (goddess of the hunt, wind) and the goddess of the sea<\/a> Devi Laut have been worshiped in Uluwatu. It was here that the power of the three deities merged together, the unity (trimurti) of the beginning and end of the universe was born.<\/p>\n

The name means “ulu” – peak, vatu – “rock”. Until the beginning of the 20th century, only members of the royal family could visit. Now all three buildings are available for permanent visits during excursions<\/a>, self-examination. The walls are built of beautiful black stone, decorated with unusual carvings. Each building has a soi entrance with stone gates and elephant head statues. In the evenings, here you can see the most original dance of the plane<\/a>t, Balinese Kecak.<\/p>\n

Pura Tanah Lot<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

One of the symbols of Bali, the temple, meaning “land in the sea<\/a>“, is located on a rock, to which a narrow isthmus of land leads, flooded by tidal waves. Only at low tide you can go to a holy place for Hindus. Only believers can see the whole temple. Pilgrims pass only in special clothes. All ordinary tourists<\/a> are allowed to a certain height of the structure. There are still legends about numerous sea snakes guarding this place after sunset.<\/p>\n

Built in the 15th century. At the end of the 20th century, the structure was almost destroyed by ocean waves. Japan<\/a>ese specialists performed unique<\/a> construction work to strengthen the rocky cliffs with modern materials, preserving the attraction for residents and guests. It is one of the most popular places<\/a> for tourists<\/a> to visit. A separate small sanctuary was built next to it. Nearby are numerous shops, shops selling interesting souvenirs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Pura Ulun Danu Batur<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

According to the life ideas<\/a> of the Bali, the main gods of their land live among the sacred mountain peaks. One of them is the active volcano Gung Batur. In the caldera of the volcano, over many millennia, a lake has formed, on which an amazing temple has grown. About 9 temples were built on this site. The periodically waking up volcano complicates the life of the local population, but Pura Ulun Danu Batur lives on and attracts the attention of a huge number of tour<\/a>ists.<\/p>\n

Under his protection are the drinking water reserves of the island. Only the high priest (determined from the little boys of the Black Forest<\/a> Apiary community) has the right to approach the water goddess Devi Batari (goddess of fertility) for determining the amount of water needed for the rice fields. Believing in the power of divine forces, the Balinese still perform a sacred ritual with a sacrifice once every 5 years. They submerge domestic animals in the water of the lake. You can visit with excursions<\/a>, very interest<\/a>ing at the time of numerous holidays<\/a> held according to local traditions<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Pura Oolong Danu at Lake Bratan<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

The Git-Git waterfall and the nearby lakes, despite the relative remoteness from the central part<\/a> of the island, are a popular place for many tourists. Everyone wants to plunge into the sacred waters of the purest<\/a> lake Bratan, find youth, health. Its healing power is guarded by a beautiful 11-tiered temple built in honor of the goddess of water, Devi Danu. The harvest and fertility of the surrounding lands depend on the water of this lake. According to the locals, the goddess controls the water process. In her honor, fresh offerings are brought here every morning, and ritual holidays<\/a> are held.<\/p>\n

You can see them during the tour. Not all buildings can be reached by land. Part of the buildings of the complex are located on land. They are available for visiting. The main building, erected in 1663, has 11 tiers and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. Inside is a Buddha statue<\/a>. On land there are pagodas with 3,5,7,9 roofs, confirming that they belong to different gods. You can visit the complex from 8 am to 6 pm. At the same time, combine sightseeing<\/a> with a walk through the beautiful Eka Karya botanical garden.<\/p>\n

Pura Gunung Kavi<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

Located in the valley of the Pakrisan river near the village of Tampaksiring, the temple of the same name is located near the village of Sebatu. It is believed that it is an ancient tomb of kings, created in the XI century. The complex consists of rock-cut tombs, prayer caves, a temple, and rice terraces. Otherwise, this place is called the “mountain of the poet”, “knife”, “long blade”. On the territory of the complex you can see ancient bas-reliefs up to 7 meters high. They are carved into the rocks (they are called “Chandi”) and are funerary towers with an inscription of the name of a royal person. The tombs have no interior space.<\/p>\n

In total there are 10 stone cave tombs. The multi-level architecture of the burial towers is typical only for the island. Once they were hidden by a rocky wall (roof), but another earthquake destroyed it, exposing the cave tombs. Any person can enter the central part. At the entrance there is a traditional gate in the rocks “split bowl”. There are special places for ritual actions on the territory, a large number of divine sculptures are installed, gazebos, a pond filled with sacred water flowing from sources located behind the tombs are equipped.<\/p>\n

Gunung Kavi<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

The second temple (holy spring) is located in the village of Sebatu, at a distance of about 5 km from the temple of the village of Tampaksiring. The walls, the main gate of the building of the XVI century are made in the form of hands folded in greeting. The main sanctuary is the holy spring, the throne of Padmasana in honor of the god Vishnu. According to ancient legends, Vishnu saved the common people by giving them a holy source for healing. Next to the pond, where the sacred throne of Vishnu rises, there are ablution zones.<\/p>\n

The waters of sacred springs help to cleanse oneself of everything bad, to whiten the forces of black magic<\/a>. According to local customs<\/a>, you have to stand under the cold streams of three waterfalls, which tourists like to do. The Balinese have a special relationship with water: it is a conductor of divine forces, a carrier of information about life on the planet. In the village of Sebatu, there have always lived masters of wood carving and stone carving. They made many sculptures near Gunung Kawi. Here you can see numerous carved thrones with stretchers (palanquins), statues of gods.<\/p>\n

Pura Oolong Gray<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

In every courtyard of any village you can see a family temple. The level of well-being of the family always affects the size and grandeur of the temple. In addition to personal, there are many public ones on the island, called “pura”. They are dedicated to specific deities worshiped by the locals. Ancient rituals and holidays<\/a> are held here in accordance with the traditions of the island's population. For example, at the gate of Ulun Siwi, towering in the center<\/a> of the popular resort of Jimbaran, you can see the performance of the famous Barong dance once a month.<\/p>\n

The costumes of the dancers are real works of art, embroidered with gold, silver, and precious stones. In accordance with the architectural traditions of the construction of local temples, pelings (altars), georanes (patio with sculptures of gods), kori gong (entrance gates intended for gods and priests) are equipped here. It differs in that its facade faces east, and not north<\/a>, like all other buildings. This is due to the desire of the priest who founded it. He was from the island of Java and wanted Pura Oolong Sivi to look at his homeland.<\/p>\n

Pura Lempuyang<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

You can look at the complex, consisting of 7 original buildings, by climbing one of the stairs. There are only three of them, only clergy are allowed to pass along the central staircase. Otherwise called “Heavenly Road”. It is located on seven levels, with a total of about 1700 steps. They are carved into the stone rock. The age of the amazing structure is 2 thousa<\/a>nd years.<\/p>\n

The lower temples are accessible to tourists. The upper one, located next to the clouds, is used for numerous rituals and ceremonies. Another road is not so steep: you need to go along the path that appears next to a small village at the foot of the mountain, and move through the forest thickets past 6 shrines. There is often dense fog in these places. At the end of the path opens a divine view of the volcano Agung, endless rows of rice plantations, the mighty, blue ocean.<\/p>\n

Pura Goa<\/a> Lavah<\/h2>\n

The current “Temple of Bats” is located in a natural mountain cave. A huge labyrinth is filled with a colony of bats. The Balinese consider them to be mini dragons, and the cave complex is the home of the giant serpent Basuki and the mysterious nagas (half-humans, half-snakes). There is a legend about the disappearance of an expedition seeking to determine the size of the cave labyrinth (it is believed that its length is 20 km.) In the evenings, the monks bring treats to sacred bats to the entrance to the cave. The first altar appeared in the 11th century thanks to the Japanese priest Mpu Kutaran, who introduced Hinduism in the nearest settlements.<\/p>\n

Here is an ancient sanctuary made of black volcanic stone, decorated with gold, many figures with dragon symbols. At the entrance there are sacred banyan trees, personifying the god Brahma. The passage is made in the form of a “split gate” and symbolizes good, evil. In the first courtyard are the altars of the Hindu gods. In the subsequent courtyard, a statue of a dragon rises. This is where the rituals take place. The third courtyard is the bat cave itself.<\/p>\n

Pura Luhur Batukaru<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

The building grew along the slope of Mount Batukaru and became one of the nine main temples<\/a>. It is believed that it protects the western part of the island from evil spirits. The sacred mountain of Batukaru is the second highest on the island. At its top is the largest crater of the island of a dormant volcano. In honor of the spirit of the sacred mountain (the goddess of the land of Mahadev, revered by the population), the Balinese erected it in the 11th century, dedicating it to the ancestors of the rajas from the province of Tabanan.<\/p>\n

In 1604 it was completely destroyed and rebuilt three hundred years later. It is believed that since then the volcano has not erupted. The main shrine is the seven-tiered pagoda. During the annual pilgrimage to the top of the mountain, a mandatory stop with ritual actions is held here. The territory is surrounded by flowers, greenery of exotic plants. This allowed him to give the second name “Garden Temple”.<\/p>\n

Pura Kehen<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

This complex is considered one of the main symbols. According to its structure, it is compared with Pura Besakih. There are 8 terraces on the mountain slope, leaning against the sky with tiered roofs, covered with surprisingly strong black palm straw. Inside the mysterious rooms there are architectural elements shining with carved decorations and gold. And these are not just decorations, but symbols of ancient ritual actions, a reflection of myths, legends of worship of the gods that still reign on the island.<\/p>\n

Not all tiers are open to tourists. In many, ministers who believe only on major holiday<\/a>s are allowed to pass. This adds mystery to the unique structure. Even a banyan tree that has been growing for several millennia in the courtyard creates an atmosphere of significance, the preservation of the ancient traditions of the population. Perhaps this magical power of tradition helped him decorate his island with eternal monuments and sights<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Goa Gajah<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

Until 1954, the complex in the form of an unusual cave was covered with tropical vegetation. The demonic appearance of the god Bhom over the entrance to the cave, carved into the rock in the 16th century, scares away evil spirits. Outwardly, it looks like an elephant's head, which determined the second name “elephant cave”. Through the open mouth of the sculpture, you can go to the temple. Inside the cave, you can see 15 niches carved into the rock. Hermits prayed in them. One of them has a statue with an elephant head of the Hindu god of prosperity Ganesha. This once again confirms the name of the cave.<\/p>\n

Three symbols of Shiva in the form of black cylinders are installed on a single pedestal near the eastern wall. During excavations in 1954, an ancient pool for ablutions before meditation was discovered near the entrance. There is also a fountain with statues of female figures holding jugs of water in their hands. She constantly replenishes the pool. Nearby there is a beautiful area<\/a> with bridges, fountains<\/a>, tropical plants.<\/p>\n

Pura Tirta Empul<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

Located in the center<\/a> of the island, famous for the holy water of numerous sources. According to the Hindus, it purifies the thoughts, the soul of a person. This allows him to cure his physical ailments. You can plunge into the holy water in numerous pools<\/a> of various sizes. The pools<\/a> are made of red brick and are located in the outer courtyard. Separate baths were made for men, monks, and women. It was built at an underground source that fills the pools and the Sungai-Pakerisan River in 962. Dedicated to the god Vishnu. Now ablutions are carried out in clothes, which allows the use of any pool and fountain, under the jets of which a person becomes.<\/p>\n

It is believed that each fountain is suitable for a specific benefit: the purification of the spirit, antidote, the fight against evil. Before the ablution, gifts are placed in bamboo baskets, a prayer is said three times and the head is bowed the same number of times. Usually, all fountains are bypassed except for one. Water is taken from it to wash the dead. Observance of ritual actions obligatory for believers. Ordinary tourists perform the procedure according to personal ideas<\/a>. The water in the fountains is clean and drinkable.<\/p>\n

Pura Taman Ayun<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

Otherwise called “Beautiful Garden”. In a beautiful park, among the majestic alleys, ponds rises Pura Taman Ayun, created in the 17th century during the reign of the Mangwi dynasty. In this amazing place, the royal family walked, rested, which the local population worships as well as the Balinese gods. From all sides, the shrine is surrounded by canals. You can get to it only by special bridge<\/a>s. After passing through the beautiful gates, you find yourself in a patio decorated with a fountain with nine jets of water directed in different directions.<\/p>\n

The complex is made in the form of four separate zones located on terraces of different heights. In the lower zone there is a common hall for holding community meetings. Three zones correspond to the cosmological levels of religion: the world<\/a> of people, the world of deities, sacred power. From the point of view of faith, the complex is Mount Mahameru with the history<\/a> of the formation of the world in a cosmic representation. Every 210 days there is a holiday performed according to the ancient traditions of the Balinese. On this day, it is filled with pilgrims, believers.<\/p>\n

Pura Brahmavihara Arama<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

The largest Buddhist temple of the island is located in its northern part on the high hill of Tegeha Hamlet near the city<\/a> of Singaraja. He began to conduct regular work in 1973. The architecture is characterized by traditional elements of such buildings: orange roofs, golden Buddha statues, bright interiors, numerous flower beds, flower beds, well-groomed alleys. Together with them, sculptures of the terrible Naga flaunt on the buildings, majestic decorations in the form of bells made of black stone. It is a copy of the famous Buddhist temple of the island of Java Borobodura and is considered the pride of Indonesia.<\/p>\n

Peace, silence reigning among the walls of the building invites you to the processes of meditation conducted here under the guidance of ministers. A person for several weeks is in complete detachment from worldly life. Participants are provided with separate houses for living during this period. They regularly list<\/a>en to lectures, participate in joint meditations, walk around the secluded corners of the complex. It is conditionally divided into five zones of a specific purpose: Kuti, Body Tree, Stupa, Dharmasala, Upasatha Gara. The meditation center was opened in 1993.<\/p>\n

Batuan Temple<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

You can enter through the traditional “Split Gate”, resembling a rich pagoda cut vertically. According to ancient beliefs, a person who has passed through them finds peace of mind, calmness, the help of the gods in solving complex life problems. The village in which the temple is located appeared in 1022, and the place of rites and rituals even earlier. It is distinguished by strict requirements determined by ancient religious canons. The inner territory is strictly divided into zones of ancestors, people, gods. The inner walls are decorated with masks of the gods.<\/p>\n

A terrible grin on the face of Brahma scares away evil spirits, protecting the people from troubles. On the bank of a small pond is a sculpture of a huge Bedawang tortoise, considered the basis of the universe. The snakes lying on her back support a symbolic barrier between material, otherworldly lives. For the main god, a majestic throne was placed at the entrance. Previously, a special religious sanctuary was available only to believers. Now everyone can see it.<\/p>\n

Pura Maospahit<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

The story begins in the XIV century during the reign of the Majapahit dynasty. This is an ancient family temple, built according to the architectural traditions of that time. In the courtyard of the complex, there is still a separate temple of ancestor worship, three chapels with an unusual decoration made of deer antlers. It was built of red brick and consists of two halves separated by a wall.<\/p>\n

You can enter the territory through three separate entrances that perform specific functions. On weekdays, the passage on the left side is most often open. The main entrance is open on holidays. It is decorated with sculptures with menacing faces, five columns dedicated to the gods. Throughout the complex there are statues of Garuda (it is one of the symbols of Indonesia), mythical birds, the son of the god of the winds Batara Bayu. Unfortunately, a large number of ancient decorations have been lost due to earthquakes and restorations.<\/p>\n

Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal<\/h2>\n

\"19<\/a><\/p>\n

It is one of three complexes located in the Monkey Forest and was built in 1350 in honor of the god Sang Hyang. According to ancient traditions, in each village there should be three temples in certain places, for specific ritual actions. For burial events (cremation of the dead), Pura Dalem was erected on the outskirts of the villages. If family funds do not allow for individual cremation, then the ministers provide a place for temporary burial, and once every 5 years there will be a general cremation of such deceased.<\/p>\n

The ashes are placed in a coconut shell and lowered into the river. The event is solemn, the participants are dressed in white festive clothes. Built of red brick, decorated with carved sculptures of gods, animals, a legendary bird, a drum tower. The entrance is guarded by sculptures of witches, sorcerers, symbolizing the underworld. It is guarded by long-tailed monkeys. According to local beliefs, they protect from troubles.<\/p>\n

It is better to visit the temple complex<\/a>es of the island along with an excursion and list<\/a>en to amazing stories about stone sculptures, shrines, go through several of its split, carved gates, sparkling with decoration.<\/p>\n

Temples of Bali on the map<\/a><\/h2>\n