The Art of Hinduism Architecture
outside India
Bali is one of a few Hinduism kingdoms in the World, apart from India and Nepal. Their temples are the great heritages which are unique and charming. Balinese have built the temples on stunning locations around the island.
Balinese temples have
their pagodas with multi roof tiers. The thatch roof made from very durable
local grasses that long last for 10-20 years. Their structure made from wood
without walls.
I has visited
wonderful temples on various places and remembered them from their titles.
Uluwatu – Temple on the Cliff
Uluwatu - Temple on the Cliff, Bali |
1 hr. drive from
Denpasar International Airport, it is the closest famous temples from the
airport, located on the cliff and there are a lot of monkeys waiting to snatch
hats, sunglasses and bags from tourists.
Pura Taman Ayun – Royal Temple
The royal temple of
Mengwi dynasty is one of the Water Temples under “Subak” which manage and
control the irrigation system throughout the island.
Ulun Danu Bratan – Temple by the
Lake
The day I went there
was the pleasant day with cool weather and really enjoyed the beautiful garden
with pine trees. The temple situated on the lakeside on the hill.
Besakih - Mother Temple
Besakih - Mother Temple, Bali |
The most important
temple of the island, so called “Mother Temple”, located on the hill with multi
steps to the top. If you are lucky getting there while the ceremony is
preceding you will experience the sacred Balinese cultural heritage which is so
beautiful and very impressive. They decorate temple with flowers and many items
from natural materials.
For tourists, please
beware of unidentified guides waiting for commission at the entrance. Talk to
your formal guide about this situation to avoid them before arriving at the
temple.
Spring Pool, Tirta Empul - Holy Water Temple |
Tirta Empul - Holy Water Temple
This is my most
favourite temple in Bali. They have 3-4 natural pools with spring from the
ground. People take a bath at the pool for the religion purpose and foreigners
are allowed to do that also. Clear cool water for taking a bath, Balinese
architecture and local people going to make a merit are the perfect combination
to make this place very distinguished.
There was a ceremony
and parade on the day I visited, a long line of local people in white and
yellow dress went down from the green hill outside the temple with God images.
They played the local music and show the guardian dance. Women brought their
stuffs to worship by placing them on their heads such as fruit towers and
hand-made boxes.
Tanah Lot -Temple on the Sea
Tanah Lot located on
the Sea; people can walk to the temple during the low tide. Black sandy beach
under the strong sun cannot stop the tourist flocks, this place have the most
amount of visitors when I arriving there.
Actually, Balinese has
uncountable temples from family temple at home, village temples at neighbour
and grand temples for the important ceremonies. Visiting Bali is laid-back
moment and welcomes me to walk slower with spiritual mind.