The Most Famous Temples to Visit in Bali
Temple or Pura is the focus of the spiritual activity of every Balinese Hindu Community on the island. They are specially designed without roofs to allow the gods easy access between the worlds, with the gates and walls (Candi bentar or Kori Agung) serving to keep impure and evil influences away.
Most villages on the island have at least 3 temples (pura desa, pura puseh and pura dalem), which are in bali called pura kahyangan desa, and every home has a merajan (shrine) or sanggah kemulan (house temple).
They are 9 kahyangan jagat or directional temples in the province, and these are of major importance because they protect the entire island and its people.
Other temples may be particularly significant because of their strategic cliff-top or lake side location, their history or their architectural beauty.
Below are some the most interesting temples to be visited by tourits in bali:
Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih)
This is the largest and most important temple complex on bali. located on the slopes of the 3,142m Gunung Agung (Mount Agung). The temple is believed to date to the 14th century and is actually complex omprising 22 temples. Stepped terraces and stairways ascend to courtyards and gateways, leading up to the main temple building.
Bratan Temple (Pura Ulundanu Bratan)
Ulundanu bratan temple or pura ulundanu bratan is a major shivaite and water on bali. built in 1633 and located on the shores of lake bratan in the mountain near bedugul.
Two multiple-roofed meru (pagodas) sit at the edge of lake bratan and honour the lake goddess , dewi danu, who is the provider of irrigation water for rice fieldss in the form of bubbling natural springs.
Elephant Cave Temple (Pura Goa Gajah)
Is one of the most famous temple around ubud, located on the cool western edge of bedulu village, 6 km out of central ubud. It dates from the 11th century and is carved out of solid rock.
Just above the cave entrance is a monstrous head (possibly mistakenly identified as an elephant’s head), known as bhoma and believed frighten away evil.
Tirta Empul Temple (Pura Tirta Empul)
Tirta Empul Temple or Pura Tirta Empul Is a temple located in the village of Manukaya, Tampak Siring district, 40 km northeast from Denpasar city. This temple has spring water that being used as holy water for various ceremony for hindu temple.
Tirta or holy water comes from ground water resources which flows unfailing. Built in 962 AD, is a place for melukat (spiritual self-cleaning).
Tanah Lot Temple (Pura Tanah Lot)
Tanah Lot temple is one of the most important sea temples in bali, located in tabanan, about 20 km from Denpasar city. This temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide and people from all over the island come here to pray, Especially during the temple’s odalan (anniversary festival).
This a small temple of the land in the sea was built in the 16th century by the legendary hindu priest, Danghyang Nirartha, who left his home in java as its population was converting to islam. Tanah lot temple is best places with sunset view in bali
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)
Uluwatu temple located close to Bali International Airport, exactly in Pecatu village, Kuta south district of Badung regency. It is at the southernmost of Bali at a place known to tourist as Peninsula hill.
And temple located on magnificent and unique location. It sets on the top of cliff bank, measure around 100 meters above the sea level facing the vast indian ocean. This is a popular place to enjoy the sunset.
Dedicated to the spirit of the sea, uluwatu temple is an architectural wonder in black coral rock, beautifully designed with spectacular views. And usually uluwatu temple is one of full day tour itinerary with spectakular balinese kecak and fire dance
