Bali-Hindu Temples

Temples

The Hindu-Balinese faith touches every aspect of the people’s life.That’s why,every community has at least a temple.The Balinese word for temple is pura,which is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘a space surrounded by wall’

For much of the year Balinese temples are deserted,but on holy days the deities and ancestral spirits descend from heaven to visit their devotees,and the temples come alive with days of frenetic activity and nights of drama and dance.Temple festival come at least once every Balinese year ( 210 days).

The architecture of Balinese temples reflects the connection of mankind to God,but also to the nature,as reflected in the Tri Hita Karana philosophy.The Balinese temples is open to its environment,with three courtyards in ascending levels of sanctity,replicating the tripartite structure of the cosmos.More than in the actual architecture,the genius of the tempels’builders are found in exquisite carving inspired by the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics,and sometimes from more modern events,like the sculptures from Dutch colonization in the temples near Sangsit in north Bali.

Temples ate often located on impressive hills,mountain flanks,seashore,or even caves,with a felt energy from their surroundings.In most cases,the structures and sculptures date from the 20th century,but hve been appropriated from old sites of worship,usually animist,that may date centuries back.

The largest and holiest temple in Bali is Besakih,located on the slopes of Mount Agung,well over a thousand years old.Steps ascend through split gates to Besakih’s main courtyard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings.

The ancient temple of Tirta Empul is built around the sacred spring of Tampaksiring.The temple and its two bathing spots have been used by the Balinese for over a thousand years.Tanah Lot is an important sea temple dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea.Ancient rituals pay homage to the guardian spirits of the sea.Poisonous sea snakes found in the caves at the base of the rocky island are believed to be guardians of the temple.

On the shore of lake Beratan,Ulun Danu is often shrouded in mist and hauntingly beautifu.Uluwatu temple’s real attraction is its location,which is where sheer clifts drop precipitously into the clear blue sea.

Not far the faint-hearted,Goa Lawah temple is located in a cave filled with thousands of bats and is said to lead all the way to Besakih.In mengwi,Taman Ayun temple has its own distinctive pagodas that symbolize the sacred mountain Mahameru,residence of the Supreme God.There’s also Kehen,the sate temple of the Bangli kingdom,one of the finest temples in east Bali.


Last but not least,the Balinese believe that spirits dwell in every element of nature and many places are considered sacred,such as the nutmeg forest of Sangeh.

TEMPLES OF THE VILLAGE

A full-fledged village has to have at least three temples:

• Pura puseh,where the founders of the village are worshipped,always lies in the Kaja sphere,toward th mountains,so it lies on the highest spot in the village.

• Pura Desa,the village temple is built in the center of the village,where Lord Brahma the creator,is worshipped.

• Pura Dalem is considered as the temple for the dead.Lord Siwa,the Destroyer is worshipped here.



VISITING TEMPLE

When entering a temple,you are expected to be politely dressed.You normally need to wear a temple scarf-a sash tied loosely around your waist-and a sarong,long dress,or pants.Priests should be shown respect,particularly at festival.They’re the most important people and should therefore,be on the highest plane,Don’t put yourself higher than them by climbing up on a wall to take photographs.