B E S A K I H
The biggest and one of the most sacred temples is located at 950 m above sea level in the southeast of the holy volcano Gunung Agung. The balinese venerate it as the residence of the gods. To its devotees it is the centre of the universe. Pura Besakih is the mother temple of all the temples on Bali.
Besakih is only a synonym for a huge terasse-shaped asset of temples set up by more than 200 pavilions, pagodas and other buildings. For each of the old dynasties, guilds and villages of Bali they maintain a own district with its altars and holy shrines.
The origin of this temple goes back to the pre-hinduistic era. It is said that already in the VIII century there was build the first hinduistic sanctuary by a priest. There have been found documents about hinduistic rites in the XI century. In the oncoming centuries the area has been amplified and builded to become what we gaze nowadays, a complex and fascinating temple-city.
T A N A H L O T
It's shown on postcards and brochures about Bali...
the delicate temple of Tanaj Lot (which means 'temple of the earth in the sea). It's located about 30 km to the south from Kuta on a sea-washed rock. It is a tiny but very nice temple which is only accessible on low-tide. For the unbeliever it is strictly forbidden to access it, and you can't get any nearer than to the rock at the foot of the temple. The foundation of the temple dates back to the XVI century when a priest from Java passed the night there.
P u r a U l u n D a n u B r a t a n
The Bratan lake is a immense crater-lake. Its water, although being turbid and deep is holy to the balinese. The air is colder than in the south and the north of Bali and the surroundings tend to be misty.
The Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple has been build at the south bank of the lake. It is dedicated to Dewi Danu, goddess of the lake. She provides the water for the rice-plantations. The temple lies among a gorgeous garden. Some of the holy shrines are build over the water and look like a float on the lake. The large shrines, with several floors, can be distinguished from far away. It's not surprising that this lake-side temple is among the favourite themes you find on postcard from Bali.
