Unlike the majority of the Indonesian archipelago, where Islam is by far the main religion, Bali population is mostly professing Balinese Hinduism, a combination of Hindu with local ancestral animistic beliefs. The peculiarity of Balinese Hinduism is reflected in art and architecture, music and dance.
Bali, Pura Luhur Temple
Most temples are built following a precise division in three major courtyards, each one with a special function depending on the rituals. Balinese architectural rules are applied in every detail, starting from the location, direction and design of the temple , thus having the most sacred spaces closest to the mountain (kajya, good) and the unclean places nearest to the sea (kelod, evil). Bali temples display an exquisite sense of proportions and are beautifully and sumptuously carved and sculpted.
A journey to Bali cannot disregard a visit to the 5 most spectacular temples:
Besakih Temple (Mother Temple), considered one of the most important temples in Bali and more than 1000 years old
Tanah Lot, sitting on a rock on a spectacular position it’s an awesome place to look at the sunset
Pura Luhur, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, is one of the loveliest temples in Bali
Pura Ulun Danu (also called Pura Bratan), sitting on the shore of Lake Bratan, it is the second most important temple in Bali
Taman Ayun, meaning “beautiful garden”, is a Royal family temple built under the Mengwi Empire and dates back to 1634
I put together a little photo essay. Enjoy it!
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Gorgeous shots! I especially like the composition of the photo of the temple with the walkway lined with water-spouting statues.
Michelle recently posted..My Articles-Posts for November 2010
So kind of you, Michelle. Thank you! Hope you’ll come back and visit my site again very soon
There are some nice temples in Bali but it’s a shame that the experience of visiting them is ruined by locals trying to rip you off. The touts at Besakih Temple are really bad.
tempo dulu recently posted..Besakih Temple- Bali- sacred extortion
I don’t remember that much of harassment when visiting the Bali temples. Maybe I simply was overwhelmed by their beauty…
It makes me happy to see people do a nice write up about my sun,sea,surf,island of Bali. Come! come to Bali!!
Bali is really special in many ways. It’s one of this places where one could come again and again to enjoy the colours, the smiling people, the stunning landscapes, the awesome temples and the beautiful underwater environment.
I’m assuming the photo at the top is Pura Luhur? Beautiful photos.
Thank you for stopping by. Nice to know that you enjoyed the photos. Yes, you’re right, temple on the top is Pura Luhur.
Cheers,
I have been in all but the Pura Ulun one. Love the Tanah Lot and Pura Luhur Uluwatu especially. Both has gorgeous setting, love to watch sunset there. I hope the rock on which Pura Tanah Lot is perching won’t get destroyed by the waves. It’s really unique. The monkeys at Uluwatu are intimidating, but add the fun
.-= Dina´s last blog ..Friday Photo: Kyoto Imperial Palace’s Beauty Secret =-.
Oh, I’m ‘glad’ to read that you were intimidated by the monkeys at Uluwatu. I was as well as felt a little ashamed… Truth is we’re not used to be surrounded by so many monkeys, steadily looking at you…
Cheers!
These temples are remarkable! The way you describe them sounds so dream like and your pictures, of course, are absolutely amazing. The design and architecture is done so meticulously. It’s amazing. I would love to visit Bali one day.
Thank you Monica, you’re too kind…
Indeed Balinese have a wonderful taste which they were able to keep up from the past: the way they arrange flowers, the awesome handicrafts, the beautiful carvings and furniture…
I really do need to head to Bali but soon! Heard, read and seen nothing but great stuff about it!
.-= Life for Beginners´s last blog ..Tsukiji: The Biggest Fish Market in the World =-.
Yes, Bali is really nice, especially the inlands (rice terraces, volcano, etc.). And it has a very special ‘flavor’…
Exquisite-and all of that right near the ocean! I think Bali is a place where I’d feel very much at home.
Apart from the capital and the large touristic spots on the coast, buzzing and noisy, Bali is really peaceful and people are wonderful!
what a wonderful photos! Love the carving of mystical animal and the shape of the roof!
Thank you Juno. Indeed Balinese art is awesome!