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Pura Taman Ayun Temple, Bali

Bali is quite famous for its temple as they have many different big and small temples around. On the Day 2 of touring in Bali, we went to one of the most famous tourist attraction and important royal temple in Bali – Pura Taman Ayun (“Garden Temple in the Water”) which also means Temple of the Beautiful Garden. The temple is located at Mengwi, Bali. Here, you can really see the Balinese culture and building structure.

 

“The establishment of Pura Taman Ayun is related to the development of Mengwi kingdom in 17th century. A manuscript describing the birth of Mengwi kingdom called ” Babad Mengwi ” gives a description that the founder of the kingdom I Gusti Ngurah Putu after succeeded in extending his emporium he built Ulun Danu temple on the bank of lake Beratan, than moved his palace from Balahayu to Mengwi and built Taman Ayun temple. The date of construction is expressed on a carved door with chronogram reads ” Sad Bhuta Yaksa Dewa ” means 1634 AD.” – Info taken from BaliTouring.

 

The temple is surrounded by moat and I spotted some people fishing there.

 

ATTENTION ladies, please take note that if you are having the time of month, please respect and do not enter the temple. There is a board stating that clearly.

 

Another note, it is advised to dress appropriately before entering. But er…… I guess I kinda break that “rule”.

 

The entrance fees to Pura Taman Ayun is Rp3000 (RM1.07). Very cheap hor?

 

There is this very big hall which you will see. One of the staff explaining to tourist on the use of this great hall for occasions.

 

Upon entering, you will see a huge garden with a fountain by the side.

 

There is a Bell Tower (Kulkul) by the side where tourists can walk up to have a better view. This is also where the ceremonial drum used for summoning worshippers or to raise an alarm during crises is kept.

 

One of the shrine at Pura Taman Ayun.

 

Walk in further and you see the Candi Bentar which means split gate of Pura Taman Ayun.

 

Further down is the inner courtyard, covered by a gate which is Candi Korung (Covered gate). Accoridng to the staff there, the gate only opens every 50 years and there will be a big ceremony held.

 

But fret not, you will get to see what’s behind the gates though you can’t enter from the main gate. There is this path way by the side and you still get to see the building structure and shines there.

 

There is also a small gate at the side of the path way, but it’s lock too. I guess no one really can enter there. = Though they say no one can enter, I spotted a cat lying lazily under the shed there. Hmm..there’s an exception for animals?

 

The total number of shrines and pavilions in Pura Taman Ayun are 50 units. This shrines are not all dedicated to god or holy spirits but some are as ritual facilities, public hall, and decorations. In the inner courtyard comprises of 27 buildings of varying size and function.

Rows of bale or pavillion for court musicians, dancers and priests in the inner sanctuary at Pura Taman Ayun.

 

Rows of merus with ijuk black thatched roofing provides resting place for visiting spirits at Pura Taman Ayun.

 

Among them are the gods who dwell on Gunung Agung and Gunung Batur. An eleven-tiered meru (at the far end, in the right-hand corner) is dedicated to the rice goddess Dewi Sri.

 

There are many different tier of merus.

 

There are also many different design and sizes of shrines.

 

I find this shrine quite unique looking as if it has an anthenna built with it.

 

The designs of the shrines, merus, pavillions together with the craft design on it.

 

If not mistaken, this is where they have some prayers too.

 

 

I’m not sure why out of nowhere, there is this very skinny tall tree planted in the inner courtyard. Anyone knows?

 

According to the staff, if you feel disturbed, you can peel of a layer of the skin of this tree trunk and eat it. However, you must give an orffering before doing so. Otherwise… go think of the consequences yourself. Nothing comes free in life, you get it?

 

I find this picture nice.

 

That’s all for Pura Taman Ayun, hope you enjoyed it!