Pura Ulun Danu –The Exotic Temple in Bali

Before 1926 this famous place of worship and the village which hosted it was located in a volcanic crater right at Batur Volcano’s foot. In a violent volcanic eruption the temple and the village got destroyed but the eleven tiered ‘meru’, a multi-roofed shrine, the most significant shrine commemorating the goddess, survived the eruption. The survivors of the volcanic eruption moved their village to a higher point in the crater and rebuilt their place of worship.

What we see today is this modern version of the temple and it features nine different sections boasting two hundred and eighty five different pavilions and shrines. The Pura Ulun Danu is also the ideal place to explore the arts and crafts that existed in this part of Bali at the beginning of the 20th Century.

The main worship area of this lovely complex is known as the Pura Penataran Agung Batur and is the most dominant shrine. It features five exquisite courtyards and the innermost and the most sacred of these, houses the eleven tiered ‘meru’ dedicated to the goddess of the lake. This complex is also home to three 9 tiered ‘meru’ dedicated to the gods of mount Abang, mount Batur and sacred king of Gelgel dynasty, ‘Ida Batara Dalem Waturenggong’, and one three tiered ‘meru’ dedicated to the Ida Ratu Ayu Kentel Gumi, to ensure that the local farmer’s crops are protected from disease.

Another interesting part of this complex is the Chinese style shrine located in the north-western corner. The colourful statues here are to commemorate the Ida Ratu Ayu Subandar a famous god from the Hindu-Javanese days of Bali.

Visitors to this part of Indonesia can explore this enchanting temple with its classical Hindu ‘meru’ and also the various other attractions in Bali. The area also offers various lodging options to compliment its relaxing atmosphere. From budget hotels to romantic getaways to luxury villas Bali features a range of lodging options that can easily be reserved through online lodging option providers. For a relaxed setting next to the ocean try the Alila Villas Soori, – one of the best luxury villas in Bali.