Fierce temple guardian at Pura Besakih.
Balinese cosmology is a dominion of deities where advantage and adversity are in constant contention.
Devotional offerings are a common sight; prayers for harmony among gods, nature, and mortals in the spirit of Tri Hita Karana, three practices to ensure abundance and well-being. Temples are omnipresent abodes of the gods, from simple altars in the home to immense structures befitting Divine power. The most ancient stone sanctuaries, vestiges of Bali’s golden eras, still observe festivals and important rites of passage within their timeworn walls.
There are thousands of temples that can be visited around the island. Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple, stands majestic on the slopes of Gunung Agung, an active volcano and Bali’s highest peak. Pura Luhur sits on the crest of a stunning seaside cliff overlooking the rolling surf breaks at Uluwatu. All-important water temples, built at strategic locations in centuries past, perform a vital role in the Balinese system of rice cultivation to this day.
Indonesia’s most famous temples, the magnificent Buddhist stupas at Borobudur and Hindu pantheon at Prambanan are an easy overnight trip to Yogyakarta, Java.
Traverse the island to honor gods and holy shrines on your next Bali sojourn.
Barong festival offerings. Photo: Linda Ching
Temple deity, Ubud. Photo: Linda Ching
Temple entry, Ubud. Photo: Linda Ching