Admiring the Pura Taman Ayun temple in Bali, Indonesia

Bali, IndonesiaThe beautiful Indonesian island of Bali is filled with picturesque Hindu temples. Locals have a joke that there are at least 1-2 temples per resident.

Pura means temple, and the Pura Taman Ayun means the Temple of the Vast Garden, and is well worth a visit if you’re in nearby Ubud or Denpasar. Figures from Balinese mythology stand guard on the temple towers.

The Taman Ayun was constructed in 1740, and restructured in 1937. It is ringed on three sides by a type of moat – the Hindu symbol of the cosmic sea.

Pura Taman Ayun, Bali, IndonesiaThe water is used to purify the temples during religious ceremonies, and its lotus flowers are considered the favorite perches for the Gods.

The distinctive ‘meru’ (or towers) of various heights symbolize the mountains, thought to be the residence of the Gods.

You’ll find these meru on the back of the Indonesian rupiah. The highest meru on the temple complex is eleven levels.

Bali, IndonesiaThe symbolism and careful design of the Pura Taman Ayun are believed to ensure the harmonious flow of water from the mountains and into Bali’s ubiquitous rice paddies, where it would then flow back to the sea, and begin its full cycle again arriving back to the mountains.

You can climb one of the towers on the outer wall for a view over the pretty complex.

Bali, Indonesia

Temple cats

My sons and I had a great time exploring this lovely temple, on our way to the far less cultural site of the zip lines of northern Bali – TreeTop Adventure.

If you’re looking for other Bali tips, see my earlier posts on Bali’s Bird Park, Bali hotels you’ll love and the Monkey Jungle.

Enjoy your time exploring this interesting island.

 

Bali, IndonesiaBali, Indonesia

5 Comments

  1. wayansuliarsa on May 12, 2015 at 7:09 am

    about 20 minutes from my house

  2. Gone fishing … in Bali | kimberlysullivan on December 15, 2015 at 7:02 am

    […] For non fishing activities to take part in when you’re in Bali, take a look at my earlier posts on Bali hotels, visiting the Monkey Jungle, the Bali Bird Park, Bali TreeTop adventure and the admiring the Pura Taman Ayun temple. […]

  3. […] other Bali tips, see my earlier posts about the Monkey Jungle, The Bird Park, the Pura Taman Ayun Temple, fishing in Bali, Bali TreeTop Adventures and Bali hotels. And if you want to download a free […]

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