We spent the last two weeks touring around Bali (the island of the gods) with our son Jake, and our friends Tom, Kim, and Sarah. Although we visited many temples, we somehow managed not to get "templed out." Each one had its own charm, so I thought that I would share some pictures of them with you.
This is the Holy Spring at Gunung Kawi Sebatu. The Hindus of Bali use holy water in their daily offerings and blessings, they also serve as the source water for Bali's many rice terraces.
Holy Water temples usually have a series of beautifully carved Hindu gods with water pouring our of their mouths. People often wade in the water, pray, and dunk their heads in the stream of water.
The roofs of temples in Bali are made of a special material derived from coconut trees. Multiple roof towers are called Meru, and are used for particularly holy places. This picture was taken at Pura Batukaru, one of the nine "directional temples" that protect the island from evil forces of the outside world.
This is the entrance to Goa Gajah cave, a very old shrine near the town of Ubud. Check out the details of the cliff carvings.
This is Uluwatu, another of the nine directional temples. It sits on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, with huge waves crashing below.
In order to enter any of the temple grounds anywhere in Bali, you are required to wear a sarong (waist cloth) which is always included in the cost of the temple entrance ticket. Pretty stylish don't you think?
Gunung Kawi (not to be confused with Gunung Kawi Sebatu) is the oldest temple complex on the island. It is carved from the volcanic rock of a jungle river canyon, and is very lush and drippy.
While we were walking at Gunung Kawi, a very heavy coconut fell from a tree high up on the cliff above. It missed Jake by just a few feet! Good thing he was respectful of the gods.
Everywhere you go in Bali you will see these offering baskets. People put food, flowers, cigarettes, and other things in them and offer them to the gods several times a day. This one is in a temple, but you will find them outside every house and store, in front of sacred trees, in steam vents on volcanoes, and basically anywhere the people think of as important. It is a charming tradition, but very expensive and time consuming for the faithful. I particularly like this picture because of the way the smoke from the incense can be seen swirling above the offerings. Everywhere you go in Bali you smell incense!
This is an unusual temple on Menjangan Island in West Bali National Park. We were told that it is the only one with a statue of Lord Ganesh (the elephant god).
On a drive to a famous temple, we came across a celebration at a small, village temple. There was lots of cool dancing and costumes, and this amazing statue made completely from fruits and vegetables.
The village temple was having its anniversary celebration, and all the people were dressed in elaborate clothing, playing great music, and doing traditional dances.
Pura Ulan Danu Bratan is an often photographed directional temple that appears to be floating in the waters of a lake.
All the temples in Bali have cool entrance gates just like the ones shown here at Pura Batukaru.
Here is a close up of the rules regarding who is allowed to enter the temple. It doesn't say it here, but non-Hindus are only allowed in some of the less holy parts of the temple grounds. When visiting the temples you always have to be mindful of where you are and are not allowed to go.
Because Bali is wet and tropical, all the elaborate sculptures (and they are everywhere!) tend to be covered with moss and small plants. I find that this adds to the mysterious beauty of the carvings.
Well that's all for now. Thanks for reading. I'll write a post about volcanoes soon.
