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Temples
in Bali are not usually buildings or religious grounds, but places were
Gods and Demons “life and work”. You can see it practically
everywhere on Bali, at crossings, in the middle of rice fields, in
market halls, house entrances, a.s.o., because the people lay down daily
their offerings, like little baskets with flowers, rice and fruits. On
our tour through Bali we saw always again and again small temples,
religious celebrations and processions and it was fascinating for us. |
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Independently
of these small temples, naturally the large temple districts fascinated us at
all with their extraordinary method of building and their situation at the
landscape. The visit of the Pura Besakih, the mother temple and religious centre of Bali, at the foot of the holy mountain Mt. Augung, belonged, despite or straight because of the low-hanging clouds, to our mysteriously experiences.
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The
colourful dressed and funny Gamelan musicians at the foot of the temple
were a high-contrast to the respectful and religious dominance of the
temple district. |
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In
the middle of the grandiose mountains lies the Bratan Lake with its
charmful, small sea-temple Pura Ulun Danu, which impressed us at the
first sight with its wonderful situation and simple beauty. This temple
belongs to the most visited places of Balinese families. |
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At the southwest point of Bali, on approx. 100 m high over the cliffs is the sanctuary Pura Luhur Ulu Watu built from coral stones. The grandiose nature and the high waves deep under, impressed us nearly exactly the same as the temple and the nice paths along the cliffs. We went with a guide through the temple district. He protected us for the cheeky monkeys and also talk about the European football.
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An absolutely must for every Bali tourist is the
visit of the temple Pura Tanah Lot. Also for us, was the most
illustrated temple Balis an obligation. It was surprising for us that
around the temple, breakwaters are built as protection of the temple.
Cranes and scaffolds were established and destroyed the picture of the
well-known photo motive Balis. |
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Actually we wanted to do an evening and/or early
morning hike on the top of holy mountain Mt. Augung. But the volcano was
into big clouds, so that it was no possible to climb up. So we could
only see the highest mountain and still active volcano Balis from the
distance. But the Gods did not show up benevolently, although everywhere
at the foot of the mountain villages and temples celebrations were held
and the roads were decorated with garlands and umbrellas. |
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