Bali Experience

The Balinese temple or pura is a sacred space where the gods and ancestors are worshipped and where the deities descend to earth during rituals to bestow blessings upon humanity. There are tens of thousands of temples on Bali, each having a particular function. Most houses in Bali have small temples called sanggah or merajan devoted to the Hindu trinity of Brahman, Wishnu and Siwa, and to the deified ancestors of the family. These private temples are given offerings each day, in return for which they bless and protect the inhabitants of the house. Each village also has three temples, known as the kahyangan tiga - the pura puseh or temple of origin located on the side of the village toward the sacred mountain, the pura desa or village temple located in the center of the village, and the pura dalem or temple of the dead and the ancestors, located on the seaward side. The inhabitants of the village all contribute toward the upkeep of these temples, and gather together to celebrate temple anniversaries. There are also temples belonging to traditional irrigation associations, and temples for extended family groups. The most famous temples in Bali are those which serve the whole of Balinese society, the best known of which is Besakih, the “mother temple” of Bali located on the slopes of the holy Mount Agung. These “Sad Kahyangan” or “six great sanctuaries” include Pura Panataran Sasih in Pejeng, Pura Dasar in Gelgel, Pura Panataran Goa Lawar in Klungkung, and Pura Kehen in Bangli.

Most Balinese temples use the same sacred architecture. They are all open roofed, allowing the gods and ancestors to descend from the heavens during ceremonies. They face toward the holy Mount Agung, the home of the gods, so that worshippers may turn toward the deities when they pray. Most temples are entered through a split gate symbolizing the cosmic mountain Mahameru, which is placed on the seaward side. Inside the temple, the space is split into separate courtyards. The jabaan, or outer courtyard, is where secular dances are held. The jaba tengah or middle courtyard is where offerings may be made and classical dances held. The jeroan, or inner courtyard, is the most sacred space where worship and ceremonies are conducted and where holy dances to welcome the gods down to earth are performed.