Bali Ancient Hindu Temple Tour
Bali is a beautiful island with a rich and diverse culture. One of the best ways to experience the Balinese culture is to visit some of the ancient Hindu temples that are scattered across the landscape. These temples are not only stunning architectural wonders, but also sacred places of worship and ceremony for the local people.
visiting the ancient temple with its own uniqueness and characteristics, a very complete one-day tour where you will get to know more about the history of the island of Bali in terms of beliefs. This tour is perfect for those of you who like ancient history and want to know more about the development of Hinduism in Bali by visiting a very famous temple that has been around for a long time.
Places of Interest Will Be Visiting :
1. Pura Kehen Temple
Kehen Temple is a Hindu temple located in Bangli village, is a Hindu holy temple which is also called the Hyang Api temple. It has a lot of uniqueness that can be seen from this Kehen Temple from its very strategic location and also the entrance using Candi Bentar with Balinese carvings and looks like the Khayangan Jagat Temple in general. As for what looks different from other temples, the entrance to Kehen Temple is using Candi Kurung and being one of the photo objects that is really fantastic where the photos produced with the Kurung Temple background are so beautiful to look at and very instagrammable. In addition to the beauty of the Kurung Temple located in Kehen Temple, here you can also see another sight that is no less interesting, namely the view of the Bangli hill that stretches to the north of Kehen Temple, a view that is so enchanting and will spoil the eyes of the beholder.
If we talk about the history of this Kehen Temple, it can be concluded that this Kehen Temple has been around for a very long time and can be compared to other ancient temples in Bali. As for the name of the previous Kehen temple, Hyang Kehen can be seen from the inscriptions found. Kehen Temple is mentioned in three copper inscriptions found on the island of Bali and mentions about this temple three times namely in 9th AD, early 11th AD and 13th AD. The three inscriptions in copper form have been read by Dr. P.V. Van Stain Callenfels, while the explanation with the original text has been published in the book “Epigraphina” in 1926.
2. Pura Besakih: The Revered Mother Temple of Bali
Pura Besakih is the name of a complex of temples that is located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest and most sacred mountain in Bali, Indonesia. It is the most important, the largest and holiest temple of Balinese Hinduism, and one of a series of Balinese temples. The temple is dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu) and the Destroyer (Shiva). The temple complex consists of 23 separate temples that are dedicated to different gods and goddesses. The main temple is Pura Penataran Agung, which honors Shiva, the destroyer god.
Pura Besakih has a long and rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The stone bases of some temples resemble megalithic stepped pyramids, which date back at least 2,000 years. The temple was used as a Hindu place of worship from 1284 when the first Javanese conquerors settled in Bali. By the 15th century, Besakih had become a state temple of the powerful Gelgel dynasty. The temple survived a series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963, which killed approximately 1,700 people . The lava flows missed the temple complex by mere meters. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous, and a signal from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument the Balinese faithful had erected.
Pura Besakih is a place of great spiritual significance for the Balinese people. Each year there are at least 70 festivals held at the complex, since almost every shrine celebrates a yearly anniversary. The temple is also a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty and culture of Bali. The temple offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a serene atmosphere for meditation and prayer.
3. The Holy Springs of Tirta Empul : Bali’s Sacred Water Temple
Tirta Empul is a Hindu Balinese water temple located near the town of Tampaksiring, Bali, Indonesia. The temple is famous for its holy spring water that is believed to have healing and purifying powers. The temple was built in the 10th century by a Balinese king who was inspired by a vision of Indra, the god of rain and thunder. The temple has a large pool with 30 fountains where pilgrims and tourists can bathe and cleanse themselves.
The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water. It also includes shrines to Shiva, Brahma, Indra, and Mount Batur. The temple is considered one of the five most holy temples in Bali and one of the holiest water sources in Bali. The temple is also a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the beauty and culture of Bali. The temple offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a serene atmosphere for meditation and prayer.
4. Gunung Kawi Temple Bali Valley of Kings
Gunung Kawi Temple is an ancient temple and funerary complex in Bali, Indonesia. It is also known as the Valley of the Kings, because it features 10 rock-cut shrines that are believed to be the tombs of ancient Balinese kings and queens. The temple is located in a scenic river valley surrounded by lush rice terraces and tropical forest. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Ubud, Bali.
The temple was built in the 11th century by the Warmadewa dynasty, which ruled Bali from 989 to 1389. The shrines are carved into the cliff face and resemble the shape of Prambanan Temple in Java, which is another Hindu temple built by the same dynasty. The shrines are dedicated to different members of the royal family, such as King Udayana, his queen Mahendradatta, and their sons Airlangga, Anak Wungsu, and Marakata. The temple is also a place of worship and ceremony for the local people, who consider the river and the spring water to be sacred.
If you want to visit Gunung Kawi Temple, you can find some options here¹. You will need to walk down and up nearly 300 steps to reach the temple, so be prepared for some exercise⁴. You will also need to wear a sarong before entering the temple, which you can rent for a small donation at the entrance. You can join the purification rituals by following the instructions of the local guides or priests. You can also enjoy the views of the landscape and the atmosphere of the temple.
