Purnama (Full Moon)
Chances you stumble into a temple ceremony during your visit to Bali are high. Since each village has three places of worship, the island counts literally thousands of temples. Each of these sanctuaries will be commemorated once every 210 days. These festive celebrations, odalan, could take place around full moon or purnama. An odalan can last for three days and take place across the island on different dates. During a full moon, Bali usually goes into a frenzy, marked by special ceremonies, increased temple activity and sacred dances. This a good time to visit and witness the magic of Bali.
Feb 11, 2021 Timbrah, Karangasem
Every region in Bali has its uniqueness. The residents of Timbrah, for instance, organize a so-called Ngusaba Dalem, a ceremonial occasion on which virtually all households of the village offer at least one roasted suckling pig. It is a ritual held in the eighth month based on the Balinese calendar and usually falls around January-February. The myriad of roasted pigs put into offering reflects the togetherness of the villagers. If poor villagers could not offer roasted pigs, then `the haves` would share their roasted pig after being submitted to the Gods. The actual purpose of the Ngusaba Dalem ritual was to worship the Goddess Durga to invoke welfare and safety for the village and its people.
Feb 26, 2021 Pejeng, Gianyar.
Pura Penataran Sasih is still one of the more traditional temples, prescribing a compulsory sarong and sash. Balinese people believe it to be a particularly sacred temple, because this is the home of the so-called Moon of Pejeng hence the epithet, Moon Temple. The `moon` in question, is a large bronze gong, shaped almost like an hourglass, suspended so high up in its special tower that you can hardly see the decorations scratched onto its surface. It probably dates from the Balinese Bronze Age, from some time during the third century BC, and at almost 2m long is thought to be the largest such kettledrum ever cast. Etched into its green patina are a chain of striking heart-shaped faces punctured by huge round eyes. Legend tells how the gong was once the wheel of a chariot that transported the moon through the skies. The wheel shone just as brightly as the moon itself and, when it fell out of the sky and got stuck in a tree in Pejeng, a local thief became so incensed by its incriminating light that he tried to extinguish it by urinating over it. The wheel exploded, killing the thief, and then dropped to the ground. Ever since, the Balinese have treated the Moon of Pejeng as a sacred object.
Mar 20, 2021 and Oct 16, 2021 Banjar Batuan, Sukawati, Gianyar.
Every village in Bali as minimum three temple for territorial temple. Pura Puseh, where the founders of the village are worshiped, always lies in the Kaja sphere, towards the mountains, so it lies on the highest spot in the village; Lord Brahma the Creator, resides there. Pura Desa, the village temple, is built in the center of the village, where Lord Wisnu, the maintainer, is worshipped, because in Pura Desa the activities of the village manifest to maintain the welfare of the village and its inhabitants.
Mar 28, 2021 Besakih village Rendang distric Karangasem regency.
The renowned temple of Besakih is built against the southern slope of Gunung Agung, a violent yet sacred mountain for the Balinese. A sprawling complex of shrines, dedicated to an unknown number of gods, constitutes the religious center of Bali. On ominous days, Besakih brims with colorful activity. Row after row, women climb the temple stairs, proudly carrying a heavy load of flower and fruit offerings. They are meant to stabilize the Universe or to finalize a complicated religious ceremony. Besakih and surroundings can easily be described as the holiest place on the island, covering an extended religious patchwork of shrines and temples, dedicated to kings and Gods. At any given time, you`ll walk together with numerous pilgrims as every Balinese is required to pay homage several times throughout the year.
Mar 28, 2021 Batur village, Kintamani, Bangli.
This temple is on the side of a large lake (Lake Batur) that provides water to a large part of the surrounding area. People, especially farmers come from all over Bali to worship Wisnu because of the temple’s strong connection with irrigation systems for the entire island.
Mar 30, 2021 and Oct 26, 2021 Tegalwangi Village Bangli.
Pura Tirta Harum ("Temple of the Fragrant Spring") is a royal temple six km south of Bangli, about an hour`s walk up a long uphill path. It`s believed the ancestor of the present-day dynasty of Bangli was born in a small thatched-roof building. Pura Tirta Harum derived its name from a nearby holy spring.
Mar 30, 2021 Candikuning Village, Tabanan.
Ulun Danu sits at the shores of Lake Bratan, the source of water for a large part of the island. It effortlessly combines Hindu and Buddhist elements into a unique sample of Balinese temple architecture The location on the shore of the giant lake effectively filling a crater formed thousands of years ago by a seismic blast of an extinct volcano, is significant. The lake supplies most of the drinkable water to large areas of Bali. Dense pine forests tumble down the slopes of Mount Bratan to the calm shoreline dotted with holy shrines.
Apr 15, 2021 and Nov 11, 2021 Wongaya Gede, Tabanan
According to Kusuma Dewa lontar that temples was built by Empu Kuturanand one of them is Batukaru temple. Beside he searched and perfected the temple which existed before he came. This temple can be interpreted as a place of hermitages in former time. This interpretation is taken from the spring outside the temple. Usually hermitages chose a place with spring. To do their meditation because they have to live and the important thing that they need is water. This temple is belong to public/state temple is situated at western Bali dedicated to Mahadewa, God as manifestation of Supreme God. Temple ceremony is carried out in every six months (210 days).
Apr 15, 2021 and Nov 11, 2021 Karangasem
One of the six major Temple in Bali, the sad Khayangan Agung Lempuyang Luhur, that it is the place for Hyang Iswara and Hyang Agni Jaya. The word Lempuyang is derived from 2 words “Lampu” which means light and “Hyang” which means God therefore the meaning of Lempuyang is Light of God. Pura Luhur Lempuyang is one of Bali`s nine main temples and is of great significance for the Balinese culture and religion. It known as The Temple of 1000 steps which entire temple complex consists of seven temples the highest is at 1,058 meters high and once you manage to come up it gives picturesque view of the surrounding forest and mountains.
Apr 15, 2021 Tusan village, Banjarangkan subdistrict, Klungkung.
Literally, “kentel” means solid or intimate and “gumi” means earth. So, “kentel gumi” means the intimate atmosphere in the earth. The name of Kentel Gumi was given as a symbol of the resurrection of Bali Island by Mpu Kuturan after destructed by the authority of Maya Danawa in 962 C – 975 C. And Mpu Kuturan became a conceptor also a religionist rebuilt Bali Island until intimate and unite like before, by embedding a rectangle pole on the ground which then called Ratu Pancer Jagat which means new developing earth, or the rising of whole living.
Apr 24, 2021 and Nov 21, 2021 Kapal village,district of Mengwi, Badung regency.
The oldest of these is Pura Sada, the name Ssada may derive from the Old Javanese and Sanskrit term prasada, meaning a tower temple, a huge shrine in the shape of a tiered tower. The local inhabitants call this temple a candi, meaning a funerary monument for a deceased king. According to the chronicles of the rulers of Mengwi, the son of the first Cokorda or Lord of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Panji, received a shrine in this temple after his death around 1710. The divinity of the temple is Bhatara Jayengrat, the Divine World Conqueror.
Apr 24, 2021 and Nov 21, 2021 Serangan Island, known as Turtle Island.
Welcoming ceremony, a procession held from Denpasar to Sakenan Temple. This temple is estimated to have been established in the 16th century and is connected with the journey of Dang Hyang Nirartha, a great priest who purified the Hindu religion in Bali.
Apr 26, 2021 Angseri village, Baturiti, Tabanan.
Puncak Tinggah means a large peak in the middle of a bamboo forest. According to local people it is said that this temple was originally bamboo forest. The function of Pura Kahyangan Jagat Pucak Tinggah as Ulun Suwi for irrigation to invoke prosperity and shelter of the universe and the place of purification. During temple ceremony there are many Tapakan barong as personifications of protector.
Apr 28, 2021 and Nov 24, 2021 Beraban Vilage, Kediri - Tabanan
One of Bali`s most important sea temples, Tanah Lot temple is built atop a huge rock, surrounded by the sea. Build in the 16th century, Tanah Lot`s rituals include paying of homage to the guardian spirits of the sea. Poisonous sea snakes found in the little caves at the base of the rocky island are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. Best place for watching sunset.
May 04, 2021 and Nov 30, 2021 Pecatu Village, Kuta Badung.
ra Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s ‘directional temples’ (kayangan jagat) and guards Bali from evil spirits from the Sang Hyang Widhi. This means that the temple affects the island as a whole and has meaning for all Balinese, not just the Uluwatu locals Pura Uluwatu is located on the cliff top close to the famous surf break on the Sang Hyang Widhi of the Bukit peninsula. The temple was founded in the 10th century by Empu Kuturan, a Javanese Hindu priest who built the tiered ‘meru’ and a shrine here as well as at other key locations long the Balinese coast. In the 17th century Niratha also from Java came to Bali and built temples, adding to Uluwatu. The inner courtyard at the highest point has a view both north and south and has merus, the multi-tiered structures featuring thatched roofs. Monkeys are present in this part of the temple and as well as lingering in the branches of trees are happy to patrol the temple walls looking for an unsuspecting tourist. There is also a daily kecak dance.
May 04, 2021 and Nov 30, 2021 Located Mengwi village Badung regency.
Taman Ayun mean beautiful garden which is suitable for everybody. Local history, Babad Mengwi says: I Gusti Agung Putu the king of Mengwi was successful to reign some surrounding regions. For the memory he ordered his people to build a new city/ kingdom and temple (Taman Ayun). Formerly was Bekak city changed to be Mengwi 1634 AD. There are many shrines with multy roofts we call it Meru dedicated to the supreme God with its manifestation, deities of mountains and ancestors.
May 04, 2021 and Nov 30, 2021 Pesinggahan village Klungkung regency.
Goa Lawah means "bat cave" and is really a home to thousands of bats. This cave is said to be dwelling place of Naga Basuki, the guardian of Besakih temple. Balinese consider this temple as one of the important temples on the island. They will come to this temple with offerings to complete any cremation ceremony which is called Nyegara Gunung ceremony.
May 19, 2021 and Dec 15, 2021 Padangbai village, district of Manggis, Karangasem.
Balinese believe the priest Empu Kuturan supposedly lived and meditated in the eleventh century; the three roofed meru is dedicated to him.
Sep 21, 2021 Tampaksiring village Gianyar regency.
All Balinese will make regular pilgrimages to Tirta Empul. They come seeking to cleanse themselves spiritually and to cure their physical ailments by bathing in the holy springs, which have been considered the most sacred in Bali ever since the tenth century, if not longer. The shallow red-brick bathing pools are sunk into the ground of the outer courtyard of a temple, fed by water from the springs in the inner sanctuary. Men, women and priests each have their own segregated sections in which to immerse themselves, though most modern devotees just splash their faces and smile for the camera.
Sep 21, 2021 Banyupoh Village, just beyond the eastern edge of Pemuteran.
Pulaki Temple is located in Banyupoh Village, just beyond the eastern edge of Pemuteran and 53km west of Singaraja. The stark charcoal-grey stone of the 16th century temple Pura Agung Pulaki peers down from a weatherworn cliff face, making a good viewpoint over the northwest coast. It is situated on a hill that is only 25m away from the beach an inhabited by monkeys which are considered as the descendants of Dewa or the Gods. Pura Pulaki is one of the highest sad kahyangan temples, giving orientation to all Balinese.
Pura Kehen temple
Feb 03, 2021 and Sep 01, 2021 1.500m north of the town of Bangli.
The ancient and much revered Pura Kehen, 1.500m north of the town of Bangli, rises up steeply from the road in terraces lined with religious statues. Sporting several remarkably fierce Bhoma leering above fabulously carved doors, the great entrance leads into the outer courtyard containing a massive banyan tree with a kulkul tower built among the branches. A small compound, guarded by naga under a frangipani tree, contains a stone that is supposed to have glowed with fire when the site of the temple was decided. Steps lead up to the middle courtyard, from where you can look into the inner courtyard, with its eleven-roofed meru dedicated to Siwa. The word `kehen` is derived from "keren" meaning `flame`.