Bali – Island of The Gods

Bali is a magical land, and a much sought-after tourist destination. The island is part of Indonesia, and has great beaches, temples and a rich cultural legacy.

 

The Balinese people believe that the hills in the island are abodes of gods. The highest peak, Gunung Agung, is considered a sacred one by Hindus in the region. The temple is called ‘Pura’ in the local language. Pura Besakih is a temple located at a height of 900 m and is dedicated to the snake god, ‘Besuki’. Another peak, Gunung Batur is also said to be sacred for people living in the vicinity.

 

Here are some temples you must visit on your trip to Bali:

 

• Uluwatu: This spectacular temple is located on a cliff amidst the ocean. The temple is said to date back to the tenth century. The trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara are said to be propitiated in the temple.

 

• Pura Batukari: The temple is situated at the base of Mt Batukaru, and dates back to the 11^th c. The temple worships deities that rule forces of nature – the lake and mountains. This shrine is said to have been constructed to safeguard Bali from the evil eye/spirit. The shrine has a tower with seven tiers, which was built for Mahadewa, who is said to be the deity of the mountain (Batukaru).

 

• Tanah Lot: The temple is one of the most popular ones in Bali, and is said to be over 600 years old. The principal deity here is the god of sea. It is among the shrines built around the coast of Bali.

 

• Tirta Empul: This temple is situated close to the heart of Bali. It is famous for its spring waters where many devout Balinese people take a dip. It s said to be over a 1,000 years ago.

 

• Luhur Lempuyang: The temple, situated in East Bali, is located at an altitude, and you need to walk 1,700 step-like cuts in the forest to reach the temple.

 

• Ulun Danu/Ulun Danu-Bratan: This is a temple dedicated to Shiva, and is situated on Bratan lake’s banks. The temple dates back to the 17^th century.

 

• Pusering Jagat: The name of the temple means ‘World’s Navel’. The temple was named so because it is said that it was situated at the heart of the kingdom of Pejeng. The temple dates back to the 14^th century, and is known for its story of the ‘Churning of the Milky Ocean’.

 

In Balinese culture, offerings to the gods are an invariable part of everyday life. There is divinity and religiosity in the mundane, day-to-day activities as well. Forces of nature are also held very seriously in Bali – the lake, mountain, rice terraces, jungles, beaches, seas...there is god everywhere in Bali.

 

If you are visiting the island anytime soon, worry not. There are plenty of hotels in Bali. You can even look up one of the 5 star hotels in Bali, in case you want luxury options. Bali’s 5 star hotels offer massages, spa treatments etc if you want to spend your holiday pampering yourself.