BATUR TEMPLE
BATUR TEMPLE, OR KNOWN AS ULUN DANU BATUR TEMPLE IS ONE OF KAHYANGAN JAGAT TEMPLE AND DEDICATED FOR WORSHIPS GOD OF WISNU
Batur Temple is located in Kintamani village and is one of the Kahyangan Jagat temples. Batur Temple is an important sacred temple on Bali Island that is in charge of maintaining harmony and stability throughout Bali. Batur Temple was established as a representation of the North, a place to worship Lord Vishnu and the local goddess, Dewi Danu. Dewi Danu is the ruler of Lake Batur, which is the largest lake in Bali and located under Mount Batur. Originally, Batur Temple was located near Mount Batur. When Mount Batur erupted and damaged Batur Temple, the temple complex was moved in 1926 to Kintamani, where it is now one of the Bangli places of interest as a tourist attraction offering stunning views of Mount Batur and the enchanting beauty of Lake Batur. With the incredible natural charm of the volcano and Lake Batur, it creates a captivating sight for all who see it.
If you visit Batur Temple, here’s what you need to know:
Ulun Danu Batur Temple
When talking about Batur Temple, or what is known as Ulun Danu Batur by the locals, what is meant by Ulun Danu Batur here is the Batur Temple located in this place. So, it is important not to misidentify because there are several temples with similar names. Batur Temple is often referred to as Ulun Danu Batur Temple, but should not be confused with Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, located in Bedugul. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a different temple. While Batur Temple is in Kintamani, overlooking Mount Batur, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is located at Lake Beratan in Bedugul village. So, it is worth noting this difference as the names are similar. This Batur temple is absolutely beautiful, with the background of Mount Batur clearly visible from here, making the scenery even more beautiful. If you are visiting Kintamani, it is recommended to make a short stop at this temple to witness the majesty of one of the most important temples on Bali Island.
Catastrophe Batur Temple
Kintamani Batur Temple was formerly located in the Karang Anyar village, which means “new area”, on the southwest slope of Mount Batur itself. In 1917, an eruption of Mount Batur resulted in a lava flow, which caused thousands of casualties and damaged the Batur Temple on the slopes of Mount Agung. Despite the damage, the black lava flow stopped at the gate of Ulun Danu Batur Temple. This incident was considered a good sign by the community because the lava stopped before reaching the temple, so they decided to stay in the area. On April 21st, 1926, Mount Batur erupted again, this time destroying the entire Karang Anyar village. The lava also rushed towards the temple, almost covering its entire compound. Despite the destruction of the village and the deaths of 1,500 residents, the temple with its 11-story meru survived. With the area around Mount Batur declared unsafe for habitation during the eruption, Karang Anyar villagers had to be relocated. The relocation process was assisted by residents from surrounding villages such as Bayung, Tunggiran, Kedisan, Buanan, and Sekardadi, as well as assistance from Bangli regional troops and some troops sent by the Dutch East Indies government. The surviving 11-story meru temple was moved to the new location, along with other important temple equipment.
History Batur Temple
The history of Batur Temple can be traced through the Balinese sacred lontar heritage, which writes that this temple is included in the Sad Khayangan Jagad (six groups of sacred temples) that have an important role in maintaining the stability of the Bali Island. Lontars such as Widhi Sastra, Raja Purana, and Babad Pasek Kayu Selem record the existence of Batur Temple and its important role. Besides being a sacred temple, Batur Temple is also recognized as a “Kayangan Jagat” temple that is worshiped by the general public.
In the past, there was a Goddess of Fertility known as Dewi Danu. She was the Goddess who ruled the waters of the lake, and the mineral-rich water flowed from Lake Batur to the various rice fields, slowly giving life to the land. In the lontar Usada Bali, one of the sacred literatures housed in the temple, there is an ancient legend that describes the arrangement of Dewi Danu’s throne. The legend tells that one night at the beginning of the fifth month of Margasari, Lord Pasupati (Shiva) moved the peak of Mount Mahameru in India and divided it into two parts. He carried one part with his left hand and the other with his right, and he brought them to the throne. The part carried in his right hand became Mount Agung, the throne for his son, Lord Putranjaya (Mahadeva Shiva). While the part carried in his left hand became Mount Batur, the throne of Dewi Danu, the Goddess of Lake Water. This legend connects Mount Agung as the largest mountain in Bali with the symbolism of “man and woman” (Purasa and Pradana), or the two original sources of manifestation, namely God (Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa).
Geography of Batur Temple
Batur Temple is a very important temple for maintaining spiritual balance on Bali Island. The temple complex is very large, consisting of 9 main temples, 285 pavilions, and other temples. Its construction began as a tribute to the gods and goddesses of fertility, then the god of water, the god of art, and other sacred entities. When visiting Batur Temple, you will be presented with an extraordinary view, with the majestic Mount Batur and the beautiful Lake Batur as if welcoming your arrival. The unique statues around the temple add to its beauty and religious feel. If you are passing through Kintamani village, Bali Exotic Tour really recommends you stop for a moment at Batur Temple. There, you can enjoy the beauty of the temple against the stunning background of Mount Batur and Lake Batur.