BALI ULUN DANU BERATAN TEMPLE

BALI ULUN DANU BERATAN TEMPLE IS DEDICATED TO THE GODDESS OF THE LAKE IS IDA BATARI ULUN DANU ON THE EDGE OF A HUGE CRATER

Bali Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a sacred place dedicated to the lake goddess Ida Batari Dewi Ulun Danu, located on the edge of a huge lake crater. The temple is dominated by the Meru (pagoda) dedicated to the lake goddess, as well as the deities of Mount Batur and Mount Agung, Bali’s largest volcano. Founded in the 17th century, the temple was built to worship the main Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, along with Dewi Danu, the goddess of the lake. The beauty and safety of Bali’s highlands make this lake and temple a popular Tabanan places of interest and recreation, as well as a sought-after photo spot. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, meaning ‘the source temple of Lake Beratan’, is one of the most famous shrines on the island, with stunning views comparable to seaside temples such as Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple. The tranquil lake with its beautiful light reflections around the temple creates a unique atmosphere, while the Bedugul mountains surrounding the lake provide a stunning backdrop to the temple.

If you visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, here’s what you need to know :

• Location of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• History Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple or Ulun Danu Temple
• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Complex
• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Ceremony
• Iconic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• Functions of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• Buddhist Stupa at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• Things To Do at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• Facilities of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Location of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is located in Bedugul village and is very easy to reach as it is on the main road leading to the iconic Handara Gate and on the shores of the beautiful Lake Beratan. The journey from Kuta or Seminyak takes about two hours, as it is located in the highlands with many nearby tourist destinations. The cool atmosphere makes this temple one of the top destinations in Bedugul, frequented by both local and international tourists. If you want to visit this place, we from Bali Exotic Tour offer Hire Car and Driver services with affordable prices and satisfying services, as well as experienced drivers to make the trip to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple more enjoyable.

History Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple has strong historical roots in the glory days of the Mengwi Kingdom. Its name is taken from the Lake Beratan Temple where the temple stands, which is symbolically connected to Mount Beratan as the place where the Gods and Goddesses of fertility and prosperity are important for maintaining the welfare of the community. In the Mengwi Chronicle Papyrus, it is mentioned that Ulun Danu Beratan Temple was established along with the establishment of the Mengwi Kingdom, and this links the temple to the status of the former religious center of the kingdom, often referred to as Dang Kahyangan. This is consistent with the records in the Usana Bali and Padma Bhuwana papyri, making Puncak Mangu Temple, also known as Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a Panyawangan (representative place of worship). Therefore, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is considered one of the Kahyangan Jagat (the largest group of Hindu temples in Bali) and is a temple complex consisting of four groups of temples, including the prominent Lingga Petak temple on its eastern side. The four gates of this temple face the four cardinal directions.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple or Ulun Danu Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is often referred to as Ulun Danu Temple, but it should be distinguished from Ulun Danu Batur Temple, which is located on the edge of the caldera of Lake Batur. This temple has special importance to the Balinese as it is the only place where you can collect certain holy water directly from the lake in front of the temple. Visitors are expected to wear a sling and should not approach the water or bathe in it. The lake is the main source of water for rivers and springs in central Bali, making it very important for daily life. According to the temple priests, the lake receives water flow from springs in each cardinal direction, and each of these springs becomes a water source for a specific region in central Bali. For example, farmers from North Bali draw their holy water from the springs to the north of the lake. Ulun Danu Temple is located on the western shore of Lake Bratan, on the Bedugul Plateau, at an altitude of 1239 meters. It is known as one of the most beautiful and photographed temples in Bali. Located within the caldera of the dormant Mount Catur volcano, the temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the lake goddess who organizes irrigation in Bali’s highlands.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Complex

In the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple complex, which has a very large area and extraordinary beauty, there are four temples that are very important and considered sacred. These temples are often the main destination for Hindus traveling on their Tirta Yatra, as they are considered to be among the oldest, most sacred, and most important temples for Hindus in Bali. Here are some of the temples found in the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple area:

• Lingga Petak Temple has an important role in worshipping Lord Shiva, with its doors facing the four cardinal directions. This temple is considered the source of Lake Beratan and a symbol of fertility around Lake Beratan. Inside the Lingga Petak building complex, there is a sacred well that stores holy water from Ulun Danu Beratan. This well is located between two large black and red stones. The uniqueness of Lingga Petak Temple is visible when the lake water rises, making it look like it is floating above Lake Beratan, creating an iconic and mesmerizing sight. This beauty makes Ulun a popular tourist destination, frequented by foreign and domestic tourists.
• Penataran Pucak Mangu Temple, also known as Parhyangan ri pinggiring rawa Beratan or Pura Danu Beratan, was established by I Gusti Agung Putu to worship the Hyang ing Parwata, or God, who resides at Pucak Mangu, namely Bhatara Hyang Danawa, according to the Padma Bhuwana and Usana Bali papyri. Since Mount Mangu is located in the northern direction, this temple is referred to as Bhatara Hyang Danawa, or Lord Vishnu. The main focus of this temple is to worship Tri Purusha Shiva, which includes Shiva, Sadha Shiva, and Parama Shiva. The temple faces south and can be seen after passing through the Bali Gate “Candi Bentar” towards Lake Beratan.
• Terate Bang Temple acts as a place of worship to worship Lord Brahma and is also known as the palace of Lord Agni, which has hot springs with a distinctive sulfurous aroma. Upon entering the Terate Bang Temple area, you will smell the strong scent of sulfur and taste the acidic water. The presence of this sulfur and acidic water symbolizes the energy of prosperity, which is believed to provide an aura of gold and success, especially for those who are entrepreneurs or traders. The temple is located next to the lake, and to reach it, you need to take a speed boat from Lake Beratan to enjoy the beauty of the Lotus Temple from the water.
• Dalem Purwa Temple acts as a place of worship to honor Dewi Danu, who is seen as a powerful figure of Bhatara Hyang Danawa, or Dewi Laksmi. The temple is also a place for the palace and worship of the goddess “Dewi Durga” and the god “Dewa Ludra”, who are considered the source of prosperity. Inside the Dalem Purwa Temple complex, there is the Mani Murda Temple and the long hall “Bale Pemaruman”, which is used as a place to hold ceremonial equipment called “Upakara”. These sacred places face east and are located on the southern shore of Lake Beratan.
• Beji Temple is part of the Ulun Danu Temple complex and is used for the Ngebejiang Ceremony, where Hindus invoke the holy water “Tirta” to purify the ceremonial paraphernalia. In addition, Beji Temple is also the venue for the Melasti Ceremony, which is performed before Nyepi Day by Balinese Hindus. The temple is located to the east of the Enjung Beji Hotel and has no surrounding walls.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Ceremony

Please note that there are certain days for religious ceremonies at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, which is based on the Balinese calendar, which has 35 days in a month. So, if you visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on holidays or important dates, you will see many Hindus who come to pray for safety, happiness, and health. It is important to remain polite and respectful of the ceremony to keep the atmosphere comfortable and peaceful. The ceremony at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is usually divided into two stages that are often carried out.

1. The temple ceremony is held once every month (210 days), precisely on Anggara (Tuesday) Kliwon Julungwangi (based on the Balinese Hindu calendar). In addition, every 12 months, or 420 days, a larger ceremony is held called Piodalan Agung. On certain days, such as the full moon (Purnama), Tilem, and other major Hindu holidays, many Hindus come to pray together. They also perform Melasti and Ngegara Gunung ceremonies as part of the Ngaben ceremony.
2. Pakelem ceremonies can be performed according to certain circumstances and situations. Its purpose is to honor the greatness and mercy of the Almighty God for the gift of life, fertility, and prosperity. It also refers to the balance of the ecosystem that provides benefits to life and the universe in a sustainable manner as long as Telaga Beratan and Mount Beratan are still standing.

Iconic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations among foreign and domestic tourists. Its beauty, located on Lake Beratan and named Lingga Petak, makes it the target of photographers. Apart from the beauty of Lingga Petak and its strategic location on Lake Beratan, this stunning lake is also an attraction for photographers. It can be said that Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is the icon of Bedugul village and one of the most visited tourist destinations, along with Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot Temple, and Lempuyang Temple. If you’re traveling to Bedugul village, don’t miss the chance to visit this temple, it’s fantastic views will make for some very iconic and Instagram-worthy photos. In the past, if you came to Bali and saw a postcard, you would definitely see a photo of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple on it. This shows that Ulun Danu Beratan Temple has been recognized since the beginning of tourism in Bali. The greatness and popularity of this temple have spread overseas thanks to postcards featuring the temple.

Functions of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

As one of the world-renowned tourist destinations and an icon of Bedugul village, Lingga Petak Temple, with its unique three-tiered overlapping structure, always offers a very beautiful view. Its natural beauty remains stunning and makes it very suitable to be photographed from various angles. It is no wonder that Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is often used as the main image in postcards and notes that showcase its beauty. Some functions of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple are as follows:

• As a location to worship Sang Hyang Widhi in his role as the God of Prosperity.
• As a place of worship for Dewi Laksmi, who is believed to reside in Lake Beratan and is a goddess figure that symbolizes fertility and beauty.
• The existence of Lake Beratan as an important source of water for the surrounding agriculture makes it considered a Kahyangan Jagat Temple. This means that the temple is a place of worship for Hindus from various regions, groups, and professions.
• As a place of worship, there are several shrines, or pelinggih. Among these temples, there are two striking buildings, namely Palebahan Segara Tengah Temple and Palebahan Paling Lingga Petak Temple (Ulun Danu), which are located in the middle of the lake. The unique position of these two sacred buildings is rarely found in Ulun Danu temples located in other lakes in Bali. Their presence in the center of Lake Beratan has not only spiritual value but also extraordinary beauty.
• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple not only acts as a place of worship for Hindus from the surrounding area but is also the center of tourism attractions in Bedugul.

Buddhist Stupa at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

What is unique when visiting Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is the presence of a Buddhist Stupa within the complex. This stupa has symbolism about harmony and inter-religious harmony in ancient times. The stupa building faces south and is located outside the main area of the temple, precisely in the garden area within the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple complex. Although there is no exact record of when this Buddhist stupa was built, it is estimated that its construction was in line with the construction of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. The existence of this stupa reflects the religious tolerance between Hindus and Buddhists at that time, becoming evidence of harmony in the diversity of beliefs. In the front yard of Ulun Danu Bedugul Temple, there are historical artefacts in the form of stone sarcophagi and stone boards that are thought to date back to the megalithic era around 500 BC. This archaeological data indicates a very old age for Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, making it one of the oldest temples on the island of Bali.

Things To Do at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, as the icon of Bedugul village, is always crowded with both domestic and international tourists. However, besides enjoying the beauty of the temple, there are various interesting activities that can be done there. This will add to the excitement of your adventure as you explore the oldest temple on Bali Island with all its marvelous uniqueness. When you visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, you can explore some of the following exciting activities to maximize your experience at this Bedugul village icon.

• Jukung Tour: A Jukung tour is an unforgettable experience at Lake Beratan, where you can hire a traditional boat service (Jukung) to explore the beauty of the lake from its center. The sensation of traveling around the lake on a jukung will give you a unique and memorable experience that you may never forget.
• Take Photos with Animals: You can also take pictures with exotic animals in the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple area, with professional photo services offering this unique experience. Some of the animals you can meet include albino pythons, chameleons, eagles, green hornbills, owls, bats, parrots, and more. The experience of taking pictures with these exotic animals will be an unforgettable moment.
• Children’s Playground: In this place, there are playground facilities specially provided for children in the park. This is a perfect option for those of you who are on a family holiday to enjoy time together and give the kids a chance to play at this playground. The facilities include small swings, slides, and various other games that will make your children happy to play at this playground located in the Ulun Danu Temple area.
• Shopping: You’ll find a number of small shops lining the parking area here, mostly selling handicrafts and clothing that you can buy as souvenirs for family and friends. Here, you can find a wide range of casual wear, beachwear, and other items at affordable and bargainable prices. If you are good at bargaining, you can get items at a cheaper price.

With a variety of interesting activities offered at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, your visit will be very memorable and unforgettable. This makes Ulun Danu Beratan Temple one of the must-visit tourist destinations when you are on holiday in Bali. With beautiful scenery, cool air, and the presence of historical buildings, your adventure on the island of Bali will be more complete and memorable.

Facilities of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

The facilities at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, which is a very popular tourist destination on the island of Bali, are very comprehensive. Starting from the spacious car park, which can accommodate many large buses, guests feel comfortable and safe when parking their vehicles. You don’t have to worry about parking when visiting here. In addition, there are easily accessible toilet facilities near the car park and within the temple compound. This ensures the convenience of visitors in accessing sanitary facilities. You can also enjoy Indonesian specialties at restaurants around the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple area. These quick meals will add to the excitement of your visit. In addition, there is an art shop in the parking area that sells a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs from Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. You can buy some of these items as mementos for your family or friends. All these facilities are complete and will make the tourists feel at home while enjoying the beauty of the iconic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.