Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a beautiful Hindu water temple located on the shores of Lake Beratan in the Bedugul area of Bali, Indonesia. It is one of Bali’s most iconic and picturesque landmarks, often featured in travel brochures and postcards.
The temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of water, lakes, and rivers. It is an important site of worship for the Balinese Hindu community. The unique feature of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is its location on the edge of Lake Bratan. It creates a stunning reflection in the calm waters with the scenic backdrop of the surrounding mountains.
The temple complex consists of several shrines and meru (multi-tiered pagodas). Each Meru dedicates to different deities of the Balinese Hindu pantheon. The primary shrine is dedicated to Dewi Danu, symbolizing the importance of water for agriculture in Bali’s fertile highlands.
This is a famous tourist attraction in Bali and around the world. Likewise, this temple has become a tourism icon in Bali. This temple is open to tourists and is usually full of visitors daily, especially during the day.
The architecture of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is characterized by traditional Balinese design elements, including intricately carved woodwork, ornate stone bas-reliefs, and tiered roofs. The temple’s structures are adorned with vibrant Balinese decorations and statues, creating a visually captivating and spiritually significant atmosphere.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – Famous Tourist Destination in Bali
Visitors to Ulun Danu Temple can explore the beautiful landscape gardens surrounding the temple complex. It features manicured lawns, colorful flower beds, and ornamental trees. The serene environment and the breathtaking lake and mountain views provide a tranquil and peaceful setting for contemplation and photography.
Meanwhile, the temple is not only a religious site. However, it is also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can participate in cultural activities, witness traditional ceremonies, or rent conventional Balinese costumes for unique photo opportunities. Boat rentals are available for those who wish to explore Lake Beratan. So, it is one of the most popular places of interest in Bali that you never miss.
Furthermore, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple can get quite busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visiting early in the morning or during weekdays is advisable to avoid large crowds. Additionally, the temple’s surroundings often experience cooler temperatures due to the higher elevation. So, you should bring a light jacket or sweater for your convenience.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a place of worship, cultural significance, and a symbol of Bali’s natural beauty. Its harmonious blend of religion, stunning landscape, and architectural charm make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic and spiritual experience in Bali.
Temple Filoshopy
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is from the name of the lake area. Beratan Lake’s name is inseparable from the name of Beratan Mount, like God and Goddess has fertility source, prosperity for the sake of well-being in life and society. In the papyrus chronicle of Mengwi, Ulun Danu Beratan is called Parhyangan Ri Pinggir. Ulun word comes from Hulu and means head or authority, which in this case means God or Goddess. So, the Ulun Danu Beratan means a ruler or Danu Goddess.
History of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
The archeological and historical data in the Mengwi chronicle can tell the history of Ulun Danu Beratanhistory of Ulun Danu Beratan. Furthermore, a sarcophagus in the form of a stone and a board on the left of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple come from the megalithic tradition around 500 BC. Both artifacts are now placed on each Bebaturan (terrace). It can be predicted that the location where the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple had been used as a place to carry out the ritual since the Megalithic era.
Meanwhile, according to the data of the Mengwi chronicle was implicitly out of the line that I Gusti Agung Putu, founder of the Mengwi Kingdom, built the temple on the edge of Beratan Lake before he established the Taman Ayun Temple. This Lontar (manuscript from papyrus leave) does not mention when he found the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. However, the Lontar said the Taman Ayun Temple was established with the ceremony on Anggara Kliwon Madangsia ( Tuesday, Balinese calendar ) Saka year 1556 ( 1634 AD).
Temple Complex Area and Functions
Ulundanu Temple complex consists of four Temples: Lingga Petak Temple, Penataran Pucak Manggu Temple, Terate Bang Temple, and Dalem Purwa Temple.
All those complex temples function to worship the Glory of God in each manifestation as the God of Tri Murti to invoke the grace of fertility, prosperity, human well-being, and rule of the universe.
The four complex of Ulun Danu Beratan temples are functioning as follows:
- Lingga Petak Temple to worship the Lord of Siva
- Penataran Pucak Manggu Temple to worship the God of Vishnu
- Terate Bang Temple to worship the Brahma God
- Dalem Purwa Temple to worship Danu Goddess.
Location
The location of this temple is strategic in the heart of Bedugul, one of the famous tourist destinations on Bali Island. It is on the beautiful lake of Beratan and just beside the main road from Denpasar to Singaraja town. And also, the temple is in a plateau area with cool temperatures surrounding it. Moreover, the panoramic view covers it, making it famous you must never miss it on your vacation in Bali.