Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is Lake Temple for Offerings to the Goddess Dewi Danu

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is located in Bedugul Village, precisely on Lake Beratan. This temple is used for ceremonial offerings to the goddess Dewi Danu (Goddess of the Lake). One of the three temples that are considered to have the most important and long history is Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. Literally, "pura ulun danu" means a temple on a lake and can be described as a temple that was established as a place of worship for Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa and the gods who maintain a lake. Several manuscripts mention Ulun Danu Beratan Temple as a place of worship to Sang Hyang Widhi in his preface as the God of Prosperity. This temple also functions as a place of worship for the goddess who resides in Lake Beratan, namely Dewi Laksmi - who is the goddess of fertility and beauty. In addition, the existence of Lake Beratan as a source of water for agricultural irrigation for the surrounding area has earned it the status of Pura Kahyangan Jagat, a public temple where Hindus pray from across regions, groups and professions.

History of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Based on the Babad Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu as the founder of the Mengwi kingdom had built a temple at the end of Lake Beratan before he founded the Taman Ayun Temple, it is not explained in the lontar babad Mengwi when it was precisely when he founded Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, but explained about the establishment Taman Ayun temple and its ceremony on Anggara Kliwon Medangsia day, Çaka year 1556 (1634 AD). Based on the description of the Mengwi chronicle, it is known that the Ulun Danu Bratan temple was founded before the Saka year 1556 by Ulun Danu Beratan: Temple on the top of Lake Bratan Bedugul Bali I Gusti Agung Putu. Since the establishment of the temple, the Mengwi kingdom has become peaceful and prosperous and the people have dubbed him "I Gusti Agung Sakti".

Geography of the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple consists of five temple complexes and 1 stupa. Among them:

1. Pura Penataran Agung: This temple can be seen after entering Candi Bentar towards Beratan. This temple is intended to worship Tri Purusha Siwa, namely Shiva, Sadha Shiva and Parama Shiva.
2. Pura Dalem Purwa: In Pura Dalem Purwa there are three main shrines, namely the Pelinggih Dalem Purwa as the place for Bhatari Durga and Dewa Ludra to be worshiped as a source of prosperity, Bale Murda Manik as the perfume hall and Bale Panjang as the place to place the ceremony. The pelinggih in this temple faces east, on the south bank of Lake Beratan.
3. Taman Beji Temple: Taman Beji Temple is functioned for the ceremony of ngebejiang (purifying the means of the ceremony) and begging for tirta (water). Not only that, this temple also functions as a melasti place by the surrounding community. The location of this temple is on the east side of Hotel Enjung Beji and is not surrounded by walls.
4. Pura Lingga Petak: Pura Lingga Petak it consists of three levels in which there is a sacred well that holds Tirta Ulun Danu. Not only that, in this temple there is also a white phallus. Flanked by black and red stones. This temple is believed to be the main source of water and the fertility of Lake Beratan. There are two peinggih in this temple, namely Pelinggih Meru Tumpang Solas which faces south and Pelinggih Meru Tumpang Telu, which has four doors facing the four cardinal directions.
5. Pura Prajapati: There is a large banyan tree as a marker. This temple functions as the palace of Bhatari Durga. The pelinggih facing west will be the first to be encountered shortly after visitors pass the ticket box and enter the Danu Beratan area.
6. Buddhist Stupa: Not only is it a temple complex, at Ulun Danu Beratan there is also a Buddhist stupa. The Buddhist stupa here signifies the meaning of religious harmony and harmony. This stupa faces south and is located outside the main area of ​​the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple complex.

On certain days such as Purnama, Tilem, Galungan and other Hindu religious holidays, a group prayer is often held. Not only that, the beautiful Ulun Danu Beratan area is often used for enchanting pre-wedding locations. For cultural friends visiting Bali, don't forget to visit this place because there are many things you can learn here.