TAMAN AYUN TEMPLE

Taman Ayun Temple was to serve as a main site of worship among the Mengwi people who need not travel too far to the main large temples, the likes of the Besakih mother temple in Karangasem, Batukaru Temple in Tabanan or Batur Temple in Kintamani. It also served as a unifying symbol among the Mengwi royalty and the people. Towering tiers from the temple shrines make up most of the profile of the temple and are a gesture of the people of Mengwi reverence to their deified noble ancestors, for the temple complex is considered the mother temple of Mengwi.

How to Get to Taman Ayun Temple

Taman Ayun Temple is located at Jl. Ayodya No.10, Mengwi, Kec. Mengwi, Badung Regency, Bali 80351. In the village of Mengwi and is often also called the Mengwi Temple, a very strategic location which is located not far from other tourist destinations that are no less interesting. If you are traveling from the Kuta area, it takes about 90 minutes to reach this location and if you are from Ubud it will take about 75 minutes. It's not so difficult to find the location of this Taman Ayun Temple, you can use the help of Google Maps if you want to explore yourself here and also at each fork in the road there are already many signposts that show the direction of this Taman Ayun Temple.

Taman Ayun Temple History

Taman Ayun Temple was built in the 17th century precisely started in 1632 and finished in 1634, by the first king Tjokerda Sakti Blambangan. This temple holds a very sophisticated architectural design compared to other temples in Bali. Chinese architectural inspirations, and underwent a significant restoration project in 1937. In 2012 UNESCO awarded Taman Ayun Temple as part of the world cultural tourism site.

Towering tiers from the temple shrines make up most of the profile of Pura Taman Ayun and are a gesture of the people of Mengwi's reverence to their deified noble ancestors, for the temple complex is considered the royal family templ of Mengwi. Taman Ayun Temple was to serve as a main site of worship among the Mengwi people who need not travel too far to the main large temples, the likes of the Besakih "mother temple" in Karangasem, Batukaru Temple in Tabanan, or Batur Temple in Kintamani. It also served as a unifying symbol among the Mengwi royalty and the people.

Taman Ayun Temple Complex and Features

Taman Ayun complex comprises four different divisions, one ranking higher than the other. The first is referred to as the "Jaba" or outer division, accessible only through a single entrance and walkway over the ponds. Inside, near the entrance is a small guardian shrine and on the right is a large "wantilan" hall where the communal gatherings take place. A tall fountain with spouts jutting up and out to the cardinal directions can be seen in this area. Onto the next court, a small temple compound by the name of Pura Luhuring Purnama can be seen.

The second and third terraces are slightly higher than the first. To enter, visitors must go through a second gate where a shelter called Bale Pengubengan greets them with ornamental features that depict the nine Hindu gods that guard the nine points of the compass, referred to as Dewata Nawa Sanga. East of this court is a small temple called Pura Dalem Bekak, while in its western corner is an eight metre-high wooden bell tower known to locals as "Bale Kulkul". A climb up will reveal two hanging rectangular wooden bells, plus a high and spectacular view of the whole complex.

The fourth and last court is considered the most sacred, thus ranks the highest. It is referred to as the Utama Mandala. The intricately ornate central gate is open only during ceremonies, as the entryway for consecrated heirlooms and other ceremonial paraphernalia. Another gate at its east is for daily access. Several tiers of different outlines and sizes rise up into the temple's skyline. The temple's three grounds denote the three cosmological levels known to Balinese Hinduism, namely the world of man, the realm of gods and deities, and the topmost divine level.

As recounted in the ancient texts of the "Adhiparwa", the whole complex of the Taman Ayun Temple represents Mount Mahameru in the so-called "churning of the sea of milk" or the cosmic formation of the world. The name Taman Ayun translates as "beautiful garden". The vast encircling pools were once royal recreational places for the palace maids who would sail small canoes. Now the pools and ponds are fenced and visitors are denied entrance. The temple shares the same anniversary day of the cliff-perched Uluwatu Temple on the island's southern Bukit peninsula, which is celebrated on the 210-day Balinese Pawukon calendar system or on every "Kliwon Medangsia" Tuesday.

The "piodalan" temple anniversary celebrations see pilgrims flock to the temple complex, day and night. North of the bell tower is a pavilion called Bale Loji. In old times, this was where priests and ceremonial attendants would make preparations and take a break. Nowadays, artists can be seen here busy at their art-in-the-making. Paintings are also available here for purchase. Museum Manusa Yadnya is located just across the road from the temple site. The museum showcases Balinese Hinduism rituals and human rites of passage, throughout their stages of life.

Taman Ayun Temple Entrance Ticket