The second part of my Balinese cultural experience, is about the many Hindu temples and ceremonies around this island. The Balinese people are celebrating their faith daily, and everyone is welcome! I got to experience two cremation ceremonies and one tooth-filing ceremony, but, I saw daily gatherings all over the island. Upon arrival in Bali, my first purchase was a sarong and sash, requirements for attending ceremonies, and entering temples. Most of the homes look like Hindu temples, the homes are surrounded by a low wall, and the entrance gates look similar to the one pictured here, at the Ubud Palace.
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| Ubud Palace |
There are many temples on Bali, and I got to visit a few. The Holy Springs Temple, dates from the 10th century.
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| Pura Tirta Empul - Holy Spring Temple |
On a ridgetop, overlooking the volcanoes and lakes of central Bali, is this relatively new temple site, Pura Ulun Danu Batur. It is located in the town of Kintamani.
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| Pura Ulun Danu Batur - Kintamani |
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| Pura Ulun Danu Batur - Kintamani |
Goa Gajah is known as the Elephant Cave. This site dates back to the 10th century, and has a statue of Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu god, inside the cave.
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| Goa Gajah Cave Temple |
My favorite site in Bali, is Gunung Kawi, the Rocky Temple. Dating from the 11th century, this site has ten rock-cut shrines, each built in memory of a member of the Balinese royalty at the time.
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| Gunung Kawi Rocky Temple |
Ceremonies are a daily occurrence all over Bali. I caught sight of one gathering on the beach in Padangbai!
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| Temple ceremony in Padangbai |
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