The Ulun Danu Temple is located in Bedugul, 90 minutes drive from Denpasar. Backed by the enfolding green hills and the cold green waters of Lake Beratan, its charm enthralls visitors and attracts people from all over the world. The temple is one of the most prominent icons of Bali.
The history of the temple goes back to the era when I Gusti Agung Putu established the Mengwi Kingdom. He built the Ulun Danu Beratan as a shrine for the God praised in the Puncak Mangu Temple. The inscription of Babad Mengwi, dated back in 1556 Çaka year, tells that I Gusti Agung Putu was defeated by another knight, and was given to I Gusti Ngurah Tabanan as a hostage.
Later on the defeated knight wanted to restore his power and holiness, and had he gone to Puncak Mangu to meditate and he was blessed with the magical power of a knight as a result.
The Ulun Danu temple consists of four complexes: the one at the eastern part is Lingga Petak shrine. The shrine has four doors facing the four wind directions. It is said that in the foundation of the shrine three huge stones where uncovered: white, red, and the smallest is black. There is a spring under the white stone, and it was decided that the shrine should be dedicated to the God of Ulun Danu Beratan.
The second complex is on the west of Lingga Petak Shrine, the compound called Pesimpangan Puncak Mangu. Puncak Mangu is considered as the symbol of fertility of the soil. So in this shrine, the God of Fertility and Prosperity is praised. The biggest complex in the temple compound is Pesimpangan Pura Terate Bang. The main shrine has seven storeys, where the God as creator of the earth and life is praised. One shrine in the complex is especially dedicated for the ancestors of the king Mengwi. Last but not least, The Goddess Uma, the wife of Shiva, can be praised in the Terate Bang complex. The Goddess is considered as the source of happiness.
The Ulun Danu Temple has a very calm atmosphere. The cool climate of Candi Kuning gives an extra touch to the ambience. The locals come to the temple not only for praying, since there is a wooden bridge at one corner of the compound where you can sit back and relax while the cold water of the Lake Beratan chills your tired legs. The lush green garden at the main entrance is also wonderful. You can really expect a delightful hassle-free visit to a temple that is known as one of the most famous temples of Bali.
Put this temple on your destination list when you come to Bali.
More info :
- Find Ulun Danu Temple location at Google Map
- Ulun Danu Temple Gallery Photo
- Program to visit Ulun Danu Temple : Full Day Bedugul Tour
- Program to visit Ulun Danu Temple : Full Day Singaraja Tour
- Program to visit Ulun Danu Temple : Tour Around Bali Package
- Place of Interest to visit Bali
