Pura Taman Ayun
The temple was built circa 1634 by the then ruler of the Mengwi kingdom, Tjokerda Sakti Blambangan, with Chinese architectural inspirations, and was enlarged in 1937, making some of its structures
the most modern temple architecture in Bali.Taman means ‘garden with pond’. One sees this image from the surrounding moat, which gives the impression of the temple being a sanctuary in the middle of a pond of Lotus flowers.A Pura Temple is a worship place for other sites or temples. One will find shrines to major mountains peaks, such as Agung, Batukau, Batur and Pengelengan as well to Pura Ulun Siwi and Pura Sada.
Representing the three realms of the earth: spirit, humans and the Gods are three main courtyards which together symbolize Mount Mahameru floating in a sea of milk.An eleven-tiered meru (at the far end, in the right-hand corner of the complex) is dedicated to the rice goddess Dewi Sri. The third bale on the left is believed to be the abode of several different gods.Location & Setting
Taman Ayun (also known as Royal temple of Mengwi) is originating from the Gelgel dynasty during Mengwi was the center of a powerful kingdom whose kings are honered. It is located in the south of Bali at about 8km southwest of Ubud and 18km northwest of Denpasar. So if you stay around Kuta, Seminyak, Kerobokan and Ubud, the temple is easily accessible.
The complex is divided into four different divisions. The outer rim, is called jaba and can be entered only through one entrance.
Good to KnowThere is a small museum west of the temple. Not well maintained yet still an interesting thing to see.Prepare yourself a picnic before you leave and set it up in the middle of this magnificent oasis. Make sure you do it in the afternoon when the tourist buses have left to get a very relaxed and quite atmosphere. There are many Picnic huts available surrounded by mango trees and a beautiful river.
The Wooden BellsNext to a small temple area within Taman Ayun (Pura Luhuring Purnama) you can find the smaller temple called Pura Dalem Bekak.
There you will see the 8 metre high wooden bell tower. The Bale Kulkul. The bells are rectangular in shape. The area allows you also to enjoy a nice view from a slightly higher persepective of Taman Ayun.
Calm and SereneThe compound is large enough that even during “rush hour” when tourists arrive to visit this special site, it still feels calm and serene.
Information
Opening Hours
Temple: 8:00 – 18:00
Museum: 09h-17.30
Admission Charge
Adults: 15000IDR
Museum: on donation basis
Wear decent clothes, as in all temple sites on Bali. Women with menstruation are technically not allowed to enter any temple in Bali.
