Pura Luhur Batukaru is one of the nine directional temples that protect the island from evil spirits. The temple offers protection from the west. Kayangan jagat (directional temples) occupy auspicious locations, usually in locations such as the sides of volcanoes or cliffs overlooking the ocean.
Other kayangan jagat on the island of Bali include Pura Luhur Uluwatu and Pura Besakih. Pura Luhur Batukaru was first built in the 11th century but was destroyed in 1604, and then rebuilt in 1959. The most important aspect is the shrine featuring a seven-tiered meru that honors Gunung Batukaru, Mahadewa.
Galungan is Bali’s most important ceremony and people arrive from far and wide to pray in the temple at this time. The temple’s holy waters are used in ceremonies to ask for fertility of the land. Locals believe paying their respects to the gods of water, will ensure enough rain for the forthcoming season’s harvest.
Many of the island’s temples have become overrun with tourists, making it difficult to enjoy the serenity and spirituality of the location. However, this temple is much more difficult to reach than the others, so fewer tourists make it here. The air is very fresh and visitors aren’t bombarded with vendors.
Because of its lush and leafy surroundings, this temple is often referred to as the ‘garden temple’. The air is often misty due to the elevated location, which adds a further mystical air to the temple’s aurora.
Need to Know
- What is it? a stunning thatched-roof Hindu temple located on the forested slope of one Bali’s volcanoes
- Opening hours: 06:00 to 18:00 daily.
- Entrance fee: no charge; however, it is customary to make a small donation
- Where: on the slopes of Gunning Batukaru, Tabanan, Bali
- How to get there: follow the steep road from Meliling and pass Wongaya Gede; the temple is perched on a high point about halfway up the slope