Taman Ayun Temple, A Historic Sacred Place With Beautiful Architecture
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- Jalan Ayodya No.10, Mengwi District
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Taman Ayun Temple, A Historic Sacred Place With Beautiful Architecture.
Bali is also called Pulau Seribu Pura. If you come to Bali, you will find temples along the road. Uniquely, besides being a place of worship, the architecture of the temple becomes a tourist attraction. Especially foreign tourists who like aesthetic buildings. Unlike the usual temples, Taman Ayun Temple is one of the most visited shrines. Taman Ayun Temple has an area of approximately 4 hectares. Based on historical records, Taman Ayun Temple was a place of worship of the Mengwi Royal family in the past. Over time, this temple became a place of worship for public.
In Balinese, 'Ayun' means beautiful. Taman Ayun is defined as a temple that has a beautiful garden. Taman Ayun Temple has been built since 1632. Until today, it is still well maintained in every part of the temple. In the temple complex, there is also a pool that surrounds Taman Ayun Temple. When you see the temple from afar, it will look like a floating temple. Inside the temple area, you’ll feel a calm and beautiful atmosphere built from trees neatly arranged along the temple fence.
Based on Asta Kosala Kosali, or also known as the architectural layout of buildings based on Balinese belief, there are three parts inside the Taman Ayun Temple complex. The division of the building complex into three parts is called the Tri Mandala. The first part is Nista Mandala. This first complex can be reached by crossing the bridge over the pond and the main gate. To the right side, there is the Wantilan Monument which is usually used for ritual Tabuh Rah or cockfighting. On this first part, there is a fountain that points to the nine cardinal directions.
To go to Madya Mandala, there is a small temple complex named Pura Luhuring Purnama. The second part of the temple is located higher than the first part. In Madya Mandala, there is an aling-aling called Bale Pengubengan, which is adorned with the relief of the Gods Nawa Sanga or nine gods guarding the direction of the wind. On the east side of the Madala Mandala courtyard stands a small temple named Pura Dalem Bekak, and on the west side, there’s the Balai Kulkul.
The last part is called the Mandala Utama. This complex is the most sacred area among the two previous parts. The door will only be opened during religious ceremonies. Inside the Mandala Utama, you can see Meru, which is symbolizing the towering Mount Mahameru.
The division of the shrine into three parts refers to the concept of Balinese Hindu cosmology. Humans are located on the first part describing the world 'below'. While the second part is the abode of the gods, and the most sacred part is the place of God Almighty.
When visiting Taman Ayun Temple, you can also visit the Yadnya Human Museum. This museum is located in the temple complex which holds ceremonial documentation on the human cycle from birth to death.
Taman Ayun Temple is located at Jalan Ayodya No. 10, Mengwi District, Badung Regency. When the traffic is normal, it takes an hour from Seminyak. If you depart from Denpasar, it will take approximately 40 minutes. Taman Ayun Temple is open from 08.00 to 18.00 Wita. The parking area is quite large so you don't need to worry about your vehicle. Around the temple, there are interesting souvenir shops and restaurants. So, let’s plan your trip!.
