Pura Tanah Lot temple in Bali

Pura Tanah Lot is one of the many active Hindu temples in Bali. Included in a complex of seven religious buildings located in the ocean. They were built in such a way that being in one temple you can see two of its closest neighbors. Translated from the Balinese language, Tanah Lot means "land in the sea." Indeed, the cult structure is located on a rock surrounded by the waters of the ocean and you can get into it only when the tide occurs. It is a symbol of Bali and one of the main attractions of this amazing and popular island among travelers. It is also one of the revered shrines in the lands of Indonesia.

Construction history

The religious building was built in the 15th century by the brahman Nirartha and was intended to protect against all evil spirits and demons that appear from the depths of the ocean waters. Due to the great activity of the ocean, the rock on which the temple is located began to collapse. The Japanese government has allocated money to maintain and preserve this unique structure.

The Balinese, thanks to the invaluable help of the Japanese, managed to preserve the rocks and even quite successfully. Many of them had to be created almost from scratch from artificial stone. Working to preserve the site, workers gave the newly erected rocks a natural and natural disguise.

Now it is difficult to guess that some restoration work was once carried out here. Nowadays, the cult object is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Fund. This sacred site is very popular with tourists and pilgrims. Unfortunately, only Hindu believers are allowed to visit the temple.

But this does not upset many travelers, since the nature near the attraction is very beautiful and they are content to have visited such wonderful places that look like a fairy tale. A small market has emerged near the religious building, where mainly souvenirs are sold. Also, a parking lot was built near the temple, many restaurants and cafes.

Description

In appearance, the cult building resembles the shape of a ship. The temple acquired such its present appearance, thanks to the constant impact, over several centuries, of sea water on the rock. Many large and small snakes live in it. Local Hindus believe that they protect the shrine from all kinds of enemies and assassination attempts. And from the depths of the rock, a stream with clear water, which has healing power, beats. The temple itself has two floors.

Its first tier was carved into the rock and has a rather modest decoration. The second was built in the traditional Indian style and is an altar. All rooms of the religious building are like a sacred pagoda, which personifies Mount Meru, sung in many Hindu religious legends, where the highest deities live. This temple was built in honor of the goddess of the sea, named Betare Tenga Segare, but the complex itself is decorated with images of many Hindu gods, such as:

• Shiva
• Ganesha
• Kartikeya
• Cali
• Vishnu

To get inside the temple, visitors must first pass through the main gate, which is decorated with various religious symbols and a swastika. Not far from the temple, you can find two observation platforms, which offer a gorgeous view of the natural landscapes of the area. Many tourists say that this magical corner is like a photographer's paradise. This is a great location for all kinds of sunset filming.

Legend

This sacred place is surrounded by many legends and folk tales. One of the versions says that the wandering brahmana monk Nirartha saw this place in a dream, then it dawned on him that it had holiness and a temple should be built here so that local Hindus could worship and propitiate the numerous pantheon of sea gods and goddesses.

According to another version, the brahmana saw the divine light emanating from a spring located at the foot of the rock and arrived in this area. But the locals did not welcome the stranger very warmly and drove him away. Nirarthi became very angry and with the help of his power of thought, he separated a part of the rock into the sea. The temple is guarded by about a thousand snakes. The most important and huge guard, whose poison is much stronger than the poisonous secretions of a cobra, they say that the monk created it from his shawl, using magic.

Travel Tips

The temple can only be visited by people, believers and worshipers of the deity, in whose honor the religious building was erected. Tourists are allowed to stay only on the first tier of the shrine. Before entering the temple, tourists for a donation will be offered to undergo a purification rite, after which you will be allowed to climb just a few steps forward. And travelers are not allowed to the altar itself. So it is up to you to pass this rite or not, to sacrifice to the gods or not.

The best time to visit an attraction is considered to be when the ocean is low tide. Then a small intersection is formed, which is dotted with all kinds of natural patterns. These patterns were formed due to the effects of salty sea water. This isthmus connects the temple with the land. And it won't be difficult to get to it, except that you slightly wet your ankles. It is recommended to visit it at sunset, as it will be very hot here during the day.

Where is it located and how to get there

The temple is located a forty-minute drive from major Balinese cities such as Kuta and Ubud. From them you can get to your destination by bike. Also, the sacred place can be visited by bus as part of an excursion group. If you have finances, it is not difficult to order a local taxi, which will comfortably take you to the isthmus leading to the temple, and for an additional fee, the driver will gladly wait for your return after visiting the attraction. When the ocean is high, you can visit the unusual religious building only by getting to it by boat or water scooter.

Pura Tanah Lot temple on the map