Pura Taman Saraswati – An Insight into Special Balinese Saraswati Temple

A trip to Bali is incomplete without visiting Ubud. Not just international travellers, but the Balinese people also have a great affinity towards Ubud. Be it exotic landscapes, water sports, culinary tours or art and culture; Ubud has everything in it. Pura Taman Saraswati Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Saraswati, sits in the centre of the culturally extravagant town in Bali. Saraswati is a Hindu goddess of art, knowledge and wisdom. Goddess Saraswati is believed to live in the tip of everyone’s tongue and therefore she is present whenever someone speaks. She is the goddess of speech, and her blessings are invoked through reading the mantras that are written on sacred traditional palm-leaf manuscripts, known as lontar.

About Pura Taman Saraswati Temple

This temple is very small and is well known for its beautiful water garden (Lotus pond) and is also one of the finest artwork of the famous sculptor Lempad. The lotus pond becomes the main attraction here with higher tourist interests and this indeed differentiates and makes the Pura Taman Saraswati temple unique, from the other temples in Ubud. The pink coloured lotuses are neatly arranged in the water garden and this pond is beautifully bordered by the frangipani trees. 

This temple is situated near the Ubud palace and is easy to locate. This Temple is also seen to be sandwiched between Starbucks and the Lotus Cafe Ubud. The Lotus Cafe overlooks the pond and this cafe offers an amazing view of the pond with the temple in the background.  

Dress codes are mandatory for entering Bali Temples. Men and women are expected to wear clothes that cover their legs and midriff. Sashes and Sarongs are available at the entrance. Make sure you get them and wear it if you are planning to enter the temple. 

There’s a bridge across the pond that connects the outer temple area to the main gate. The main gate stands majestically decorated with gold ornaments. Tourists are not allowed into the inner sanctum of the temple. The inner sanctum is open only for the people who wish to worship Goddess Saraswati.

Most tourist destinations in Ubud generally charge an entrance fee. However, the Pura Taman Saraswati Temple does not have an entry fee and remains open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can visit the temple free of cost, but you should pay the entrance fee; if you are planning to watch the Balinese dance performance, performed here.

Cultural Dance Performance at Saraswati Temple

Balinese dance performances start by 7:30 pm and go as the day proceeds. The ticket fare is about 80.000 IDR/person. You can purchase the tickets from the temple authorities who are at the entrance. A stage is set in the temple surrounded by the lotus pond and different dance performance is held every day. The famous Kecak dance performance happens in the temple complex on every Tuesday and Thursday.

You can also view the Balinese dance performance from the Lotus cafe. However, it will require you to book a table in advance for dining. The Average cost per meal is 300000 IDR/person. 

So if you want to witness the beauty of architecture and stunning water garden along with some Balinese Dance performance, the Pura Taman Saraswati Temple is the best place to visit. Read more about places near the Pura Taman Saraswati Temple in Pickyourtrail.com. Let’s get started with your Bali itinerary and check out the various Bali tour packages from India and much more.