Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

We all seem to develop an interest in history and culture at some point, to explore more about it we end up travelling to various places and Bali is the place that would top the list. Bali owns various temples and cultural monuments that fall under UNESCO world heritage and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one such that holds a huge history behind.

A temple built on the edge of a vast crater, the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of the Lake Ida Batari Dewi Ulun Danu. The shrines are Merus dedicated to the Lake Goddesses thus the Gods of Mount Batur and Mount Gunung Agung, the most important volcanoes in Bali. Built-in the 17th century, the temple worships Hindu trinity, Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva. Prayers were also offered to the Lake Goddess, Dewi Danu. The scenic atmosphere of the Bali uplands have made the lake and this temple a must-visit attraction, a recreational spot and also as a frequently photographed site. The surface of the lake surrounding the temple’s base creates a novel floating impression, and the Bedugal ranges provide the temple a scenic backdrop.

In Ulun Danu Temple you’ll be able to get water of a specific variety. The water is collected from the lake itself, just ahead of the temple. Visitors have to wear a sash and cannot go near. Bathing is forbidden. The lake serves as the irrigation system for the nearby regions and therefore it holds huge significance. The temple priests state that the lake is fed by springs located at each of the wind directions. Each of the springs is the origin of water for that specific region of central Bali. So, farmers from North Bali collect their holy water from the northern spring of the lake and thereon. Ulun Danu Temple lies by the western banks of Lake Bratan at a tier of 1239m, and is one among the foremost picturesque and most photographed temples in Bali.

History of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Ulun Danu Beratan temple is often traced back to the growing of the Mengwi kingdom. The name of the temple is taken from the lake where the temple is made at Bratan Lake. The deity and the Goddess is worshipped for one’s fertility, prosperity and well being. The Papyrus Chronicle of the Mengwi and the temple was established by the Mengwi Empire and is categorised as Dang Kahyangan. Papyrus of Usana Bali and Padma Bhuwana are identical ones to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Puncak Mangu Temple where the Panyawangan (representative place to worship) is the Ulun Danu Temple and thus, all the Balinese residents named the Ulun Danu Beratan is the Kahyangan Jagat (The Biggest Group of Hindu Temple in Bali).

Architecture of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

The ‘floating’ temple complex comprises four groups of shrines, including the prominent Lingga Petak shrine to its east. Four gates face each of the four points of the compass.

The Temple consists of 4 complexes that are:

• Lingga Petak Temple: built to worship the “Shiva God”
• Penataran Pucak Mangu Temple: this gate is placed in Pucak Mangu and is called the Bhatara Hyang Danawa or built to worship the “Wisnu God”
• Terate Bang Temple – built to worship the “Brahma God”
• Dalem Purwa Temple – built to worship the Bhatara Hyang Danawa or “Laksmi Goddess”.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Ceremonies

The temple ceremony is of two types :

• The standard ceremony takes place every 6 months on a Tuesday as per the Balinese Hindu calendar and the other ceremony takes place every year, it is grander than the standard.
• Pakelem ceremony is executed when there are natural calamities to worship the divine for the gift of life, fertility, prosperity, and maintain a balanced ecosystem.

How to get to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

The temple is an hour and a half drive from the Bali international airports of Kuta or Seminyak. You can rent a car or two-wheeler and take a day trip to Ubud.

Best time to visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Bali is usually visited all year round because of its tropical weather and wanderlust beaches that always remain on the list of exploration for all travellers. You can visit the Ulun Danu Temple anytime between 8:00 am to 9:00 pm on all days.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Entrance Fees

The entry fees are about 10,000 IDR for foreign tourists approximately 50.00 INR. For other additional activities like fishing and touring at the lake, one can hire a Jukung (small traditional Balinese boat) and fishing gears at an additional charge.

The Ulun Danu Beratan temple holds a lot about mythological history with scenic views for tourists to have a great time with their loved ones. Already excited to visit the place? We at Pickyourtrail can help customize your Bali itinerary for your vacations and ensure you have a great vacation. So, start planning and happy travelling!