Excursion to the Taman Ayun Temple. Bali. Royal water temple Pura Taman Ayun. Besakih Temple Complex

Pura Taman Ayun (or Taman Ayun Temple) is a royal temple in Bali, 17 km from the island's capital Denpasar and 8 km from Ubud. The temple is located near the village of Mengwi - in connection with this, it is also called Taman Ayun Mengwi Temple. Its name can be translated from Indonesian as “beautiful garden.”

Taman Ayun is the second largest temple after Besakih Temple. It is also worth noting that the temple area is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, thanks to the canal irrigation system of the Subak rice fields (you can read about this system and how rice is grown on the island on the Bali Rice Terraces page.

I will tell you about the history of the Taman Ayun Temple and its features. You will find out why this place is interesting and how to get there. I will also tell you what places you can visit near the temple, and at the end of the page I will give a few useful tips on visiting this attraction.

Description of the temple and its territory

Taman Ayun is a Hindu temple with unique Balinese architecture. It is 100 meters long, 25 0 meters wide and is located at an altitude of 180-240 meters above sea level. The complex consists of one external and three internal courtyards. Each is surrounded by stone walls and has different facades.

The first thing that catches your eye when you see the temple is that it is surrounded by a pool with lotus flowers around its perimeter. Thus, you can only get inside through a bridge that goes through a gate (candi bentar, or chandi bentar). This gate resembles a mountain that has been divided into two even parts. Both sides represent the Balinese concept of duality and the importance of maintaining a balance between dark and light forces.

The temple area is divided into three courtyards:

1. Jaba Pura (Jaba Pura)
2. Jaba Tengah
3. Jaba Jero

I'll tell you about each of them.

Jaba Pura

In the center of the park there is a pond, which is surrounded by a variety of flowers (Plumeria, Magnolia, Kananga) and fruit trees such as mangosteen, durian, rambutan and mango.

It is also worth paying attention to tall fountain in the center of the park. 9 water jets run from it: one is directed towards the center, and eight in different directions of the world. This design symbolizes Dewa Nawa Sanga (translated as 9 gods) - Vishnu, Shambha, Ishvara, Maheshvara, Brahma, Rudra, Mahadeva, Surya and Shiva.

Jaba Tengah

This courtyard symbolizes the boundary between the worlds of gods and people.

Here you can see:

• The 8-meter bell tower of Bale-Kulkul, which offers views of the entire complex. It is made of wood, includes two wooden square bells and is decorated with figures of deities made of stone. Bale Kulkul is used when it is necessary to gather all the inhabitants, and also to announce the death of someone.
• Pavilion Bale-Lodzhi. It was here that priests and ceremonial ministers prepared for holidays and rituals. Currently, the pavilion employs artists from whom you can purchase works.
• Bale Pengubengan Pavilion, decorated with patterns depicting 9 Hindu deities guarding the nine cardinal directions.
• Manus Yadnia Museum, founded in 1979. He talks in detail about the life process of Balinese Hindus - from the tomb to the tomb.

Jaba Jero

This is the most sacred place in the temple - the world of the gods. The entire courtyard is surrounded by a small stone wall, and the main gate is only open during Balinese religious holidays and ceremonies, such as Odalan. At the eastern end there is another entrance for everyday use. Inside the third courtyard, many meru towers were built - 29-meter high family shrines. These towers symbolize Mount Mahameru, which is considered the center of all physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes.

Different meru may be dedicated to different gods, and sometimes even to individual people or local mountains. Towers have 3, 5, 7, 9 or 11 levels. These numbers are considered sacred. Also inside the temple there are many stone structures and sculptures that are dedicated to Hindu gods.

Now I will tell you about the history of Taman Ayun Temple.

History of the temple

The temple was built in 1634 by order of the Raja (title given to rulers) of the Mengwi kingdom named I Gusti Agung Putu.

Sometimes the temple is called "royal" or "Pura Kawi ten" (meaning family temple). Indeed, in the old days, members of the royal family came here to pray to their ancestors, who were revered as gods.

The architecture of the temple was done by a friend of the king (Chinese by origin), which is reflected in the appearance of some of the structures. Taman Ayun retained its status as the largest building in the kingdom until the end of the 11th century.

Throughout the existence of the temple, the royal family treated it very carefully and took care of its appearance. But during the war with the ruler of Badung in 1890, they had to flee to the east. In this regard, no one looked after the Taman Ayun temple for a long time.

In 1911, when half of the royal family returned to Mengwi, the temple began to be gradually restored. But on Saturday, January 21, 1917, a very strong earthquake struck the country, so many of the buildings collapsed and were damaged.

The temple has undergone a number of restoration works since the earthquake due to the eruption of Mount Batur and Mount Agung (1963).

The professor of Indonesian history, Henk Schulte Nordholt, mentioned this in his book (The Balinese Dynasty: Hierarchy and Conflict in Negara Mengwi 1700-1940). He devoted his work to studying Southeast Asia, modern politics in Indonesia and history political system on the island of Bali.

The most extensive restoration was carried out in 1937. In 1949, work was carried out in big hall temple. The third reconstruction was carried out in 1972, and the final one in 1976.

Despite many restoration works, the temple today gives the impression of an ancient, centuries-old building. This is partly due to the fact that in the humid climate, the walls of all buildings quickly faded and became covered with moss.

How to get to the temple

Since on public transport It is impossible to get to Taman Ay un Temple, I advise you to rent a car. From the capital of the island, Denpasar, the drive to the temple is about 1 7 km (approximately 40 minutes).

Below is detailed route from Denpasar:

1. Leave the city north on Jl. Seti a Budi, which turns into Jl. Cokroaminoto.
2. At the roundabout, continue straight on Jl. Cokroaminoto.
3. Next turn right onto Jl. Raya Lukluk – Sempidi, follow it straight, then smoothly turn onto Jl. Raya Denpasar – Gilimanuk and continue along it for 3.7 km.
4. Turn right onto Gg. Walmiki/Jl. Raya Denpasar - Gilimanuk.
5. When Jl. Raya Denpasar – Gilimanuk will move to Jl. I Gusti Ngurah Rai, make a slight left onto Jl. I. Gusti Ngurah Rai-Mengwi (by signs at Singaraja/Terminal Penumpang/Bedugul).
6. Continue on Jl. I Gusti Ngurah Rai 1.3 km.
7. Turn left onto Jl. Ganda Mayu, then right onto Jl. I. Gusti Ketut Jelantik, and again to the right - to Jl. Rama.
8. Continue straight on Jl. Ayodya, and on the right you will see Taman Ayun Temple.

Distance to the temple from other popular tourist cities:

• Nusa Dua: 40 km (1 h 20 min)
• Kuta: 25 km (1 h 00 min)
• Seminyak: 55 km (1 h 50 min)
• Sanur: 20 km (50 min)
• Ubud: 20 km (45 min)
• Singaraja: 63 km (2 hours 00 minutes)

Pura Taman Ayun, or Taman Ayun Temple on the map

1km 5km 10km 25km 50km 75km 100km 150km 200km 300km

No results found in this location. Please try again.

I'm planning a route......

Attractions nearby

When planning a trip to Taman Ayun, I advise you to visit other equally interesting places.

Here's what you can see nearby.

Near the market in Kapal village you will find the beautifully decorated Pura Sada Temple. This is the sanctuary of the Mengwi royal family and dates back to the Majapahit era (1293 - 1520). According to legend, a long time ago in Govan (Mainland China) there was a kingdom called Pura Sada. It is believed that the name of the temple is associated with it.

On the territory there is a 16-meter tower, as well as 64 stone shrines, which are a feature of this temple and were erected in tribute to the memory of fallen soldiers.

• Address: Jl. Soka No.8, Kapal, Meng wi
• The visit is free, you can come at any time during the day

This is a monkey forest located in the Sange countryside, an hour's drive from the city of Denpasar.

Taman Ayun is located in the city of Mengwi north of Denpasar. Taman Ayun was built in 1634 and is one of the significant temples on the island. Entrance to the park.

Taman Ayun is surrounded by deep water channels, and you can only get to it along the bridge, which is guarded by 2 guards.

There is a fountain in the park from which 9 jets shoot out, directed towards 8 cardinal directions and a central stream shoots up. They symbolize the main gods of Balinese Hinduism - Dewa Nawa Sanga. There is a belief that if you throw a coin into the fountain, your wish will come true.

The park is surrounded by an intricate concrete fence.

Just a statue in the park.

The courtyard of Taman Ayuna is the most sacred place - it is a working Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. All courtyard structures are built in the best Balinese traditions and decorated with original carvings. Visitors are prohibited from entering the courtyard. The closed gates are proof of this.

You can climb high observation tower located in the park and explore the surrounding area.

View of the courtyard.

The many pagodas towering over the temple courtyard are a distinctive feature of Taman Ayun Temple. The pagodas symbolize Mount Mahameru, sacred to Hindus, which is the axis of the whole world and stands at the very center of the Universe. The highest deity and the souls of the dead live on this mountain.

The courtyard can be walked around from all sides, everything is perfectly visible.

View from a different angle.

Fans of ancient temples will be interested in visiting this temple complex.

Reference

• Pura Taman Ayun is located in the town of Mengwi north of Denpasar.
• The entrance ticket costs Rp 15,000.
• The temple is open to visitors during daylight hours, i.e. from 9.00 to 18.00

Taman Ayun Temple (Indonesia) - description, history, location. Exact address and website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.

• Last minute tours all over the world

Previous photo Next photo

Visitors to this temple complex can admire stunning traditional architecture as well as a large landscaped garden with lotus flowers and fish ponds. The temple was built in 1634 by the then ruler of Mengwi, and the influence of Chinese architecture was quite evident in the appearance of the structure. In 1937, a large-scale restoration of Taman-Ayun was carried out, which also influenced appearance temple. One way or another, the most noticeable architectural features The complex's characteristic towers remain, symbolizing the veneration of the Mengwi people for their noble ancestors. So for the village of Taman-Ayun this is the “mother temple”.

Even though the condition of the reservoirs bears little resemblance to what they were in the days of their splendor, it is still very pleasant to walk around the temple complex. The moss-covered walls and jade water give it a slightly rural charm.

The name "Taman-Ayun" translates as "beautiful garden." And this is true: the spacious round pools were once a place for the royal family to relax.

The name "Taman-Ayun" translates as "beautiful garden." And this is true. Spacious round pools were once a place for the royal family to relax: girls from the palace swam through them in small boats.

Temple complex consists of four separate areas on three terraces, with one being higher than the other. The first, “jaba,” can be reached through a single entrance, passing by the ponds. Inside, not far from the entrance, there is a small protective shrine, and to the right of it is a large common hall where community meetings take place. This area also contains a tall and beautiful fountain.

In the next courtyard, on a higher terrace, you can see a small temple called Luhuring Purnama. To get to the second and third terraces from the first, you need to pass the second gate and pass the pavilion called Bale Pengubengan, decorated with ornaments in which you can see nine Hindu deities guarding the nine parts of the world. In the eastern part of this courtyard there is the Dalem Bekak Church, and in the west there is an eight-meter wooden bell tower, which the locals call “Bale Kulkul”. Climbing onto it, you will admire two square wooden bells, and at the same time a view of the entire complex.

Types of the temple

To the north of the bell tower there is a pavilion called Bale Logi. In former times, clergy and masters of ceremonies prepared here for the holidays. Today, artists work in the pavilion, and you can buy their creations right there.

Directly across the road from the temple is the Manus Yadniya Museum, where you can learn more about the rituals of the Balinese branch of Hinduism and the rites that accompany the Balinese throughout their lives.

The fourth and last courtyard is considered the most sacred and is located above the rest. It is called Utama Mandala. The charmingly patterned central gate is only open during ceremonies to allow initiates to pass through. Another gate, for everyday use, is at the eastern end of the courtyard, in which several pointed towers of varying sizes rise into the sky.

The three terraces of the temple correspond to the three cosmological levels known in the Balinese branch of Hinduism: the world of people, the abode of deities and the highest sacred level. According to the ancient Adhiparva texts, the entire Taman-Ayun complex represents Mount Mahameru in the “sea of ​​foamed milk”, that is, in the formation of the world in the cosmic sense.

In Taman Aayun, every 210 days, the same holiday is celebrated as in the Uluwatu temple in the south - Kliwon Medangsia Tuesday. On this anniversary, many pilgrims can be seen here, flocking to the complex day and night.

Practical information

Address: Mengwi village.

The temple is located in Badung District, 17 km northwest of Denpasar. You can get here along the main road north of the city; Once in the village of Mengwi, you will not miss the temple.

Opening hours: 9:00 - 16:00.

Admission: 20,000 IDR for adults.

Prices on the page are as of September 2018.

Southeast Asia is an attractive region for tourists. There is amazing nature and landscapes here, unique life of local peoples, its own unusual history, and there are simply countless religious buildings. Bali is called the “island of a thousand temples”, and the Taman Ayun Temple is its most important temple.

The temple is located in the city of Mengwi - this is in the north direction from Na, which is part of. The majestic temple complex was built back in 1634 during the Mengwi kingdom by order of Raja Mengwi. It is still one of the revered religious sites in Indonesia.

Until 1891, Taman Ayun was the largest in the kingdom. In 1937, all religious buildings of the complex were restored. The entire territory of the Taman Ayun temple is surrounded by a deep moat with water. The only way to enter the complex is through a bridge guarded by two stone guards.

The full name of the temple - Pura Taman Ayun - is literally translated from Indonesian as “Beautiful Garden”. This is still true today: it is carefully preserved near the temple. beautiful garden, where peace and solitude reign. Sometimes the temple is called "Royal" or "Family" due to the veneration of the deceased Mengwi dynasty.

What is interesting about the Taman Ayun Temple?

The most sacred place here is the courtyard of the complex, where the active Hindu temple of Shiva is located. All the buildings in the courtyard are decorated with intricate carvings. The gate to the courtyard is always closed: visitors are prohibited from entering here. They open only for important people religious holidays islands of Bali, for example, in Oladan.

The pagodas that symbolize Mahamera rise above the courtyard. For Hindus it is sacred because... symbolizes the axis of the whole world and the Universe standing at the very center. Also, the souls of dead people and the highest deity allegedly live on the mountain. The height of the pagodas is 29 m.

In the temple park, in the middle of a rectangular pond with lotuses, there is a symbolic fountain: 1 main jet shoots upward, and 8 others - in the direction of the 8 cardinal directions. The jets of the fountain symbolize the main gods of Dewa Nawa Sanga - Balinese Hinduism. Pilgrims hopefully throw coins at him, believing that this will make their wish come true. There are exotic plants and mythological statues, gazebos and ladders here.

The most convenient way to get to Taman Ayun is by. From the island's capital Bali, head northeast. The distance to the temple is about 20 km. You can also use public by intercity bus to Mengwi.

Many tourists visit the Taman Ayun Temple as part of an organized tour. You can enter the complex from 9:00 to 18:00. A ticket for an adult costs approximately $1, for a child – $0.5.

Pura Taman Ayun Temple is one of the most beautiful attractions in Bali. The temple is located in the south of the island, near the village of Mengwi, just eighteen kilometers from international airport Denpasar and eight kilometers from Ubud.

Pura Taman Ayun is the second largest temple complex in Bali after Besakiha and most beautiful place, which invariably attracts travelers. Its name roughly translates to “temple in the garden.” The word “taman” is translated from Indonesian as “garden”, which is quite logical - the territory of the temple is occupied by a beautiful garden.

From the history of the temple

Pura Taman Ayun was built back in 1634. It was built as a royal temple of the Mengwi dynasty (by order of Ruler Ranji Mengwi). Until 1891, Pura Taman Ayun was considered the main one in the entire kingdom. In 1937, a large-scale restoration was carried out, as a result of which the appearance of the temple was updated. However, this had almost no effect on the atmosphere reigning around him.

Features of Pura Taman Ayun

One of the distinctive features of the temple is the presence of many pagodas that rise above the inner temple palace. They are built for a reason, it is a symbol sacred mountain Mukhamers. It is believed that this mountain represents the axis of our entire world, and it is located in the center of the Universe. At the top lives the Supreme Deity, as well as the souls of deceased people.

The entire territory of this Indonesian attraction is divided into 3 parts:

• Entrance to the temple complex

Pura Taman Ayun is separated from the outside world by a large ditch, which can only be crossed by crossing a single bridge. The quaint towers, gazebos, theater, fountains and small beautiful garden immediately catch your eye. Also from the bridge you can see a small local courtyard “jaba”, inside of which there is an amazing fountain. This fountain has nine jets, four of which point to different directions of the world: northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast. Each of the nine jets represents one of the Balinese gods.

• The next area is the road to the temple.

What’s even more interesting here is the bell tower and the tower, which have a mystical purpose. It is located directly in front of the gates of the temple and protects it from the penetration of evil spirits.

• The last and main part of this Kuta attraction is the temple itself.

The entrance to it is blocked by a huge gate; tourists are also prohibited from entering. Each tower of the temple is dedicated to one deity, the highest of the towers is for the main god Shiva.

The most interesting hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel, is located in Kuta. If you are a fan of rock music, this is the place for you.