Royal Water Temple at Taman Ayun

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Our first stop during our Bali "temple run" was the Pura Taman Ayun, which was built in 1634. It is unique because it has extensive gardens and a moat surrounding the inner temple compound. I learned prior to our trip, that this temple is actually a UNESCO Heritage Site! 

On the day we visited, the gate to the inner sanctum was open. Our driver, Jek, explained that our visit coincided with a big religious festival, which was why the temple was very crowded (not counting the tourists who flocked the area). It does look like it because there were many offerings near the feet of Balinese deities everywhere we went. 


The gardens reminded me of Intramuros, particularly of Fort Santiago because they were so green and lush. It was easy to forget that Bali was hot and humid because the gardens and the fountains had a cooling effect.


Under the wantilan (cockfighting pavilion), we saw children all dressed up... the equivalent of Christians wearing their Sunday's best to go to church. These young women appeared to be in uniform: a white lace corset over a sarong skirt with a colourful belt around their waist. 


I thought that this must be some sort of uniform for young girls. However, we started noticing that women were also dressed the same way. They even carried their containers of offerings on their heads.


Because Val and I are not Balinese Hindus, we were prohibited from entering the inner sanctum... however, we were allowed to walk on the other side of the moat that protected it. 


As we explored the temple compound, we caught glimpses of worshippers through gaps in the walled inner sanctum.



In areas where non-worshippers could visit, we were able to watch musical performances on traditional Balinese instruments. I noticed that only men performed so I wonder if women aren't allowed to perform in the temple.


In one spot, the outer sanctum rose in such a way that we could see the shrine of Garuda, a bird-like being in Hinduism. He is deemed the king of birds and as a symbol of kingly power. In Taman Ayun, Garuda's shrine was adorned in yellow cloth and stood amid the pelinggih meru (meru towers), which were the temporary Earthly temples of the deities. Since Pura Taman Ayun used to be the royal temple of the Mengwi Kingdom, some of these towers are dedicated to its old kings.


Bali architecture, and its deep connection to religion, is fascinating. This temple was just the first; we were visiting two more temples over the course of one day. It's was an exciting day indeed.

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