Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, also known as Pura Bratan, stands as a significant Hindu Shaivite temple situated in Bali, Indonesia. Nestled amidst the mountains near Bedugul, the temple complex graces the shores of Lake Bratan. The lake’s water not only nourishes the surrounding region but also supports numerous smaller water temples downstream, each catering to a specific irrigation association known as subak.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan – Shiva Temple in Bali Indonesia
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is among the nine sacred temples known as ‘Kahyangan Jagat’ in Bali. Apart from the main temple, the complex also houses five other shrines devoted to different Hindu deities.
Constructed in 1633, this temple serves as a place for rituals and tributes to Dewi Danu, the Balinese goddess of water, lakes, and rivers. It holds great significance as Lake Bratan is a vital irrigation source in central Bali. Within the temple complex, there is an impressive 11-storey pelinggih meru dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvathi.
Additionally, a statue of Buddha is also revered within this sacred site. Due to its unique location, the temple is often referred to as the “Bali temple on the Lake” as it appears to be floating when the Bratan River swells.
Temple Architecture
A traditional temple follows the layout described in ancient Lontar texts, featuring three courtyards divided by low walls adorned with intricate gateways. The outer courtyard serves as a space for secular activities, hosting pavilions where meetings take place and performers and musicians rest during festivals. Additionally, food stalls are erected here during festive occasions. The middle courtyard acts as a transitional area between the human and divine realms, where offerings are prepared and temple items are stored. Finally, the inner courtyard is dedicated to the shrines and religious ceremonies. The merus, also referred to as shrines, are square buildings with brick foundations and several roofs in the design of pagodas, each covered with thatched materials. The deity’s prominence is indicated by the number of roofs, which is consistently an odd number.
Buddhist Stupa of Beratan
The Beratan Buddhist stupa, situated within the Pura Ulun Danu Beratan tourist complex, serves as a sacred site for Buddhists. Its location in close proximity to Hindu places of worship makes it a unique and intriguing structure, symbolizing religious harmony. The stupa faces south and is situated outside the main area of the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple complex, making it a distinctive structure.