Ulun Danu Beratan
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, also known as Pura Bratan, is a famous Shaivite water temple located in Bali, Indonesia. The temple complex is situated on the banks of Lake Bratan in the mountains near Bedugul. Water temples serve the entire region in the outflow area; downstream, there are numerous smaller water temples dedicated to each irrigation association (subak).
This temple, built in 1633, is utilised for gifts to the Balinese water, lake, and river goddess Dewi Danu, due to Lake Bratan’s role as a primary source of irrigation for central Bali. The compound features an 11-story pelinggih meru dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvathi. Buddha’s statue is also housed in this temple. This temple is also known as the Bali temple on the lake because it appears to float when the Bratan river water rises.
Lake Bratan is known as the Lake of Holy Mountain because of the fertile soil in the vicinity. It has a cool tropical climate at an elevation of 1200 meters above sea level. The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is both a popular tourist attraction and an important sanctuary complex located on the western side of Beratan Lake in Bedugul, central Bali. The entire Bedugul zone is a popular cool highland end-of-week and occasion retreat for locals and island visitors both from the southern and urban zones, as it is strategically located between the island’s north and south. Ulun Danu Beratan, also known as ‘the source sanctuary of Lake Beratan’, is the island’s most well-known asylum, sharing the gorgeous traits of Uluwatu and Tanah Lot.
The smooth intelligent surface of the lake, which covers a considerable amount of the sanctuary’s base, creates an incredible coasting effect, while the mountain range of the Bedugul area surrounding the lake provides a majestic backdrop to the sanctuary.
Ulun Danu Beratan, which translates as ‘the source temple of Lake Beratan’, is the island’s most prominent sanctuary, sharing the spectacular attributes of Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. The clean reflective surface of the lake that surrounds the majority of the temple’s base produces a distinct floating appearance, while the Bedugul mountain range that encircles the lake serves as a magnificent backdrop for the temple.
The Ulun Danu temple’s history dates back to the founding of the Mengwi kingdom. The ‘floating’ temple complex consists of four groups of shrines, including the notable Lingga Petak shrine to the east. Four gates face each of the four compass points.
The second group is located in the west and pays respect to another temple on the hill of Puncak Mangu, which is considered a symbol of soil fertility. The ‘puncak’ or hilltop of Mangu is located northeast of Lake Beratan. When you enter the temple gates, you’ll discover the traditional Balinese architectural features and tiered shrines.
The three primary shrines within the complex are dedicated to the worship of gods Vishnu (11 tiers), Brahma (seven tiers), and Shiva (three tiers).
Because the temple complex sits on a low-lying side of the lake, the floating effect is seen when the lake’s water level rises. Now is the moment for the best photo opportunity. Aside from being a quiet witness and historical monument of the Mengwi kingdom’s golden age, this temple complex houses a megalithic artefact in the form of a sarcophagus and a stone tablet. This has led to the notion that the site was sanctified prior to the construction of the Hindu temple.
The Ulun Danu Beratan temple’s anniversary ritual, or Piodalan, takes held every Kliwon Julungwangi Tuesday on the Pawukon Balinese calendar cycle, which lasts 210 days. A larger Piodalan Agung occurs every 420 days. However, on any other day, the tranquil lake views and chilly uplands offer an unforgettable experience.
The Ulun Danu Beratan temple charges an entrance fee of IDR 7,500 for domestic tourists and IDR 10,000 for foreigners. Those seeking more than vistas can hire traditional jukung outriggers to tour the lake, as well as motorised boats for a faster ride. Water sports such as paragliding and jet skiing are also available on the other side of Beratan Lake.
Visitors to the temple complex can rent fishing gear and bait to spend time on the lake. The Eka Karya Botanical Gardens are also a landmark of the Bedugul district, with easy access nearby.
The building’s style is based on the Trimurti religion, which uses three holy colours to represent the three gods Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. The first colour is red, representing Lord Brahma, The Creator.
The second colour is black, which represents Lord Vishnu as the balancer and preserver of the universe. Finally, white represents the god Shiva, The Destroyer.
The region surrounding the temple is thought to have served as a place of worship and a centre for religious ceremonies since the megalithic period. To the left of the temple, there is a sarcophagus and a stone slate dating back to 500 BC. The temple’s existence was first reported in 1556. The King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu, renovated it in 1633, combining Hindu and Buddhist architectural elements. Despite its age, the temple is kept clean and in good shape by the local community. Ulun Danu Temple is one of Bali’s icons, and it appears on the 50,000 rupiah currency.
Lake Beratan is Bali’s second largest lake and provides irrigation for rice crops and plantations in Bedugul Village. The mountain on which it rests is known as “the holy mountain” because of the cool weather and fertile land. Lake Beratan was once Bali’s largest lake, but a severe earthquake divided it into three sections: Beratan, Buyan, and Tamblingan. The term Beratan is derived from the word Brata, which means to conduct oneself in order to meet the nine main demands of life. The phrase is utilised in the term “Tapa Brata,” which means to contemplate and connect with nature.
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