Ulun Danu Batur
Pura Ulun Danu Batur (“Pura Ulun Danu”, “Pura Batur” or “Pura Bat”) was built in 1926. It is dedicated to the goddess of lakes and rivers, Dewi Danu. Water is extremely important to the Balinese, so the goddess and the temples built to worship her are very sacred to Balinese Hindus.
General Information
Ulun Danu literally translates as “head of the lake,” which reflects not only the location of the temple but also its importance and main purpose. The temple compound actually consists of nine different smaller temples. There are almost 300 shrines dedicated to the gods and goddesses of springs, water, crafts, art, and agriculture. These are without a doubt the foundation of Bali, its society, and culture.
Location & Setting
Pura Ulun Danu Batur and the Batur village were originally located down in the caldera at the foot of the very active volcano, Mount Batur. In 1926, a strong eruption destroyed many villages and temples, including Batur, but the most important shrine, the 11-tiered meru, dedicated to the goddess of water and the holy springs, survived. The people of Batur rebuilt their village and the temple at the highest and oldest rim of the caldera. Among the nine temples in the compound, Pura Penataran Agung Batur is the principal temple, with five main courtyards. The other temples are Pura Taman Sari, Pura Sampian Wangi, Pura Penataran Jati, Pura Tirta Bungkah, Pura Tirta Mas Mampeh, Pura Tuluk Biyu, Pura Gunarali, and Pura Padang Sila. Within the most sacred area of Pura Penataran Agung Batur, you will find the 11-tiered meru and three slightly smaller meru, dedicated to Ida Batara Dalem Waturenggong (a famous King from the 15th century), Mount Batur, and Mount Abang.
Good to Know
Like many important temples on Bali, expect to pay a small donation of around 1 US$. There is much to explore here beyond the main meru. For centuries, Bali has been an agricultural society dependent on the rich flow of fresh water for its rice paddies. Bali’s unique irrigation system (Subak), strictly controlled from the volcano tops down to the shores, has inspired anthropologists and scientists worldwide. Here, at the temple of the main deity of Bali’s water and irrigation system, you will truly sense the importance of this unique site.
