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 the 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, art and crafts. These things are without any doubt the foundation of Bali, its society, and culture.
Ulun Pura Batur and the Batur village were located down in the caldera at the foot of the very active volcano, Mount Batur. 1926, a strong eruption destroyed among many other villages and temples also Batur – but its most important shrine, the 11-tiered meru dedicated to the goddess controlling water and the holy springs. The people of Batur rebuilt their village and the temple at highest and oldest rim of the caldera. From the nine temples in this compound, Pura Penataran Agung Batur, is the principal temple, with five main courtyards. The other temples are Pura Taman Sari, Pura Sampian Wangi, Penataran Pura 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 3 slightly smaller meru, dedicated to Ida Batara Dalem Waturenggong (famous King from the 15th century), Mount Batur, and Mount Abang.
Like many other very important temples on Bali that draw many devotees and also many tourists, expect to pay a donation of around 1US$. There s much to explore here beside the main meru. Bali has been for centuries an agricultural society depending on the rich flow of fresh water for its many rice paddies. Bali’s unique irrigation system (Subak) that is strictly controlled from the top of the volcanoes back down to the shores of the sea has inspired anthropologists and scientists worldwide. And here you will be in the temple of the main deity of the water and irrigation system of Bali – take your time and observe the devotees and you will sense the importance of this unique temple site.
