Traditions & Temples of Bali

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Our day began with a Balinese dance. The dances are ancient traditions. Most are connected to Hindu rituals, others are more social and artistic expressions. All are dynamic, angular and intensely expressive. Our day ended with tours of two of the most breathtaking temples I could ever imagine. No matter your religion, the beauty was spiritually moving.

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Photos

Balinese Dance - Barong
Barong is a lion like creature and is the king of the spirits. He is the leader of good and the enemy of Rangda, the demon Queen. The battle between Barong and Rangda is featured in Barong dance to represent the eternal battle between good and evil

Balinese Dance - Rangda
Pictured is the Keris Dance, casting a black magic spell.

Pura Bratan - candi bentar (split gate)
Grandma and Mary entering the temple at the split gate (candi bentar)

Pura Bratan-gardens
Gardens inside the temple gate

Pura Bratan - kori agung (gate)
Inside the yard is another gate (called the Kori Agung). This is where the gods enter and exit.

Pura Bratan
Also known as the temple on the lake. It is on the shores of Lake Bratan.

Pura Bratan
The temple has been used as a place for conducting rituals since 500 BC. The temple is used for offerings ceremony to the Balinese water, lake and river goddess Dewi Danu, due to the importance of Lake Bratan as a main source of irrigation in central Bali.

Tanah Lot
This is a place of worship of the gods guarding the sea. There are two temples one on the boulder (pictured) and one on the cliffs.

Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is translated into "small island floating on the sea".

Tanah Lot - sunset
It is a beautiful place to see the sunset.