Indonesia

Taman Ayun , a family temple also called Pura Kawiten is reputed to be one of the Balinese most beautiful religious sites. It’s the largest temple after Besaki. Make a stop when you pass the locality of Mengwi, only 15 km west from Ubud and 17km north of Denpasar.

History

The complex was built in 1634 by Mengwi king Tjokerda Sakti Blambangan as a private temple where the family ancestors were worshiped.

Mengwi was then a powerful capital. The family complex became the main temple for the people of Mengwi as it was closer than Besaki.

The site went under important renovations in 1937, and today, Taman Ayun stands as an architectural masterpiece. In 2002, the Balinese authorities requested UNESCO to list the monument as world cultural heritage.

Taman Ayun today

The complex is encircled by a canal. It comprises two distinct courtyards called jaba. A richly decorated bridge crosses the 1st court with magnificent green spaces, a pond and a fountain, then proceeds to the second court.

The temple architecture features traditional Balinese ornaments. East of the court stands a small temple called Pura Dalem Bekak while in the western corner we find an eight-meter high wooden bell tower known to locals as ‘Bale Kulkul’. Among these architectural masterpieces the 11-tiered pagoda dedicated to Shanghyang Widi is the most prominent. It is the tallest structure of the compound. The last courtyard named Utama Mandala is the holiest and most sacred place. It’s used only for special ceremonies and rituals.

Since many centuries the temple is dedicated to the ancestors of Raja Mengwi dynasty and to important gods.

Set in a magnificent park, Taman Ayun means beautiful garden. We can admire a pond with ancient carvings and a fountain with nine spouts. The middle one symbolizes the god Dewa Nawa Sanga.

How to get there?

From Denpasar, go towards the north then take Jalan Kapal direction Bedugul

• Opening hours and cost

The entrance cost Rp20 000

Open from 9am to 4pm