|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
Top:/Destinations/Bali/Regencies/Badung/Places to visit/Taman Ayun
 "Taman Ayun literally translated means beautiful garden, and this temple situated in the village of Mengwi, 18 km west of Denpasar, is indeed one of Bali's most picturesque temples. Its stately proportioned courtyards and large surrounding moat were built in the year 1634 by the king of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Anom.
Containing both the royal family's ancestral shrines and the storeyed Meru Shrines to the major deities, Taman Ayun became the main temple for the ancient kingdom of Mengwi. Every 210 days, on Tuesday Kliwon Medangsia (according to the traditional Icaka Calendar), the entire local population gathers at the temple to worship, celebrating the temple's anniversary.
The Pura Taman Ayun complex is devided into four distinct areas, each one higher than the other. The first of these courtyards, known as the jaba, is just across the moat, and must be reached by the one and only bridge. Here can be found a small shrine, protecting the entrance to the temple, and cock fights are held here on ceremonial days.
The path leads through the first courtyard and then passes up through an elevated split gate and there, on the eastern side, is a small complex of shrines known as Pura Luhuring Purnama. Opposite this, on the western side, is a large open resting hall and a small pond with fountains on all sides.
The third area, or 2nd inner court, is even higer, and must be reached through another split gate. Here stands a particularly striking building, the bale pengubengan, which is decorated on all sides by images of the nine deities of all the worldly directions. On the eastern side of this is another small complex of shrines known as Pura Dalem Bekak.
The fourth and last courtyard is the highest, and this is the innermost sanctuary of the temple.  The large gate that leads in is opened only during festivals for the passing of the deities, and a smaller gate at the side is used as a day to day thoroughfare. Here are rows of shrines in the many different shapes and sizes to the complete Hindu Dharma pantheon.
The three main courtyards represent the three cosmological levels; from the earthly domain of humans, to the dwelling place of the spirits, and then up to the heavenly home of the Gods. The whole complex is a symbolic image of the Mountain Mahameru, floating in a sea of milk, as portrayed in the ancient story of Adhiparwa.
Seen from a distance, Pura Taman Ayun indeed seems to be afloat, an island of serenity. Its majestic pagodas, stately ways and expansive ground speak of days gone by, and the colorful royal pageantry that is an intrinsic part of Bali's culture.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright1997-2010. Baliwww.com. All rights reserved.
General Inquiries, comments or suggestions about the site, please click Ask Question
or browse our FAQ.
Would you like to review? Click here.
Access Bali Online - ABL Tours and Travel
Puri Taman Umadui B/21
Jl. Gunung Seputan, Denpasar 80117
Bali - Indonesia
Voice: +62-361-731520 ( Open Now 24/7 )
Fax.: +62-361-734379 or 735145
Members: PATA, JATA, ASITA
We accept credit cards
|
|
|
