Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: Temple in the Middle of a Lake and Harmony with Nature

As briefly implied in the Lontar Babad Mengwi, Historically, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple was built by I Gusti Agung Putu, the first king of Puri Mengwi in the Saka Year 1556 and was built by Four Satakan from the Traditional Village around the Temple, consisting of; Gedog Pesatak Candikuning, Gedog Pesatak Baturiti, Gedog Pesatak Antapan, Gedog Pesatak Bangah. When the king of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu, suffered defeat in the war against I Gusti Ngurah Batu Tumpeng. In his defeat, I Gusti Agung Putu performed meditation on the top of Mount Mangu to ask for enlightenment and supernatural powers, after this blessing was obtained he got up and founded the Belayu palace (Bela Ayu) and returned to fight against I Gusti Ngurah Batu Tumpeng, and succeeded with victory, after victory The king built a temple on the shores of Lake Beratan and is now called Pura Ulun Danu Beratan.

Ulun Danu Temple on Lake Beratan Bedugul from the description of the history of the ancient Balinese kingdom, as quoted in the chronicle of Mengwi, that in this area there are two historical relics, namely a sarcophagus and also a stone board that comes from the Megalithic era. So it can be said to be quite ancient and old, dating from 500 BC. Both artifacts are now placed in the temple.

The Architectural Beauty of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a symbol of the beauty of traditional Balinese architecture. Consists of several temple complexes located along Lake Beratan. The main structure is Meru Utama, which has a pagoda-like shape and is iconic with its three beautiful roof levels. The roofs are decorated with stunning carvings and colors, reflecting Hindu culture and beliefs.

The temple at Ulun Danu Temple has three main bases which symbolize sacred mountains and lakes. The building was constructed using black volcanic stone and white volcanic ash, creating a stunning visual contrast. Every architectural detail is so fine and detailed, making this temple a major attraction for fans of architectural art.

Some Lontar mention that Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a place of worship for Sang Hyang Widhi in his role as the God of Prosperity. This temple also functions as a place of worship for the goddess who resides in Lake Beratan, namely Dewi Laksmi - who is the goddess of fertility and beauty. Currently Ulun Danu Temple has the status of Pura Kahyangan Jagat because of the existence of Lake Beratan as a water source for agricultural irrigation for the surrounding area. It is a public temple where Hindus pray from all regions, groups and professions.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (Photo Source: Personal Collection)

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple consists of five temple complexes and 1 stupa. Among them is the Penataran Agung Temple, which can be seen after entering Bentar Temple towards Beratan. This temple is intended to worship the Tri Purusha Shiva, namely Shiva, Sadha Shiva and Parama Shiva.

Pura Dalem Purwa contains three main shrines, namely Pelinggih Dalem Purwa as the burial place for Bhatari Durga and Dewa Ludra who are worshiped as a source of prosperity, Bale Murda Manik as the funeral hall and Bale Panjang as a place to place upakara. The pelinggih in this temple faces east, on the southern shore of Lake Beratan.

Taman Beiji Temple is used for the ngebejiang ceremony (purifying ceremonial facilities) and requesting holy water from the Beratan (water) lake. Not only that, this temple also functions as a place for melasti by the local community. This temple is located on the east side of the Enjung Beji Hotel.

Lingga Petak Temple is actually what is clearly displayed in the Rp. 50,000 note. At Lingga Petak Temple it consists of three levels in which there is a sacred well which holds Tirta Ulun Danu. Not only that, in this temple there is also a white phallus. Surrounded by black and red stones. This temple is believed to be the main source of water and fertility of Lake Beratan. There are two shrines in this temple, namely Pelinggih Meru Tumpang Solas which faces south and Pelinggih Meru Tumpang Telu, which has four doors facing the four cardinal directions.

Prajapati Temple There is a large banyan tree as a marker. This temple functions as Bhatari Durga's palace. This pelinggih, which faces west, is the first to be seen shortly after visitors pass the ticket box and enter the Danu Beratan area.

There is also a Buddhist Stupa in Ulun Danu Beratan. The Buddhist stupa here signifies the meaning of religious harmony and harmony. This stupa faces south and is located outside the main area of ​​the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple complex.

Each temple complex has a different purpose and function, such as the Penataran Agung Temple to worship the Tri Purusha Shiva, the Dalem Purwa Temple which honors Bhatari Durga and Dewa Ludra as a source of prosperity, the Taman Beiji Temple for the ngebejiang and melasti ceremonies, the Lingga Petak Temple which is believed to be the source of the water and fertility of Lake Beratan, Prajapati Temple as Bhatari Durga's palace, and the Buddhist Stupa as a symbol of religious harmony.