Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is a Temple within the highlands of the mountainous Bedugul in Bali, atop a plateau that sits on Lake Beratan. Lake Beratan is the second largest lake in Bali, and is the source of irrigation for rice fields and plantations across the entire Bedugul Village. The mountain on which it sits is often referred to as “the holy mountain” as the weather is cool and the soil rich and fertile. In early times, Lake Beratan was the largest lake in Bali, until a devastating earthquake occurred, dividing the lake into three sections: Beratan, Buyan and Tamblingan. The name Beratan comes from the word Brata, which means to conduct one’s self to fill the 9 primary needs in life. The word is used in the term “Tapa Brata,” which is to meditate and be united with nature.

The Ulun Danu Temple is a sacred place of Hindus that seems like floating on the Lake which is very well-known on the island of Bali. This Temple is located at the tip of Lake Beratan in the tourist area of Bedugul, Candikuning village, district Baturiti, Tabanan regency, Bali. It is approximately 56 km away from Denpasar city by passing the main Road Denpasar – Singaraja. In the mild, mountain weather, approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, the air is crisp and cool. The stunningly clear lake is calm and almost perfectly still, save for the soft breeze that occasionally sweeps across, creating tiny ripples upon its surface. A thin mist rises from the lake and hangs in the air, surrounding the temple, giving it a somewhat surreal appearance.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple was built in adoration of the Goddess Danu. Danu, in the Balinese tongue, means lake, while the goddess Danu is queen of water, lakes and rivers. The temple complex consists of four sacred buildings. Linga Pura stands three levels high, and is a place of worship to the god Shiva. Pura Puncak Mangu stands 11 levels high, and was built in dedication to the god Vishnu. PuraTeratai Bang is the main temple, and Pura Dalem Purwa is built in worship to Sang Hyang Widhi. This last temple is also a site for those who pray for fertility, prosperity and well-being.

The style of the building follows the Trimurti belief; three holy colors to represent the three gods: Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. The first color is red, to the lord Brahma, The Creator. Second, is black. The symbol of the lord Vishnu, the balance and preserver of the universe.Finally, white for the god Shiva, The Destroyer.

The area surrounding the temple is believed to have been a site of worship and center for religious rituals since the megalithic period. To the left of the temple lies a sarcophagus as well as a stone slate that are dated to around 500 BC. The existence of the temple itself is has been recorded as early as 1556. In 1633, it was rebuilt by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu, with a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles. Despite its age, the temple remains clean and in good condition, well kept by the local community. Ulun Danu Temple is one of the icons of the island of Bali, and is pictured on the 50,000-rupiah bill.

History of Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

The History of Ulun Danu Bratan Temple was found based on archaeological data and historical data contained in the Chronicle ejection of Mengwi. Based on archaeological data which are located in front of Ulun Danu Bedugul, there are relics of historic objects like a stone sarcophagus and stone boards were thought to have existed since the megalithic age, about 500 years before Christ.

Both artifacts are now placed in the courtyard terrace (babaturan) of Ulun Danu Temple. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple has been used as a place to hold a ritual since the era of megalithic tradition in the island of the gods Bali.

Based on the Babad Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu as the founder of the kingdom of Mengwi had established a temple at the far end of the lake Beratan before he built the temple Taman Ayun, not described in the papyrus chronicle of Mengwi when is the exact time he built Ulun Danu Beratan, but described the establishment Taman Ayun temple and the ceremony on the day Anggara POND Medangsia, Caka year 1556 (1634 AD).

Based on the description of the Mengwi chronicle known Ulun Danu Bratan established before the Saka year 1556 by I Gusti Agung Putu. Since the establishment of the temple, the royal Mengwi be peaceful and prosperous, and the community was dubbed him “I Gusti Agung Sakti”

Ulun Danu Beratan complex consists of 5 temples and one Buddhist Stupa:

Penataran

Penataran can be seen when passing Bentar Temple (Gate separately) to Beratan. This temple serves to praise the greatness of God in His manifestation as Tri Purusha Shiva, those are Shiva, Sada Shiva and Parama Shiva to invoke the grace of fertility, prosperity, human well-being, and for the balance of the universe.

Pura Dalem Purwa

Inside the temple, there are three main shrines; Pelinggih Dalem Purwa as a place to worship the Goddess Durga and Lord Rudra who is revered as a source of prosperity, Bale murda Manik (Bale Pemaruman) as a place for parum / meeting / discussion, and Bale length as a place for laying ceremony means of offerings. Shrines in this temple faced east south situated on the edge of Lake Beratan.

Pura Taman Beji

This temple serves to Ngebejiang ceremony (purification ceremony for all ceremonial equipments) and to ask for Tirta (holy water). At Taman Beji also serves as a place for Melasti (Purification Ceremony by Hindus in Bali) for the community around and the locals.

Pura Lingga Petak

Pura Lingga Petak (Ulun Danu Bratan) is believed to be the main source of fertility water from Lake Beratan. There are two shrines here which are pelinggih which has eleven Roof (Pelinggih Meru Solas) facing toward the south, and shrines have three Roof (Pelinggih Meru telu), each of which his doors facing the four corners of the cardinal directions.

Pura Prajapati

Pura Prajapati is located under a large banyan tree; the temple serves as a Palace of Goddess Durga. This shrine facing westward and became the first temple in view after passing the point of purchase admission tickets before entering the area of the lake Bratan.

Buddhist stupas

In the area of Ulun Danu Bratan, there is also a Buddhist Stupa. This stupa signifies the harmony in religious life. This Buddhist stupa facing south located outside of the main area of the complex Ulun Danu Beratan.

How to get to Ulun Danu Bratan Temple Bedugul

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is located at the tip of Lake Beratan in the tourist area of Bedugul, Candikuning village, district Baturiti, Tabanan regency, Bali. It is approximately 56 km away from Denpasar city by passing the main Road Denpasar – Singaraja. In the mild, mountain weather, approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, the air is crisp and cool. The stunningly clear lake is calm and almost perfectly still, save for the soft breeze that occasionally sweeps across, creating tiny ripples upon its surface. A thin mist rises from the lake and hangs in the air, surrounding the temple, giving it a somewhat surreal appearance. If you do not bring a private vehicle, from Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Kuta or Denpasar, You can take advantage of Travel agent services,  or Join our Bali Tours.