Taman Ayun

Built in 1634, the temple is the only temple complex exposing the Balinese traditional building structure, called Meru. Taman Ayun, means beautiful garden, located in the village of Mengwi, 18km west of Denpasar, is indeed one of Bali’s most picturesque temples. 

Containing a shrine for the worship of the ancestors of the Royal family and a Meru-shaped temple for the worship of the main gods, Taman Ayun is the main temple of the ancient Mengwi Kingdom.

The temple is surrounded with its beautiful lotus garden. The whole temple complex seemingly pictures the Mount Mahameru floating on a milk pond. Its stately proportioned courtyards and large surrounding moat were built in the year 1634 by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Anom.

Every 210 days, on Tuesday Kliwon Medangsia (according to the traditional Icaka Calender), the entire lokal populace gathers at the temple to worship, celebrating the temple’s anniversary.

The Pura Taman Ayun complex is divided into four distinct areas, each 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 a large open wantilan hall where performances and cock fights are held on ceremonial days.

The path the first courtyard passed up throuht 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.

Seen from a distance, Pura Taman Ayun seems to be afloat, an island of serenity. Its majestic pagodas, stately ways and expansive grounds speak of days gone by, and the colorful royal pageantry that is an intrinsic part of Bali’s culture.

Source: Bali tourism board