Kingdom of the Gods



While Indonesia is primarily Muslim, Java is mainly Buddhist while Bali is 90% Hindu. The overwhelming feelings when traveling around Bali are serenity and spirituality. Serenity from her lush green rice paddies, spirituality from her numerous temples.


Dawn breaks on the enchanting Pura Ulun-Danu, a Shaivite temple in North Bali on the Bratan lake, that looks like it is floating on water when the tide rises. Early morning, and we find very few people within its sprawling complex - leaving ample time for a leisurely stroll.
At the opposite end in south west Bali is the fairly crowded Tanah Lot temple, the temple of the Hindu sea god Varuna - an attraction perhaps better suited for sunsets, were it not for the throngs of devotees and eager selfie chasers (PC Debomita Basu).


In Central Bali stands the Tirta Empul water temple dedicated to Vishnu. Devotees attend ablution ceremonies to wash away their sins in the divine waters or amritha.


The temple celebrates the victory of the Hindu God Indra over the Mayadenawa. The temple has a koi pond, and is a frequent venue for Gelungun processions that celebrate that victory.


















Video: Serenity! One of the floating restaurants near Ubud, set among rice terraces and blissful koi ponds.



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