Pura Penataran Pande Peliatan

One of the fascinating things about Bali is that there are, literally, temples everywhere. Because of this, Bali is known as “the Island of a Thousand Puras”. Any street you turn down will have a temple of some sort, whether it be a grand edifice or a ‘small’ local establishment. I hesitate to call them small, though, because even the small ones are of a decent size.

On our first day in Bali, we got to see one of the smaller temples and were just fascinated by the layout and design. We had been on our way to Gunung Kawi and saw this neat temple shortly after leaving our hotel. We didn’t realize until later that, as fascinating as this one temple was, it was just one of the smaller, more plain temples in the area. And, really, no temple in Bali is all that plain.

The word ‘pura’ is a Sanskrit word that means ‘walled city’ or ‘palace’ and accurately describes a Balinese temple. The temples in Bali are set up to where they have all the sacred buildings within a walled complex. Even though the complex is walled on the exterior, the interior is designed so that worship takes place in an open-air setting that follows the Tri Mandala formula for how structures should be layed out.

Bali_temple_diagram

Before getting inside the temple itself, there are some really neat things to see before the entrance gate. The exterior of a Balinese temple is pretty spectacular. There are statues, pavilions and some beautiful carvings.

Pura Penataran Pande Peliatan

On the wall at the left of the temple is a plaque that I’m assuming was placed there when the temple was built. I’ve tried to translate this to English, but none of the online tools I’ve used can translate more than two words. My guess is that this plaque is dedicating the temple and denotes the date of dedication, October 7, 2006.

Pura Penataran Pande Peliatan

This is a stone statue of a Balinese Hindu god. He sits outside the entrance to the outer courtyard. I looked around for an hour trying to figure out this guy’s name, but I couldn’t find it. I actually had a hard time with finding any definitive information on the statues and carvings on Balinese temples. There are several different sites that list different names, but the consensus is that this statue is guarding the entrance to the temple.

Pura Penataran Pande Peliatan

This is the pedestal in front of the entrance to the temple. The detail of the carving and the intricacy of the pedestal design is just wonderful.

Pura Penataran Pande Peliatan

One of the demon carvings at the base of the outer courtyard pedestal.

Pura Penataran Pande Peliatan

The first part of the Tri Mandala is known as the Nista mandala, or outer zone, and is used for dance performances and an are to make preparations during religious festivals. This is one of the doors congregants have to go through to get into this area.

Pura Penataran Pande Peliatan

Large pavilion (bale) in the inner courtyard, or Madya mandala, the middle zone.

Pura Penataran Pande Peliatan

One of the smaller shrines in the inner courtyard.

Pura Penataran Pande Peliatan

This tower is in the process of being decorated for an upcoming festival.

Pura Penataran Pande Peliatan

I love the style of this shrine, the multiple layers and and detailed accouterments.

Pura Penataran Pande Peliatan

You just can’t look at this without being awed by the detail and the precision of the carving.

Pura Penataran Pande Peliatan

I really love the temples in Bali. They are so fascinating and unique. I could have spent days just stopping at every one we passed in Ubud. Each temple is unique in its own way, thus leading to no two temples being exactly alike. If you get a chance to go to Bali, I recommend taking some time to visit a temple or two, just so you can enjoy and appreciate this part of the Balinese culture.

21 Comments

  • kireilauriel

    Gorgeously-captured images with a detailed explanation that’s better than a local tour guide! (seriously.. I’ve tried a few options in Bali and Nepal, and I was happier just using the internet + Lonely Planet) 😀 I envy you being there; it’s a gorgeous culture and great get-away. Thanks for bring us along on the ride! <3

    xo,
    lauriel
    EyeForElegance.com

  • Alex

    I’ve heard wonderful things about Bali and can’t wait to see it for myself. Love all the pictures, they don’t help ease my wanderlust 🙂 SImply beautiful.

  • Michelle Hwee

    Wow these photos are just spectacular! I love how pretty and original they look. Would love to visit one day!

  • estherjulee

    we definitely need to spend more time exploring temples next time! we’ve been twice but hardly spent time off the resort bc it’s was nice we wanted to make the most of it! next time! 🙂

  • Rosey

    You got some really great pictures. Maybe someone who can translate will happen along and read the blog post! 🙂

  • Lisa @bitesforbabies

    This place is beautiful and your pics are amazing!! I’ve traveled quite extensively, but mostly around Europe. The more I hear about places like this, the more I want to make it a point to visit them one day!

  • Myrabev

    This is all so beautiful and really so fascinating, the design of the temple and the carvings on the walls are just amazing. Hope to one day visit Bali

  • Rena McDaniel-Alz Caregiver

    Wow what an amazing trip and so many beautiful city to visit. I love these temples and all of the detail that were put into them. Thank you for sharing this trip with us it really is a one of a life time thing to do! I also pinned it for later.

  • Fi Ní Neachtáin

    Amazing pictures! I would love to visit Bali for myself one day and soak up all the culture for myself, it looks so beautiful.

  • Boonie

    My whole name is Sanskrit (Boontarika) and I thoroughly enjoyed your words and images! The photos are breathtaking and simply beautiful. I love the history and sense of balance an old country must work towards when it’s existed for so long. The temples are something I’d love to visit in the future, and until I have that opportunity, I have this post to live vicariously through. Thank you.

  • Alysia from My Domestic Dish

    Those temples are absolutely gorgeous. I’m always floored by the immense amount of detailing and the beautiful colours that are put into Balinese architecture, especially for the times in which they were built. Nothing modern looks quite so inspiring.

  • Jeanne Melanson

    Wow! Thank you for sharing this. The stonework is amazing! Imagine the hours and hours it took to carve all that. And all the layers. It’s unimaginable. I love your photographs. Very nice. I appreciate you taking the time to share with us in your blog. Take care!

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