Description of the attraction
Ulun Danou Temple is the main Shaiva temple in Bali. It is located on the water, therefore it is also called a water temple.
The temple complex stands on the shores of Lake Bratan, which is also called the lake of the Holy Mountain due to the fact that the land where this lake is located is very fertile. The lake is located at the foot of Mount Gunung Katur, 1200 meters above sea level. The lake is deep enough, in some places its depth reaches 35 meters. The water from the lake is used by farmers to irrigate their lands, where they grow fruits, vanilla, cocoa and coffee.
Locals worship the goddess of Lake Bratan - Devi Danu. There is an ancient legend that if you swim in the lake, you will live a long time, and the body will retain its youth. Locals try to visit this lake at least once a year.
Ulun Danou Temple was built in the 17th century, during the existence of the powerful kingdom of Mengwi. It hosted ceremonies to worship the Balinese goddess of water, lakes and rivers, Devi Danu, since Lake Bratan was an important source of water for the central part of Bali.
The water temple complex consists of four temples. In the first temple, Lingga Petake, Lord Shiva is worshiped. In the second - to the god Vishnu, in the third - to the god Brahma, and in the fourth - to Devi Danu. The temple is very beautiful, from afar it seems as if pagodas are growing out of a lake. The pagodas of the temples have a different number of vaults - 3, 5, 7, 9 or 11. The number of vaults indicates dedication to a certain deity. The main temple - Lingga Petake - has 11 tiers.
Not far from the temple complex there is a restaurant where you can taste local cuisine, and there is also a market where you can buy souvenirs.
