Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is located on a small promontory jutting out from the western shore of the lake Bratan. The temple is flooded periodically by the rising lake giving the impression that the temple is floating on the surface of the lake. This sacred temple was built by the king of Mengwi in 1633 A.D as a historical monument of peaceful amalgamation of Buddhist and Hindu in Bali. This temple houses intricately carved Buddhists stupa, elegant 11-tiered meru (multi-roofed shrine) dedicated to Vishnu, seven-tiered meru dedicated to Brahma and three-tiered meru that houses a lingga to Shiva. There are also two small shrines inside the temple complex.
This half-Hindu, half-Buddhist temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Goddess of Lake that is believed to control the water of the lake. Lake Bratan is looked upon as a source of irrigation water for the south part of the island. Therefore, the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is the central temple for thousands of irrigation temples and shrines that spread all over southern region of Bali. Island-wide ceremonies are held every year in this temple to ensure a steady and continued supply of water and thousands of pilgrims come from all over the island to pay homage. This sacred temple is also regarded as a central temple by the blacksmith (pande) clan that its members spread all over the island.
The pathway to the temple is shaded by big Banyan tree. The temple is surrounded by immaculate garden with trumpet-flower trees and gladiolas backed by the majestic Mount Catur on the background, creates a picturesque view. This temple maybe the most picturesque temple in Bali, a masterpiece of traditional Balinese architecture set on a perfect location
This half-Hindu, half-Buddhist temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Goddess of Lake that is believed to control the water of the lake. Lake Bratan is looked upon as a source of irrigation water for the south part of the island. Therefore, the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is the central temple for thousands of irrigation temples and shrines that spread all over southern region of Bali. Island-wide ceremonies are held every year in this temple to ensure a steady and continued supply of water and thousands of pilgrims come from all over the island to pay homage. This sacred temple is also regarded as a central temple by the blacksmith (pande) clan that its members spread all over the island.
The pathway to the temple is shaded by big Banyan tree. The temple is surrounded by immaculate garden with trumpet-flower trees and gladiolas backed by the majestic Mount Catur on the background, creates a picturesque view. This temple maybe the most picturesque temple in Bali, a masterpiece of traditional Balinese architecture set on a perfect location
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