Bali is famous for its distinctive Hindu temples found by the water, on top of hills, by roadways and in family compounds. Of these some are directional temples others are sea, village and special temples that are venerated by the entire Hindu population of Bali. Experience Bali’s mysticism and rural charm from the environs of Uma by COMO Ubud.
Pura Tanah Lot temple on an eroded small rocky island off the coast of Tabanan is a sea temple the myths surrounding which sets its origin in the 15th century. One of seven sea temples within sight of each other, it is part of a chain around the south western coast of Bali that was constructed as a defence against evil. The revered Hindu priest Nirartha, credited with introducing Hinduism to Bali, is said to have guided the construction of this series of temples. Venomous sea snakes are believed to guard the temple. For those looking to rejuvenate body and mind the traditional Balinese way, the Uma luxury retreat Bali offers the perfect destination.
In the 1980s a comprehensive rehabilitation program of the temple premises and the rock itself was carried out to ensure its survival. Although much of the rock is now artificial it does not detract from the beauty of the whole.
The temple’s claim to fame is its windswept location, the angular shape of the rock on which it stands and its spiritual links. Devotees and visitors crowd the shore by the temple at sunset when the temple and the rock itself are outlined against the colours of the setting sun. Visitors can access the base of the temple at low tide. The temple’s freshwater well supplies holy water to other temples in the area and visitors can obtain a blessing from the priest here for a small donation. The guardian sea snakes are believed to be lurking in the crevices at the base of the rock visible at low tide. No visitors are allowed into the temple premises.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
