Monday’s article transported you to the sights of a Balinese Hindu water temple. Today I’m going to show you a Balinese Hindu temple containing a garden. Pura Taman Ayun, which translates to Temple (pura) of the Beautiful Garden, is the second largest such site in Bali. It covers 17 acres/6.9 hectares. Because there is so much to see here, I’ll be covering it further in next week’s Monday and Wednesday articles. We’ll start today with an image of the water feature here. This large body of water is part of the local subak (irrigation system used to supply water for rice paddies).
Pura Taman Ayun water and garden
So, how tranquil is it here in the garden and long the waters of Taman Ayun? Let’s check in with a couple of locals:
Contented Taman Ayun residents enjoying some peace and solitude
Taman Ayun dates to 1634. with restorations in 1750 and, most recently, in 1937. Not bad for a site approaching its 400th birthday. Here’s today’s photo gallery and slide show of our first few minutes inside this UNESCOWorld Heritage Site:
Our next destination on this day was yet another temple. This time it’s Pura Tirta Empul, a Balinese Hinduwater temple located just north of Tampaksiring. And, yes, this temple site is ancient, dating back to 962 when it was established around a natural spring used for ritual bathing.
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