Since there are so many other accounts of Balinese
Hinduism available in guidebooks and other literature, we will
spare you yet another one. Suffice to say, Balinese
Hinduism permeates Ubud life as it has for eons. Some observers in
fact, have noted a resurgence of religious activity, both in terms
of outward devotional practice, and the more introspective,
philosophical aspects of religiosity. Ubud is noted as one of the
more traditional towns in terms of maintaining the tenets and
manifold observances of Agama Hindu Bali. Everywhere you look,
every single day, you will see ceremony, ritual and sacred
offerings. All of this is carried out in Ubud with a level of
devout attention and meticulous care that is rarely exceeded
elsewhere. This applies equally to the young generation as it does
to their parents and grandparents.
To witness (or participate in) the enactment of religious
tradition, visit a temple during a holy day or on its anniversary,
called and odalan. Your hotel, guest house, or the Balinese friends
you make can tell you when and where an opportunity might arise.
Consult the Bali Calendar to check dates of major festivals. You
can't go more than a few metres in Ubud without seeing one hanging
on someone's wall. Or let Balinese friends and acquaintances know
you would be interested to attend a life-transition ritual
(three-month birthday of a baby, tooth filing, wedding, cremation,
etc.). Chances are, if you stay more than a few days you will have
the opportunity to witness such an event.
The main temples in Ubud are the location for a tremendous
variety of festivals, special prayers and observances of particular
holy days. Following is a list of the some of the main temples and
the dates of their odalans, beginning with the three main temples
which are requisite to any Balinese desa. Before you attend any
religious ceremony or enter a temple, read the "Etiquette and Dress
Notice" in these web pages. Our advice is to find a Balinese friend
or hotel employee who will take you to a ceremony, and advise you
throughout about what is taking place, and how you can appreciate
and participate in the ceremony without making a faux pas.
Visiting a Temple
Pura Desa Ubud. The main "town temple" in the
centre, across from Ary's Warung.
Pura Puseh. The "temple of origin" devoted to
Ubud's honoured ancestors. In Jalan Suweta.
Pura Dalem Ubud. The temple for the dark side of
things. On the north side of Jalan Raya before the road descends to
Campuan.
Pura Pamerajan Sari C. Agung. The private family
temple of the Ubud royal family. On the east side of Jalan Suweta, a
little north of the Palace.
Pura Taman Saraswati. Part of the Puri Saraswati
complex, devoted to Dewi Saraswati the goddess of learning,
literature and the arts, Features a fine padmasana (lotus throne).
Beyond the lotus pond in the back of Cafe Lotus.
Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal. Another temple for
the dark side, down by the monkey forest.
Pura Gunung Lebah. At the confluence of the east
and west branches of the Wos River, below the Campuan bridge.
Pura Batur Sari. A royal temple devoted to the
deity of Mt Batur, ostensibly to spare the Ubud Tjokordas the long
journey up to the mountain itself. During its odalan, the dance
stage is set up in front of the temple, right in the middle of Jalan
Suweta, a few hundred metres north of Ubud's main cross-roads.
History of Ubud
- Megalithic Monuments and Wandering Mystics
- The "Golden Age" of the Majapahit Kingdoms
- Competing Rajadoms Rise and Fall Rise Again
- Ubud as a Darling of the Dutch Colonists
- Yet Another Era of Battle, International and Internal
- The World Sends Its Curious to Call
- Prognosis for Paradise
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