TAMAN AYUN TEMPLE

Taman Ayun Temple is a huge complex, located in District Mengwi Badung, Bali, approximately 18 km from the heart of Denpasar. After we passed the entrance, spacious well maintained gardens welcome, with green grass that is really beautiful, but unfortunately at the time of hot days this can be very heavy because there are no large trees to provide shade in this park. When we seek the shade, rear garden is the answer. It would be lovely for a stroll on the cobblestone street beneath the great trees by the sound  birds were singing.

Taman Ayun literally translated as a beautiful park and is considered as one of the most interesting temple in Bali. Built in 1634 by King Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Putu. This temple is bordered by a wide river that irrigates the rice fields around the site. This temple is dedicated to the ancestors Kingdom Mengwi and other important gods. Taman Ayun Temple is considered as the "Temple Head" to Kingdom Mengwi.

To enter the temple complex, we have to cross a bridge connecting the temple complex and the main road. There is a small temple as guardians of the entrance on the left and right. There is also a big Wantilan (open space), a place where ceremonies are often held Tabuh Rah. There is also a fountain with nine shower water.

Entering the second gate, there is a bale with Dewata Nawa Sanga carving amazing, a god who guarded the nine cardinal directions. The second page is the Middle Jaba, and in this area, there is a high Kulkul Bale stands like a skyscraper. Kulkul is the traditional media to communicate period. Kulkul used to summon villagers to gather together. Kulkul sound may vary according to the kegaiatan what will be done by the community.

The most sacred temple dalah Jaba Jero. This place has three gates. The gate opened in the middle only if carried out religious ceremonies. This door serves as the exit and entrance to the sacred statues and other sacred instruments for ceremonial activities. Two other door on the right side and left for everyday use. On this page there are several Meru in various shapes and sizes.

Three pages in the Temple complex is a symbol of the three levels of the cosmic world. The first is a place for humans, the second is where the spirit or atma, and the main page is a place where God, which is a symbol of heaven. In an ancient tale entitled Adhiparwa, said that the entire complex of temples depict Mount Mahameru that float in the ocean of milk .