While entry to the Pura Taman Saraswati Temple is free, visitors will be asked to wear a scarf and a sarong. Entering the temple behind its amphitheatre to savour the inherent serenity, striking architectural features and its unique ambiance is always a good idea. Walking down the pathway leading up to the temple can be a peace inducing experience, as if you are leaving behind the mundane world to enter a mystic place where serenity resides side by side with aesthetically pleasing architecture. The multitudes of statues including sandstone bas reliefs that honour Goddess Saraswati portray the quintessential beauty of Balinese designs in all their grandeur.

Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge is symbolized by an elegant woman with four hands standing, sitting or riding on an enormous lotus flower. In her hands she holds a palm leaf book to symbolize knowledge, a chain symbolizing the continuation of knowledge and a veena (a guitar like instrument) symbolizing art. The lotus flower is a depiction of holiness.

Regular nightly dance performances are held to honour the bounteous goddess at the temple.

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.Google+