Bali is known as a country for exotic holidays. Those who visit this land can be sure to be wowed by a number of amazing tourist attractions and amongst them is the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, which is an ancient temple that has both Hindu and Buddhist links to it. Its setting is indeed one of the main reasons why it has attracted such a lot of attention.
It is also known as Pura Bratan and it is regarded to be one of the most important water temples in the country. The place of worship is located close to Lake Bratan in the mountainous region known as Bedugul. It is believed to have been constructed as far back as 1663. The Balinese water, river and lake goddess known as Devi Danu is commemorated and her blessings are invoked by performing offering ceremonies at this holy site.
The significance of this setting is that Lake Bratan is of key importance for irrigation in the region, hence it is a form of thanksgiving and invocation of blessings for irrigation by timely provision of water. The water mass is also referred to as the Lake of Holy Mountain due to the fertile lands that are located in the vicinity which are harvested with the ample supply of irrigation from this massive water body.
At the temple premises one can see statues of Lord Buddha, Lord Shiva as well as Goddess Parvathi. The eleven pelinggih meru of the temple are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The shrine serves a massive area in the outflow area of the tank. There are also a number of smaller temples further downstream as the flow is slower. These diverse settings belong to regional irrigation societies and such organizations and are maintained by them as their own places of worship.
There are a number of Bali resorts from which the temple can be easily accessed. One of the best Uluwatu hotels that a visitor to this exotic land can pick to stay at is the Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, situated in one of a kind setting which is located in the south coast of the country.