Tanah Lot
Called on German also " Sea Temple " - - Pura Tanah Lot is a Hindu temple on the coast in the south west of the Indonesian island of Bali. Literally, Tanah Lot " country in the middle of the sea". Since the temple name pura flat rate every Balinese temple is added, the name is often abbreviated to " Tanah Lot ".
General
The temple is situated on a rocky outcrop in the sea close to the shore. On the walk is Tanah Lot - without getting wet - only accessible at low tide. From the beach you can reach the temple by a 50 meter long passage about some washed stones and fine dark sand to reach the rocky island. Once there follows a short climb towards the temple, where a gate barred the entrance to the temple proper. In the inner courtyard ( Jeroan ), whose access is reserved to the faithful, the multi-storey pagoda- like shrines ( merus ) series, which represent the gods of Mount Meru. In the case of Tanah Lot protrude five merus in the sky. Access is also possible at high tide when Tanah Lot gained its real island character, because it is then completely surrounded by the water.
In a small cave at the foot of the rock temple is a source of fresh water, which thus arises almost in the sea. It is considered sacred and is constantly guarded by priests. Compared to the source is located in the located on the mainland cliffs another cave, the Ular Suci. Here live the sacred serpents, which are also served by priests. Although the snakes are highly toxic, they claim to have never been bitten.
The temple is adjacent to Bali's rice fields, the most popular and most famous photo opportunity in Bali.
History of establishment
The temple is the Javanese Hindu priest Danghyang Nirartha (also: Pedanda Sakti construction Rau ) attributed. He lived on Java and fled as many Hindus and Buddhists at the end of the 15th century before spreading Islam to Bali. During a trip at the beginning of the 16th century (exact dates shown do not seem to exist) he saw a legend, one day, a light from the west coast ago ascend. As he approached this light, he noticed a small, a few meters from the shore remote, rocky and enchanting acting Eiland. He rested and meditated. This meant that he was soon assembled students from the local area around him. In order to avoid confrontations with the local priest, Nirartha offset his meditation spot on the rocky island in the middle of the sea and created in this way Tanah Lot.
Rank
The rank of the Balinese temple is finely graded hierarchy. In this structure, the sea temple is a rather small sanctuary, but he belongs to a chain of sea temples on the south coast of Bali, which also includes still Sakenan Pura, Pura Ulu Watu, Pura Pura Petitenget Rambut Siwi and counting. This chain of sea temples is in connection with the great mountain temples Besakih on Mount Agung, Pura Batur at Batur volcano and Pura Luhur at the volcano Batukau. While related to mountains and mountain lakes deities are worshiped in the mountain temples, this is in the sea temples of all spirits and deities that are associated with the sea, the case. These sea and mountain temples are one of the state temples, the sad- kahyan - gan, and are revered by all Balinese.
Geography
Location
Pura Tanah Lot is located in the southwest of the Indonesian island of Bali in the Tabanan Regency directly at the coast; the coast line is at this point from the northwest to the southeast. The nearest major town is south-east facing Kuta, in a northwesterly direction you have to drive quite far to the next bigger city Rambut Siwi. To the north you can reach the city Tabanan, capital of the district.
Check-in
From Kuta, you can reach the temple along the coast by way of a long walk on the beach or by bike. By road holding by from Kuta from the northwest and from Denpasar from west towards Tabanan. In this way, before you turn to the left towards Kediri Tabanan from. In Kediri even a side road to the coast leads down.
Tourist peculiarities
The classic photo opportunity shows the temple at sunset; however, then the Besucheranstrom greatest. The temple may be entered only by believers. If you want to reach Tanah Lot at high tide on foot, you have to fight on the way above the then through the water quite smooth stones at the ocean current. It is customary to drink at the fresh water spring at the foot of the cliff for a small gift from the holy water or thus may wash the face. Also for a small fee may Visitors situated in the cliffs of the mainland cave Ular Suci (see above) enter and ask to see the sacred serpents.