Inside a Balinese Temple

Visiting a temple, particularly one that is a having a ceremony, or a special dance performance, is one of the special aspects of visiting Bali. Balinese temple design is a fascinating subject in its own right. Everything from the layout, to the structures to the decoration has a specific function. Locally geography often determines the actually shape of a temple and no two temples are exactly the same. There are however certain key elements that you will find in most temples.

Just as a Balinese family compound will be built on the kaja-kelod axis, so too are Balinese temples. Larger temples have 3 courtyards, smaller ones just 2. The entrance to a Balinese temple at the kelod (pointing away from Gunung Agung) end of the compound, is often a simple gate.

Here are some of the interesting buildings you will find in a Balinese temple:

Outer Courtyard (jaba) structures:

Bale – An all purpose pavilion used for meetings.

Bale Gong – This is the gamelan pavilion where the orchestra plays and instruments are stored.

Kulkul – A bell tower with a split-log hanging in the center. Used to summon people.

Candi Bentar – Split gate which separate the outer courtyard (jaba) from the middle courtyard (jaba tengah).

Middle Courtyard (jaba tengah) structures:

Paon – kitchen located in a open-sided pavilion. Used for preparing offerings.

Wantilan – A large pavilion used for dance performances.

Kori Agung – Stone capped gate separating the middle courtyard (jaba tengah) from the inner courtyard (jeroan).

Inner Courtyard (jeroan) structures:

Bale Piasan – Pavilion where offerings are placed.

Taksu – A stone pillar which is the seat of the interpreter to the gods. During certain trance dances this interpreter will occupy the body of the dancer.

Meru Gunung Batur – A shrine dedicated to Mt. Batur. Has from 1-9 thatched roofs.

Gedong Maospahit – Shrine honoring the ancient Majapahit people from Java, the ancestors of the modern day Balinese Hindus. Identifiable by the deer head sculpture.

Padmasana – The Lotus Throne, seat of Sanghyang Widi Wasa, the Supreme Deity. Always located in the kaja-kangin corner of the courtyard, which is the closest point to Gunung Agung. Also identifiable because the whole structure sits on the back of a giant cosmic turtle, the Bedawang.

Meru Gunung Agung – Shrine dedicated to Mt. Agung. From 3-11 roofs.

Meru Sanghyang Widi Wasa – Shrine dedicated to the supreme deity. Has 11 thatched roofs.

Gedong Pesimpangan – Shrine in honor of the founder of the village.

Gedong Paruman – A pavilion structure in the center of the inner courtyard, left empty so the gods can assemble for ceremonies.