Batuan Temple, referred to locally as Pura Puseh Lan Pura Desa Adat Batuan, is a focal landmark in the namesake village of Batuan that’s famous for its traditional Balinese paintings. Its well-preserved sandstone bas motifs and traditional Balinese temple architecture are its main draws.
The 11th-century temple has a grand complex of shrines that face a separate large communal hall from where most visitors start their visit. During major temple ceremonies, towering fruit and flower offerings occupy this space. On other days, local artists and craftsmen display their latest work, from batiks to framed paintings and statuettes.
Batuan Temple in Bali - one of the highlights of 26 Must-See Temples in Bali (Read all about Bali here)
photo by laurent houmeau (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Visiting Batuan Temple
Up the 5-tiered candi bentar gate of Batuan Temple, you’ll come across various reliefs depicting mythical Balinese figures and floral themes, as well as statues depicting the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, further inside. A series of multi-tiered thatched-roof shrines within the temple’s inner courtyard is arranged in a layout typical of all large temple complexes in Bali. The temple pavilion’s wooden beams and ceilings are heavily engraved and gilded.
A visit to any temple in Bali is best during their celebrations. If your visit to Batuan doesn’t coincide with any piodalan temple anniversary, you may also check out the village’s daily barong dance shows, occasionally featuring other traditional Balinese dance performances at a purpose-built stage nearby.
photo by laurent houmeau (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Batuan Temple in Bali
Location: Jalan Raya Batuan, Batuan, Sukawati, Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
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