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| October 02, 2007 |
| Temples & Ceremonies |
#4 ranked travel attraction in Bali
 Why the temples and ceremonies of Bali are special
Religion runs deep in Bali. About 95% of the Balinese practice Hindu-Dharmaism, a local variant of India's Hinduism. The faithful interweave their religion into their daily lives.
Bali is nicknamed The Island of the Gods because it has over 10,000 temples dedicated to an array of spirits. To the Balinese, every living thing -- from a lowly weed to a human being -- has a spirit.
The Balinese believe that there are both good and evil spirits -- and that this eternal duality exists in balance.
Each year the Balinese hold countless temple ceremonies and make frequent offerings to please the good spirits and appease the evil ones. The fascinating upbeat aura of these ceremonies is unsurpassed anywhere in the world.
The most tourist-frequented temples in Bali
Tanah Lot -- Famous for its tiny, quaint island setting (reachable during low tide). Bursts with tourists during its vaunted sunset.
Besakih -- Bali's largest and holiest temple is Pura Besakih (see photo). It's popularly known as the "Mother Temple".
Ulu Watu -- Dramatically perched on high promontory overlooking the breaking surf.
Ulu Danu -- Photogenic. On Lake Bratan.
Temple ceremonies of Bali
No trip to Bali is fulfilled without observing a festive temple ceremony.
Because there are so many temples in Bali with different ceremony schedules, there should be at least one event taking place on any given day during your visit.
Some ceremonies are grander and more festive than others. Some have traditional dances and music.
Consult your concierge or the local government tourist office for the latest schedules and recommendations when you arrive in Bali.
Ask them to brief you on temple etiquette (for instance, you as a visitor should don a sarong and leave a small monetary gift for the upkeep of the temple).
Temple processions of Bali
A major adjunct of the temple ceremony is the procession of traditionally attired women walking single file down a country road to the temple.
Each gracefully balances on her head a tall colorful tower of neatly arranged fruits, flowers and other offerings (see photo).
Daily offerings in Bali
The Balinese also make offerings to the good and evil spirits on a daily basis with tiny tray baskets (called bantens) made of woven coconut palm fronds.
Each contains simple gifts such as flowers and rice.
You'll see plethora of these baskets. They are placed nearly anywhere including on altars and, to enhance and protect a business's prosperity, on the sidewalk near a shop's doorway.
I've even seen a banten parked on a computer as the operator entered data into a spreadsheet.Labels: Bali Top 10 |
posted by Admin @ 2:03 AM  |
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