March/April 2001

BALI

Lake Temple(pictorial)

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple in Bedugul, Bali, seems to float on a lake nestled in the middle of a volcanic crater. Nearly a mile above sea level, here the air is much cooler than other parts of the island. Lush pine forests surround the lake, as well as stands of bamboo, which are used with astounding creativity in many sacred Balinese rituals. This temple is one of Bali's famed "water temples" situated in lakes, irrigation canals and reservoirs. The priests of these temples are the managers of the water and deft arbitrators of disputes. Pura Ulun Danu Bratan was consecrated in 1663. It has three shrines, one three-tiered shrine for Siva, one 11-tiered shrine for Vishnu and Dewi Danu (Goddess of this lake), and one 7-tiered shrine for Brahma. This lake is one of the most important sources of irrigation in Bali.