The temple of Luhur Batukaru, known by the locals as Pura Luhur Batukaru, is one of the key temples of Bali , located at the foot of Mount Batukaru, which bears his name, is located at an altitude of 2. 270 meters above sea level on the second highest peak in Bali after Mount Agung.
This temple is surrounded by natural forest, providing a pleasant stop for nature lovers. In addition, the island’s most impressive rice field, Jatiluwih, is a two kilometer drive from the temple, making popular stops on excursions to the Central Highlands of Bali.
The Pure Luhur Batukaru Temple
The best time to visit it is during the biannual temple anniversaries (temple piodalan) because it coincides every Thursday after the Galungan celebrations. Balinese families from the adjacent villages in Wangaya Gede and from all over the island make pilgrimages to this mountain temple in search of blessings.
The old Balinese chronicles declare that the temple suffered a great destruction. After the siege of the neighboring kingdom of Buleleng during the wartime of 1605.The temple remained in ruins for a considerable period, until major restorations began in 1959. For more than two decades, restoring the Batukaru Temple to its present form.a visit to the temple requires proper dress and conduct.
The interior of Luhur Batukaru Temple
The main structure of the Batukaru Temple presents a multitude of sanctuaries with stepped ceilings. The complex is full of ancient structures covered with green moss.», ‘The walled buildings contain several shrines, as well as tall «meru» towers and «bale» pavilions with unmistakably old Balinese features, such as the dark grass roofs and the intricate carvings on the walls.
There are different courtyards within the complex, sparsely located and at different elevations, connected by a series of flower gardens and statue-lined staircases. Another separate spring serves purification and cleansing rituals.
Mount Batukaru
as a whole is considered a sacred site and the misty slopes of the wooded mountain intensify its spiritual atmosphere. The temple complex is frequented by visitors on any given day; however, various parts of the temple\’s inner sanctum remain out of reach of nonpilgrims. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Mahadeva, considered the master of air, water and plants.11th century Batukaru temple shares the quiet highland neighborhoods of the Wongaya Gede farming community in Tabanan\’s Penebel Village regency.
As with any visit to the Balinese temple, you should wear a girdle around your waist. It is available free of charge at the security post before entry to the temple and women during their periods are not allowed on the temple grounds.there is a large parking area one kilometer from the temple, where a variety of local kiosks and warungs offer local cuisine, snacks and refreshments.one of the traditional must-visit cakes in the Tabanan region includes klepon, balls of steamed gelatinous rice flour filled with palm sugar served with shredded coconut.