The Uluwatu Temple, or Pure Luhur Uluwatu, is one of the six key temples believed to be the spiritual pillars of Bali, is famous for its magnificent location, perched on top of a cliff about 70 meters above sea level.
This temple also shares the splendid sunset backdrop of the Tanah Lot Temple, another important sea temple located on the western shores of the island. Pure Luhur Uluwatu is undoubtedly one of the best places on island to enjoy the sunset, with direct views of the beautiful Indian Ocean and daily Kecak dance performances. The Balinese architecture, the traditionally designed tickets and the ancient sculptures add to the appeal of the Uluwatu Temple.
The Pure Luhur Uluwatu Temple
Without a doubt, what makes the Uluwatu Temple spectacular is its cliff configuration on the edge of a plateau 250 feet above the Indian Ocean waves. Ulu» means «upper» or «point,» and .watu.means «stone» or «rock» in Balinese. Several archaeological remains found there, show that the temple was of megalithic origin, dating back to the 10th century.
There are two entrances to the Uluwatu Temple, from the south and the north.a small forest is at the front and hundreds of monkeys live here.it is believed that they protect the temple from bad influences. The winding road to the temple is fortified by concrete walls on the cliff side.it takes about an hour to get from one end to the other, as there are several fenced-in points on the road to stop. The views from the bottom of the water rising up against the rocks and the ocean horizon are remarkable.
The interior of the Pure Uluwatu Temple
Balinese Hindus believe that the three divine powers of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva become one here. That belief makes the Uluwatu Temple a place of worship for Siva Rudra, the Balinese Hindu deity of all elements and aspects of life in the universe.
Behind the main sanctuary in one of the courtyards of the Uluwatu Temple is a Brahmin statue overlooking the Indian Ocean, considered to be a representation of Dhang Hyang Dwijendra. The two entrances to the temple area are divided doors with carvings of leaves and flowers, and in front of each one are two sculptures in the form of a human body with the head of an elephant.
Winged gates are not commonly found on the island. An addition to Pure Uluwatu in the 16th century is Pure Dalem Jurit. The Uluwatu beach, below the cliff, is one of the best internationally known surfing spots in Bali.