Segara Ulun Danu Temple Bali. Bali, the “Island of the Gods,” is home to countless temples, each with its own unique charm, history, and spiritual significance. One of the island’s lesser-known yet deeply revered temples is Segara Ulun Danu Temple, a sacred site nestled on the shores of Lake Batur in the Kintamani region. While Bali is famous for its beachside temples like Tanah Lot and its mountaintop sanctuaries such as Pura Lempuyang, Segara Ulun Danu Temple offers visitors a peaceful and spiritual experience amidst the stunning backdrop of Bali’s volcanic landscape.
As one of the temples dedicated to the goddess Dewi Danu, the deity of lakes and rivers, Segara Ulun Danu plays a central role in the spiritual and agricultural life of the Balinese people. Its location, right on the edge of Lake Batur, offers a unique and serene setting for reflection, meditation, and understanding the deep connection between Bali’s natural environment and its spiritual traditions.
The Significance of Segara Ulun Danu Temple
Segara Ulun Danu Temple is one of the temples dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess who governs all forms of water, including lakes, rivers, and springs. As the source of life-giving water, she is especially important to the Balinese, whose rice terraces and agriculture depend on water for their prosperity. The temple plays a vital role in the island’s traditional subak system, a centuries-old water management system that regulates irrigation for rice fields, ensuring a balance between the needs of the people and the availability of water.
The word “Segara” in Balinese means “sea” or “lake,” and “Ulun Danu” translates to “the head of the lake.” This name reflects the temple’s location and its role in honoring Dewi Danu, whose waters from Lake Batur provide the essential source of irrigation for much of Bali’s farmland. The lake’s waters are believed to flow through underground rivers and streams, eventually feeding into Bali’s various springs, rivers, and irrigation systems, ensuring that the island’s rice fields remain fertile and productive.
Segara Ulun Danu Temple holds special significance during important festivals and ceremonies related to water and agriculture. Balinese farmers and priests come to the temple to offer prayers and make offerings to Dewi Danu, seeking blessings for rain, good harvests, and the continued fertility of the land. The temple is also a place where local communities come together to celebrate the balance between humanity and nature, a key concept in Balinese Hinduism known as Tri Hita Karana.
History of Segara Ulun Danu Temple
The history of Segara Ulun Danu Temple is deeply intertwined with the volcanic landscape of Bali. The temple is located at the base of Mount Batur, an active volcano that has shaped much of the surrounding area, including Lake Batur. Historically, the temple served as a place of worship for the communities living around Lake Batur, who depended on the lake’s waters for both their livelihood and spiritual sustenance.
The temple has existed for centuries, and its importance grew as the Balinese developed their sophisticated irrigation system. The temple was originally much smaller, but over time it expanded, with additional shrines and pavilions being built to accommodate the growing population of worshippers who came to the temple seeking the blessings of Dewi Danu.
In 1926, Mount Batur erupted violently, destroying many villages and temples in the surrounding area. Although much of the original Segara Ulun Danu Temple was damaged, the local community, seeing the continued importance of the site, rebuilt the temple. Today, Segara Ulun Danu stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of the Balinese people, who have maintained their spiritual connection to the land despite the challenges posed by living in the shadow of an active volcano.
Architecture and Layout of Segara Ulun Danu Temple
The architecture of Segara Ulun Danu Temple reflects traditional Balinese design, with ornate stone carvings, towering meru (multi-tiered shrines), and large stone gates known as candi bentar. The temple’s layout is designed to be in harmony with the surrounding environment, with shrines and pavilions carefully positioned to maximize the views of the lake and the mountains.
One of the most striking features of Segara Ulun Danu Temple is its location directly on the shores of Lake Batur. The temple complex appears to float on the water during high tides, creating a mystical and serene atmosphere. The view of the temple with the calm waters of the lake in the foreground and the towering Mount Batur in the background creates a stunning visual that is both peaceful and awe-inspiring.
The temple is divided into multiple courtyards, each with its own specific purpose and dedicated deities. The innermost courtyard houses the main shrine, dedicated to Dewi Danu. This sacred area is where the temple’s most important ceremonies take place, and it is adorned with beautiful floral offerings and incense sticks left by worshippers.
The temple’s meru, or tiered shrines, represent the connection between the spiritual world and the physical world. Each meru has an odd number of tiers, typically ranging from three to eleven, and each level is dedicated to a different deity. These shrines are believed to act as a bridge, bringing the divine blessings of the gods down to the earth.
In addition to the main temple area, there are also smaller shrines and pavilions located along the lake’s edge. These shrines are dedicated to various aspects of nature and are often used for rituals involving water purification and blessings.
Cultural and Spiritual Activities at Segara Ulun Danu Temple
Segara Ulun Danu Temple is a living, breathing place of worship, where daily rituals and offerings are performed by local priests and worshippers. Visitors to the temple can witness these sacred practices, which often involve the presentation of canang sari (small offerings made of flowers, rice, and incense) to the gods. These offerings are placed at the temple’s shrines and on the steps leading down to the lake, symbolizing the worshippers’ gratitude for the blessings of life and water.
One of the most important festivals at Segara Ulun Danu Temple is the Piodalan, the temple’s anniversary ceremony. The Piodalan celebration occurs every 210 days according to the Balinese Pawukon calendar and involves elaborate rituals, music, and dance performances. During this time, thousands of worshippers from all over Bali come to the temple to pay their respects to Dewi Danu and participate in prayers for fertility, rain, and agricultural success.
The temple is also a popular destination for Melukat, a traditional Balinese water purification ritual. Melukat is believed to cleanse both the body and spirit, and many locals and tourists visit Segara Ulun Danu Temple to participate in this deeply spiritual experience. The temple’s close proximity to the lake makes it an ideal place for these water purification rituals, which involve prayers, offerings, and a ceremonial bathing in the lake’s sacred waters.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
While Segara Ulun Danu Temple is a destination in itself, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure. One of the most popular activities is hiking Mount Batur, which offers spectacular views of the sunrise over Lake Batur and the surrounding mountains. The early morning hike to the summit is a rewarding experience, providing a breathtaking view of the island’s volcanic landscape and the opportunity to witness the island’s natural beauty at its finest.
Lake Batur itself is another major attraction, offering visitors the chance to take a boat ride across its tranquil waters or relax by its shores. The lake is also a source of local fish, and many restaurants in the area serve fresh, locally caught tilapia (known as ikan mujair), a delicious dish that is a must-try for visitors to the region.
For those interested in Bali’s cultural history, a visit to nearby Pura Ulun Danu Batur, another important temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, is highly recommended. This temple is located on higher ground and offers sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding landscape.
Visiting Segara Ulun Danu Temple
To reach Segara Ulun Danu Temple, visitors must travel to the Kintamani region, about two hours’ drive from Ubud or Denpasar. The drive takes visitors through scenic mountain roads, past traditional Balinese villages and terraced rice fields, offering a glimpse into the island’s rural life.
Upon arrival at the temple, visitors are required to wear a sarong and sash, traditional garments that are worn out of respect when entering Balinese sacred sites. These can usually be rented at the entrance of the temple. It is important to remember that Segara Ulun Danu is an active temple where local people come to worship, so visitors should be respectful of the rituals and maintain a quiet demeanor during their visit.
The best time to visit Segara Ulun Danu Temple is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is soft, and the temple is at its most peaceful. The cool air of the Kintamani region and the calm waters of Lake Batur create a serene atmosphere that is perfect for reflection and meditation.
Conclusion
Segara Ulun Danu Temple is one of Bali’s most sacred and spiritually significant sites, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the island’s deep connection to water and nature. As a temple dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers, it plays a crucial role in Bali’s
agricultural life and provides a peaceful haven for those seeking spiritual reflection.
With its stunning location on the shores of Lake Batur, breathtaking views of Mount Batur, and rich cultural history, Segara Ulun Danu Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the island’s spiritual and natural heritage. Whether you are participating in a traditional water purification ritual or simply enjoying the beauty of the surroundings, a visit to Segara Ulun Danu is an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Bali’s sacred landscape.