Pura Tanah Lot, Bali

Tanah Lot is one of the temples belonging to Pura segara category in which the temples are situated beside the sea. The main presiding deity is Dewa Barun or Varun, the sea god who protects the temples from the strong waves. Niratha, founder of this temple too is worshiped here.

Location:
Tanah Lot located in Beraban village is about 30 Kms from Denpasar. The beautiful temple rests on the top of a cliff surrounded by sea. It is accessible only during the low tide otherwise it is surrounded by water.

History of the temple:

During the 16th century, Islam spread rapidly in Java. A Brahmin priest named Dang Hyang Niratha from Majapahit kingdom of Java came to Bali to spread Hinduism. He was greeted warmly by the ruler Raja Dalem Waturenggong. Dang Hyang's philosophy rested on monotheism or belief in One God. His teachings were welcomed by everyone. He was bestowed with the honor of Dwijendra meaning the King of Brahmins. He went places setting up temples throughout Bali.
He reached the village of Beraban and found a place, Gili Beo (rock parrot) which resembled a beautiful birdstarted meditating on the top of a cliff. The head of the village, Bendesa Beraben was not comfortable with people following the teachings of Dang Hyang Nirartha. He asked the later to leave the place.
Before leaving the place, Dang Hyang with his powers moved a piece of land away into the sea. He transformed his sash into sea snakes which still can be seen guarding the base of temple. The shifting of rock into the sea gave the temple its name, Tengah Laut, meaning "in the middle of sea".

Tengah means middle and laut means sea. Tanah means land and laut is sea. The temple continued to be called Tanah lot meaning "land in the middle of sea"

entrance to temple

side of gate

a ceremonial procession

Pura Luhur Tanah Lot

It is easy to go the rock temple when the tide is low but at high tide, it gets completely covered by water. Only people belonging to that temple can enter the premises on the top.

fresh water spring under the cliff

There is a fresh water spring under the temple and people throng to take a sip of that holy water.
The two have temple 7-tiered and 2-tiered merus.

perfect time to take pictures now that the tide is low

Below the cliff live snakes which guard the temple

The guarding snakes still live under the cliff. They are sea snakes which are black with white stripes amd have a flat tail which is a very characteristic feature of a sea snake.

Pura Luhur Penataran

Luhur means high or honorable. The land from which Tanah Lot got cut off is the Pura Luhur Penataran. Followers of  Dang Hyang Niratha built this temple after he passed away.

This temple is located to the north of Tanah Lot.

Pura Luhur Penatarana candi bentar gate and behind kori agung gate

Candi bentar gate is a split gate with equal parts on both sides.and kori agung has a roof on top.

Pura Penyawang temple

The temple to the west of Tanah Lot is Pura Penyawang. People pray here when high tides do not allow them to go to the main temple.

There are other temples in the area of temple:
Pura, Jero Kandang, Pura Enjung Galuh, Pura Batu Bolong, Pura Batu Mejan, Pura Pakendungan.

Nothing like fresh coconut water to quench the thirst

A sail boat shaped kite at Tanah Lot

Dragon shaped kite adorning my wall

There are so many things I missed on my trip, would love to visit it once again. The temple is worth a visit.