Bali Heaven Official Blog

Also known as the Pura Luhur Batukaru, the Watukaru or Batukaru temple is one of the holiest and biggest Hindu temples in the island of Bali enjoying the same status as Padmabhuwana temple and Catur Lokapala temple. It is a very famous tourist destination in a trip to West Bali.

Location of the temple

The Batukaru temple is located in the Penebel district’s countryside region of Wangaya Gede. This is in Tabanan regency. The temple is one and half hours drive away from the International airport outside Denpasar. The magnificent temple is located at the foot of the Batukaru Mountain, Bali’s second highest mountain. The temple is set in a plateau area surrounded by lush green tropical rain forests. The temple is 23 km to the north of Tabanan. Those who are visiting the temple usually have to stop at another temple called Pura Jero Taksu, although they don’t have to do so the second time around. This is, in a way, registering for praying at the main temple.

History of the temple

As per the scriptures, the temple is said to have been founded by a venerated Hindu sage from Java by the name of Empu Kuturan in the 11th century, as a sanctuary for hermits to venerate the deities of the lakes and the mountains nearby. The sage is also credited to have established the 6 main temples of Bali also referred to as Sad Kahyangan. Legend has it that when the temple was partially destroyed by the king of Buleleng by name Anglurah Panji Sakti, millions of bees were unleashed by the protective forces of the temple which caused the troops to be beaten back. Although visitors and devotees continued to worship the rubble, the temple was rebuilt only in 1959. It took until 1977 for the renovations to reach the present architectural condition.

Temple Architecture

Similar to many other temples in Bali, there are 3 main areas including the outside area referred to as Nista Mandala, the middle area referred to as Madya Mandala and the Main are referred to as Utama Mandala. On the right of the entrance gate is the Wantilan Building which is used as a Meeting Hall. The main shrine is dedicated to Ratu Hyang Tumuwuh, who is the god of fertility for the Balinese people.

The Batukaru or Watukaru temple at 1300 meters above sea level is set amidst a beautiful garden of hibiscus and firangipani, surrounded by a gigantic tropical forest. There are some distinct shrines inside the complex representing different Tabanan dynasties. Also known as Pura Taman, the temple has a bathing place maintained by the king. The most amazing of shrines here is the 7 tiered Meru, which is dedicated to the lord who presides over the mountain, none other than Mahadeva.

There is an artificial pool of square shape with a miniature island in the middle with two shrines. One shrine is dedicated to the deities of the lake while the other is dedicated to Mount Batukaru. There is also a small spring nearby emanating from the riverbank.