Connection of Bali with Bharat is very deep. Bali is one of the most lovely islands of Indonesia. Its natural setting gives it a status of paradise. It is a paradise with a thousand temples. ‘Agama’ is the form of Hinduism practiced by Hindus of Bali. Population of Indonesia is Muslim-dominated; however Bali is an exception where most of the natives are Hindus. Almost 80 per cent. Many ancient Hindu temples are all over the place, especially on the coasts. Each temple is unique.
Uluwatu is one of Bali’s beautiful picturesque temples. The temple is on the cliff, almost 250 feet above sea waves of the Indian Ocean, situated at the south west of Bali. Uluwatu’s elevated location provides spectacular seascapes from the temple. ‘Pura Luhur Uluwatu’ is what locals call it. As per Balinese legend Dhang Hyang Dwijendra was the architect of Uluwatu Temple and several other temples in Bali,
The temple is surrounded by dense forest. Pathways approaching the temple and all over the site showcase the glimpses of ancient architecture and sculptures of Bali. The pathway to the temple is serpentine and is scenic. There is an open air theatre in the vicinity and ‘Ramlila’ in the form of ballet is regularly played here, preferably at the sunset. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, reside at this ancient temple which is said to be almost 10th century old. That belief results in making Uluwatu Temple a place of worship of Siva Rudra, the Balinese Hindu deity of all elements and aspects of life in the universe. The temple has faced many natural ravages and also has been restored most of the times.
The place was actually a ‘Teerth Kshetra’ as per Hindu norms, because a small temple structure existed there since time immemorable. which was expanded later. ‘Teertha kshetra’ is the place where one is filled with spirituality and gets the experience – ‘anubhuti’ of the existence of God. The entire island of Bali is ‘Teerth Kshetra’ in that sense.
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