Jumat, 12 Maret 2010

Taman Ayun


Mengwi is famous for the unique state temple Pura Taman Ayun, (also known in some guide books as the Royal Family Temple). This was the most important temple in the Mengwi kingdom before Mengwi was conquered by the neighbors Badung and Tabanan in 1891, and was at that time a large kingdom stretching all the way to East Java. Taman Ayun was built in 1634 of the king I Gusti Agung Anom and restored in 1937. Certain internet guides say that it was constructed in around 1740 and once functioned as the home of the king of Mengwi, who surrounded his palace with wonderful spacious gardens and waterways.
One of the most famous tourist spots in Badung Regency, probably due to its unusual beauty, Pura Taman Ayun literally means "beautiful garden." The complex is set above a huge river, giving it a fresh, natural appeal.

Many smaller shrines with tiered roofs (meru) lie within the premises. These were originally built for the king's ancestral worshipping rituals. The temple consists of an "island" surrounded by water channels and a garden complex, the buildings are made up of about 50 different structures. As the inside of the temple grounds is surrounded by this little moat and is not accessible to the public, although I believe that on special occasions, festivals are still carried out here. As for the sacred temple grounds, it was completely devoid of people, cats have made this their haven, and many cats could be seen wandering and lazing around in and amongst the wooden shrines.

Now open as a public park (see second pics), Mengwi continues to attract local school children and tourists who come to enjoy the gardens, lake and the ancient temple. We climbed up one of the towers and took a few pictures.

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