Tirta Gangga : The Magnificent Royal Water Garden

Bali Personal Drivers - Tirta Gangga is a water garden owned by the royal family of Karangasem and lies in Ababi village, Karangsem Regency, approximately 83 km or a 25 minute drive from downtown Denpasar. Because of its place on the roadside, then to reach this place is pretty easy. Tirta Gangga is also located on a network object which is adjacent to Puri Karangasem, Taman Ujung Karangasem and ± 17 km from Tulamben Marine Park.

Introduction

Tirta Gangga is a magnificent royal water garden complex. Its existence reflects a society culture patterns that define "water" (spring water) at the position and the meaning which is very important for life. In Tirta Gangga complex there are shrines, springs, springs protective building, water tower, a variety of large and small forms of pond, fountain, preservation of fish and a variety of plants and flowers. "Tirta" means the water is blessed and "Gangga" taken from the name of the river "Gangga" in India. The water from the springs of Tirta Gangga considered as holy water by Hindus in Bali. Overall, the Tirta Gangga complex is a form of a harmonious relationship among human, nature and culture imbued with religious values.

Historically before Tirta Gangga was built, in the garden area there is a large spring that peoples around this place a call "embukan" which means spring. About when the advent of spring can not be known with certainty. But according to the villagers' story, this spring began as a sacred holy spring is estimated to be around 200-300 years ago. This spring at the time being used by the villagers for drinking water and holy water, therefore, these springs are very sacred by the people around Tirta Gangga area. The presence of springs later made King of Karangasem got an idea to set up a garden, besides having a clear water and cold, also the air around Tirta Gangga area is also very cool. Some buildings and ornate then deliberately made in accordance with the spirit of the Puri Agung Karangasem.
Formerly, Tirta Gangga has a name Rejasa and a heritage garden of the deceased King of Karangasem the last, Anak Agung Ketut Karangasem Anglurah (I Gusti Bagus Djelantik) for the tenth of his son, that used as "druwe tengah" (jointly owned), then since 1981 the management is delegated to Dr. Anak Agung Made Djelantik.
Tirta Gangga development itself began in 1948. In 1963, when the eruption of Agung Mount, the garden had experienced heavy damage where many buildings and the channels destroyed in the earthquake and the raging of lava. Then since 1981, the garden was restored and developed based on initiatives and programs of Dr. Anak Agung Made Djelantik in collaboration with PAM (Water Company) and the Regional Government of Karangasem. Currently Tirta Gangga has three functions :
.:. The first is a religious function, where its springs provide holy water, for the community to religious ceremonies.
.:. The second is a social function, Tirta Gangga is a place for the Dewa Yadnya ceremony and "metirtayatra".
.:. The third function is entertainment, Tirta Gangga is a place of entertainment and recreation for the community and tourists.

What is interesting here ...?

Tirta Gangga has architectural blend of European, Chinese and traditional Balinese architecture which covers an area of 1.8 ha and consists of three levels of land that stretches from east to west. As a water garden, Tirta Gangga are equipped with swimming pool that has pure spring from the foot of the mountains. You can soak or swim in the pool with clear and cold water. You can also watch the rustic atmosphere, with a stretch of rice fields and the cool air in the area around Tirta Gangga.

Entering Tirta Gangga, you can see that there is a pond on the right side is decorated by ornamental stones placed around the pond. Statues of gods and goddesses standing majestically in the middle of the pond. Goldfish swim in the water, their scales shine like the sun reflected in the water. In the pond there is also a small stepping-stones for people to walk on the pond. The stepping-stones have a hexagon shape and each lined up to each another. Once the fish pond, there is a water tower in the middle of a small circular garden that is surrounded by ten soldiers statue holding a mace. The water tower looks like a lotus flower bud and about 10 meters tall with a form of Meru "tumpang solas" (11 storey), which is commonly found in the temple. From the top of the tower, water flows and falling through each of its storey composition. This section is the first level or "Swah", and has an area of about 90 acres.

At the secondary level or "Bwah", to the right of the garden entrance with a higher ground, a water source protected by a large banyan tree. These springs are often used as holy water for worship for Hindus and is also a source of drinking water for residents of Karangasem.
At the bottom of the water sources there are two clear water ponds, one of which is used as a common pool to which the local people or visitors can enjoy a swim in the cold springs. The pool has a traditional Balinese design and made of materials such as padas stone. The pool also has different depths, in the western part is commonly used by children as more superficial, while the eastern part of the deeper used for adults. While the other pond, is a fish pond area of about 50 x 20 square meters. This pond is the most extensive in Tirta Gangga and there are many kinds of fish. Moreover, in pond there is also a bridge which is made of padas stone with four dragon statues decoration on each side.
At this level, you can also see a "bale bengong" (resting hall) is large, which is used every visitor to relax while enjoying the beauty of the ponds in the garden.

While on the third level or "Bhur", there is a large pond with the an island in the middle of it. The upland consists of three separate section. Most western section, originally is provided by the late King of Karangasem to build a place of worship. In the center occupied by a family of Puri Karangasem, Anak Agung Gede Rai, who was given permission by the royal family to establish inn and restaurant. While the eastern section, with the circular pond below is a "pesanggrahan" (guesthouse) of Dr. Anak Agung Made Djelantik.

Surrounded by beautiful panorama makes Tirta Gangga is a worthy goal for your visit. Fill your holiday in Bali with a visit to Tirta Gangga is a wise choice. You can take some photos in the park or the beautiful scenery around it. This is a great place to escape from the hot weather in this area. Go for a walk or just dip your feet into cold water would be very nice.

Reference : wisatadewata.com
Photo : commons.wikimedia.org

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Pura Besakih : The Bali's Mother Temple

Bali Personal Drivers - Pura Besakih is located in Besakih village, Rendang sub-district and Karangasem regency. To reach Pura Besakih, tourists can start the journey from the city of Denpasar with a distance of about 60 km to the northeast. From Kuta area, it takes about 2 hours to get here. Pura Besakih lies on the Southwest slopes of Agung Mount, the highest mountain on the island of Bali which the local people regarded as a sacred mountain. Lies at an altitude of about 1000 meters above sea level, making the temperature in the Pura Besakih is quite cool.

Introduction

Bali is known as the 'island of a thousand temples' because on this island there are more than 11,000 buildings temple. That said, in some places in Bali, the number of temples even exceeds the number of houses.
One of the biggest temple which is considered as the mother temple in Bali is Pura Besakih. Pura Besakih lies on the Southwest slopes of Agung Mount, the highest mountain on the island of Bali which the local people regarded as a sacred mountain. At the date of March 17, 1963 (another version says March 18) Agung Mount erupted and killed more than 1,000 people and destroy villages around it. But that fascinate, Pura Besakih 'untouchable' by the disaster, though the distance is only about 1 km from the summit of Agung Mount.

According to the story, the location of the temple is chosen because it is considered a sacred area. Besakih name comes from the word "Basuki", derived from the word "Wasuki" which means Salvation in the Sanskrit language. Whereas, in the mythology of "Samudramanthana", the name "Besuki" in fact refers to the "Naga Besukian", the dragons that inhabit Agung Mount and has been become a part of the public conviction on the slopes of Agung Mount, the main volcano in Bali. You might also like to read The History of Besakih.

Pura Besakih is a complex of Hindu temples which consist of 22 buildings temple. The huge temple complex has been regarded as a holy place since ancient times. Based on the records of ancient inscriptions in 1007 AD. It is known that since the 15th century, Pura Besakih is considered as the center of Hindu temples in Bali. According to estimates by experts, Pura Besakih development process took more than 1,000 years to reach its present form. Various evidence from megalithic period, which was found around the temple complex, such as menhir, stone throne and a pyramid-shaped terrace have strengthened the estimates.

Pura Besakih complex express the important conviction of the Balinese people that known as "Tri Hita Kirana". Tri Hita Kirana is the concept of balance among human, nature, and God. The arrangement of the temple building adopted to the direction of the wind, so that its structure can be represented as the symbolism of the balance of nature. Each cardinal directions called "mandala" with the ruling god called "Catur Lokapala".
As the center (axis / middle) of the four cardinal directions are Penataran Besakih, the biggest temple dedicated to Shiva surrounded by other temples that are :
.:. On the east side, Pura Gelap used to worship the god Iswara.
.:. On the south side, Pura Kiduling Kereteg to worship Lord Brahma.
.:. On the west side, Pura Ulun Kulkul to worship Lord Mahadeva.
.:. On the north side, Pura Batumadeg to worship Lord Vishnu.
Within the complex Pura Besakih often held various Hindu religious ceremonies and will reach its peak on the celebration of every hundred years of Pura Besakih, the so-called "Ekadasa Rudra" (last done in 1979).

What is interesting here ...?

Pura Besakih offers you a beautiful scenery and charming temple building that surrounds the temple complex. Pura Besakih is a remarkable temple, if you look at the temple from a distance then you can see a temple complex like the impressive pyramid, that stretches up to the mountains with Agung Mount as the dramatic backdrop. The stunning scenery is in the morning where the morning sun shining on the temple complex, and also at the time of sunset. This temple is also decorated with Balinese ornaments such as : stone staircase, sacred statues and stone carvings.

To reach Pura Besakih complex, you have to walk on a footpath about 200 meters. On both sides of the road, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery, and feel the wind in your hair and skin on the way to the temple. If not, you can choose to rent a motorbike offered by locals.
When you reach the area complex, you will see the first temple on the left. This temple is a sacred temple dedicated to the royal ancestors known as Pura Dalem Puri. The Balinese cremation ashes store in this temple. From here, if you pass through a large gate with more than a hundred railroad stairs will take you to Pura Penataran Agung. Balinese Hindus believe that Pura Penataran Agung is the center of devotion to the gods.
You will also see the different colors on each temple. The colors is dedicated to The God which represents the Hindu Trinity. White is dedicated to temple of Shiva (Pura Penataran Agung), red is the Brahma temple (Pura Kiduling Kreteg), while black is the Vishnu temple (Pura Batu Mandeg).

Every day in Pura Besakih was always a religious ceremony and at every full moon, usually Balinese Hindus flocked to the Besakih temple to perform worship and pilgrimage. When it came time for the ceremony Odalan, the temple will be decorated beautifully. Odalan ceremony is held every 210 days according to the Balinese calendar. If there are no large-scale ceremony in the temple, visitors may be allowed entry into the temple.

To enter any temple in Pura Besakih complex, you should wear sarong and scarves to honor the traditions of Balinese Hindus. Sarongs and scarves are special apparel while praying in Balinese temples. If you want to enter one of the temples, you can rent sarongs and scarves at the entrance to the temple.
If you do not have enough time to enjoy all the beauty of Pura Besakih, the best recommendation is to focus your attention to Pura Basukian, Pura Penataran Agung and Pura Gelap or Pura Batumadeg.

Pura Besakih Complex as The Bali's Mother Temple consists of 22 temples, if you want to know the other temples in Pura Besakih complex, do not forget to read this ...

Reference : indonesia.travel/id
Photo : flickr.com

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