Pura Tanah Lot - literally can be translated as follows: “Pura” - temple, “Tanah” - reef or island, “Lot” - sea. This is quite consistent with the unusual location of the shrine.
Tanah Lot: Temple of Ocean Power and Protection from Evil Spirits
Tanah Lot is one of the most famous temples in Bali that anyone can visit. However, altars and ritual buildings intended for religious ceremonies are available only to Hindu believers and priests. Most of the temple grounds are open to tourists, where you can stroll, enjoy the views and visit a local restaurant with stunning views of the ocean.
Sea shrine with protective function
Tanah Lot is one of the sea temples located along the coast of southwestern Bali. The unique feature of these shrines is that they are built so that each temple can be seen from the next, forming a chain of protection. It is believed that the ocean is the abode of demons and evil spirits, and sea temples are designed to protect the island and its inhabitants from their influence.
Gods and saints worshiped in Tanah Lot
The temple is dedicated to the sea gods, the main of which is Bharara Segara, personifying the strength and power of the ocean. One of the main elements of the temple are multi-tiered towers - meru, the number of tiers of which indicates belonging to a particular deity. For example, a five-tiered measure is dedicated to the sea god.
On the north side of the temple there is a small building where Saint Nirarta is worshiped. This priest left a significant mark on Balinese culture and there are many legends about him.
Before entering the temple, believers undergo a symbolic rite of purification: they pray and drink water from a sacred spring. Tourists can also undergo this ritual for a small donation, but access to the altars remains closed.
Religious holidays
Tanah Lot holds daily services, and once every 210 days (according to the Balinese calendar) the main holiday is celebrated here - Piodalan. It begins five days before the temple's birthday and lasts three days. This is the time when thousands of pilgrims come to the temple to offer prayers for the prosperity of the island and the harmony of water and land. The exact date of the holiday varies, as the Balinese calendar has only 210 days.
Reconstruction of the temple
In 1980, Tanah Lot began to deteriorate: parts of the rock began to collapse, and some areas in and around the temple became unsafe. At that time, Bali's economy was in decline, and local authorities did not have enough funds to restore the shrine. The Japanese government came to the rescue, providing a $130 million loan to help preserve the historic sites. Thanks to these means, it was possible to strengthen the temple, and today more than a third of the reef consists of artificial stone, which is harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape.
Tanah Lot remains one of Bali's most iconic landmarks, symbolizing the unity of spiritual and natural power. It is especially beautiful here at sunset, when the temple is illuminated by the warm rays of the setting sun, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
History of Tanah Lot Temple: Nirarta's Legacy
Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali's most revered temples, dates back to the era of the great Brahman Dang Hyang Nirartha (Nirartha), who arrived on the island at the end of the 15th century with the mission of strengthening Hinduism. At this time, Islam was actively spreading in Indonesia, and Nirarta devoted his life to creating sacred places in Bali to preserve Hindu traditions.
Mystical place on the rock
While traveling around Bali, Nirarta one day found himself near the village of Beraban, where he discovered an unusual rock resembling the shape of a bird. A spring gushed out from the cracks of the rock, emitting divine light. The priest was attracted to this place, and he began to pray and meditate there, turning to the god of the ocean. The spring, known as Tirta Pabersihan, still exists today. Its fresh water is considered healing, and anyone can quench their thirst or undergo a cleansing ritual.
Conflict with local leader
Legend has it that Nirarta's teachings inspired many local residents and they began to pray with him. However, this displeased the local spiritual leader, Bendes Beraban, who adhered to monotheistic views. When the confrontation escalated into threats, Nirarta, using his spiritual power, allegedly moved a rock into the sea to protect himself and his followers. This miracle impressed Bendes Beraban, and he not only renounced his hostility, but also became a follower of Nirarta.
Sacred snakes: myth or reality?
According to legend, Nirarta created poisonous sea serpents to protect the temple from evil forces. At the foot of the cliff, today you can see coral snakes, which local residents consider sacred. These snakes are usually passive and bites are extremely rare. At low tide, tourists can, for a small donation, see one of these snakes in the caves near the cliff.
Who built the temple?
There is no documentary evidence that it was Nirarta who founded the Tanah Lot temple. However, the priest's contribution to the strengthening of Hinduism in Bali is recognized by both local residents and historians. It is believed that the temple was erected by fishermen to pray for a bountiful catch. Scientists estimate that the sanctuary is at least 500 years old.
Myths and reality
Although legends and facts about Tanah Lot sometimes intertwine, the site remains a symbol of Bali's spiritual power and cultural heritage. Today Tanah Lot is not only an object of worship, but also one of the most visited attractions, attracting with its rich past and mystical atmosphere.