AngelCent: Taman Ayun Temple

The temple of Taman Ayun is a Royal Temple of Mengwi Empire and it is located in Mengwi Village, Mengwi sub district, Badung regency in Bali Indonesia which has long been well known as a tourist attraction and the name itself means beautiful garden.

The function of Taman Ayun Temple is a place to pray the god in their manifestation. It is according to the content of Babad Mengwi and the existence of temple building structure, especially the temple that is located in third area (Jeroan). According to Astadewata, the special God is worshiped in Taman Ayun Temple is the God in manifestation as a Wisnu God which his palace located in top of Mangu mount.

Taman Ayun Temple is a special altar for the King family of Mengwi Palace or as a Merajan Agung from Mengwi King Families.

The temple was built by I Gusti Agung Anom, a founder of the Mengwi kingdom in 1934. It is built on a high tableland which is surrounded by ponds which gives the effect from afar that the temple is floating on water.

The temple has these impressive Bali Gates made of brick and sandstones. In Bali, such open gates signify access to holy sites, the "split" gate symbolizing a mount of the gods that has been torn asunder through its midpoint. Every temple in Bali has this kind of gate.

The temple complex has three ground areas which rise in levels. In the most external one there is a general purpose hall which is used for religious ceremonies and for staging of dances.

Close by is a decorative fountain.

In the central grounds is a building called the 'bale pelik' with beautiful carvings with interesting reliefs and statues of the nine gods, Dewa Nawa Sanga

Another impressive Bali Gates made of brick and sandstones which is entrance to the central grounds

The entrance to the innermost court

In the innermost court, there are twenty nine buildings which function as places for the gods and goddesses. There are other buildings which house religious regalia used in the ceremonies