a Bali favorite- Tanah Lot, part 2

continued from Tanah Lot, a Bali favorite (part 1)

The famous temple of Tanah Lot is one of seven sea temples that by popular myth was built around southwest Bali within eyesight of the each other. Of all seven, Tanah Lot is one of the most frequented by the Hindu faithful. And most certainly, Tanah Lot is the most popular to outsiders, thanks to its spectacular location.


the entrance of the beach where Tanah Lot is


Because of its limited space for such an important role in Hindu cosmology and observances, Tanah Lot has several other temples that serve as functional adjuncts. These include the temples of Penataran, Penyawang, Jero Kandang, Enjung Galuh, Batu Bolong, Batu Mejan Temple and Pakendungan.


blessings in the Pakendungan Temple in front of Tanah Lot


In my visit early this April, the temple anniversary of Tanah Lot was celebrated for a spand of at least three days and nights non-stop. To accommodate the spilling number of worshippers, blessing ceremonies were performed in the smaller peripheral temples, most especially Pakendungan which is just 300 meters west from Tanah Lot.


the Pakendungan Temple which is 300 meters north of Tanah Lot


worshippers queuing in the Pakendungan Temple


Built in the early 1400s, the Pakendungan Temple is a complex that can easily be observed from the beach entrance of Tanah Lot. I almost decided to join in the celebration to take more intimate pictures. However, I had the entire family with me and I could not exactly be away for too long. Instead, I took pictures of the rites from the outside.


communal prayers at the Pakendungang Temple


Next: crossing the temple of Tanah Lot

To go: Tanah Lot is located in Beraban Village, district of Kediri, sub-province of Tabanan. It is about 13 km from Tabanan regency and 22 km from Denpasar. Access is easy by car.


elderly brahmana priests giving the final blessings to the worshippers