Tanah Lot Temple at Sunset

The sacred Hindu temple of Tanah Lot ..... located on the sea in Tabanan.



Tanah Lot Temple at sunset.



In the 15th century, a priest named Nirartha while traveling along the coast of Bali came across a beautiful rock formation in the sea. He asked the fishermen who offered him gifts, to build a shine on the rock. Nirartha believed this to be a holy place of worship to the Balinese sea gods.



The belief is that poisonous sea snakes live at the base of the rock formation, guarding the temple from evil spirits and intruders. In addition, a giant snake, created out of the scarf of Nirartha, also protects this sacred temple.

Offerings are made at the temple on the mainland, close to the sacred Tanah Lot Temple.



And extension of the large Hindu Tanah Lot Temple located on a massive rock jutting out into the sea.



Come to a sacred Hindu temple and..... well, play with a giant snake!



Mystical characters, from an ancient era....



Tanah Lot Temple .... faces and mystical beings roam the grounds!

Bali Hindu Temples & Rituals

The "Split Gate" which is famous throughout Bali .... for the main entrance into the temple.



Right next to the above black family temple, is another large family temple as seen in the photo below.






A young woman waves her hand in a circular motion, through the smoke of the incense stick, in front of a small temple.



Hindu priests make their daily offerings and prayers within the black family temple.




A group of women visit their family temple to make their offerings and then to pray.



Larger than life statues of the mystical creatures that roam the island... located within a small family temple.

Part II: Tales of a traveling rodent

For one whole day the little rodent roamed in a new wheel
Even though a tourist wheel .... at least it was "doing" something!
As it...


Feasted at the volcano's feet.


Was entertained by brightly colored masks.


Shopped for jewelry, batiks and wood carvings.


Chatted with sacred monkeys.


Witnessed fire walking.

But when the small journey was over
The little rodent again felt lost...
Without a wheel.
It continued to think about its wheel.
And the purpose the wheel gave it.

The island's high heat and overpowering humidity
Bore down on the little rodent
As it lost all ambition.




Until ..... one day
As it sat on the beach,
Its tiny black eyes
Spotted moving specks on the sea!
"Why haven't I seen them before?" queried the little rodent.
This phenomenon is exciting and something to learn about.
"I've spotted a whole new world!" exclaimed the little rodent.
I've found my new cage!"



Before long, the little rodent
Became quite content to just sit
And watch the specks as they
Darted in, out, over and under the waves!

With a sense of enlightenment
The little rodent realized
"I've found my new wheel too!"
No more running, running, running....
Just sit, stare and enjoy the surf show!

"Maybe ... one day" thought the little rodent
"I too can be a surf dude! And catch the big one!"




Soon however, the little rodent's
Old work ethic kicked into gear.
"A water wheel?" it questioned.
"What's up with a water wheel?"
"How productive is a wheel that surfs the water.... dude?"

Rethinking its plan
The little rodent thought
"I can't swim!"



"Where's the purpose in a water wheel,
If I don't even like water!"

A new wheel of fortune down the drain... the little rodent decided.
But not for long ...

"Why not do what I most enjoy?" the little rodent shouted with joy!



"Surely there are special rodents on this island I can help!"

A hint of sweet incense....

Sleepily the Indian Ocean awakes
to the touch of the rising sun.
Embracing the still morning air
Hints of sweet incense.



At every house
Business
Intersection....
Holy Hindu temples
Guide and protect.



Daily offerings are made.
Daily blessings are bestowed.



Small as a single cement pillar,
Large as a family courtyard.
Simple as a small cement chair,
Elaborate as thatch roofed wooden huts.



Smiling stone mythological faces
Transcend the past into the future.
All the while observing
As daily offerings of
Food, flowers and incense
Are offered to...
The gods.
The ancestors.



Daily rituals of Balinese life.
Sacred rituals to live by.