Pura Ulun Siwi, Bali Overview

Situated in the heart of Jimbaran, the majestic Pura Ulun Siwi Temple was constructed in as early as the eighteenth century and has been serving as a glorious place of worship ever since. The religious abode is home to a number of distinct features that sets it apart from the other temples which are built in keeping with the traditional Balinese architecture. With gateways that are beautifully made of coral stone instead of the traditionally used bricks, the spectacular Pura Ulun Siwi Temple houses a colossal pagoda in its inner courtyard which is raised up to eleven tiers.

Popularly referred to as the Kahyangan Jagat Ulun Siwi in the local language, the sacrosanct place stands tall, facing the east, unlike the majority of Balinese temples that face southwards. Lush with trees and flanked by mountains, the surrounding areas of the temple create a serene and picturesque setting. On days of religious importance, the holy abode is thronged by devotees in large numbers, and the temple comes to life with the incessant chants, offerings, prayers, and the scent of incense mingled with flowers.

Significant Features of the Temple

The name Pura Ulun Siwi comes from the word “Ulu”, which may be translated to the “head”, or “source”, and the word “Siwi”, which literally translates to “fields”. The prestigious Pura Ulun Siwi Temple is of great historical importance and is widely believed to guard the island from evil spirits that bring harm to people.

Since the temple faces east, the devotees pray while facing west instead of north, the latter being the usual practice in the Balinese Hindu temples. Another distinguishing feature of this temple that sets it apart from the other Balinese places of worship is the fact that unlike the latter, which usually have three courtyards, the Pura Ulun Siwi Temple only has two.

Perched on a cliff, the religious place of worship offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding areas, which draws in several nature lovers as well. The key highlight of the Pura Ulun Siwi Temple is the presence of the antiquated statues that belong to the seventeenth century and consist of the majestic figure of the Lord Astha Wasu to the north, which is a mould of Gana Patya, the Arca Pancha Pandavas in the center, which is a statue of Bhima. Finally, the Arca Dewata Nawa Sanga to the South, which is an idol of Lord Rudra. The dignified Pua Ulun Siwi Temple is said to be dedicated to rice farming, a significant profession in Bali.

Tips

You need to tie a sarong around your waist before entering the temple. The sarongs can be rented from the stalls at the entrance of the premises.
Keep your arms covered with appropriate clothing, or wrap a shawl around them.
In keeping with the Balinese customs, one needs to dress modestly and make sure that their midriff and shoulders are completely covered.