Pura Dalem

The mystic Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal is covered with depictions of Balinese demonic women, all of which have a characteristic form. With eyes that bulge out of their sockets, long tongues, fangs, and sagging breasts that reach to their stomachs, these figurines emit a chilling aura.

The staircase at the entrance is lined with balustrades that have been built in the form of snakelike creatures with fangs, and snarling lions, among other ferocious beings. A sliced gate, a common feature of Balinese architecture, leads the way to the main temple. Within the premises, creatures of Balinese mythology, both good and evil, are strategically placed, and a number of open-air shrines cover the temple complex.

The rising shrine towers are considered to be the most sacred space of the temple, with pale stones and orange bricks carved into ferocious creatures. In Balinese mythology, demons are associated with the underworld, locally referred to as ‘bhur’, which is one of the reasons why this fascinating temple has been named the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal.

To the left of the temple is a large, open courtyard, primarily used for the traditional Kecak Fire and Trance dance performances, and a music pavilion sits next to it, popularly referred to as gamelans. Musical instruments that resemble xylophones, made of wood and bronze, are placed inside this ensemble, all of which are carved with creatures from Balinese mythology with intricate detailing.

The ground of the temple complex follows a striped pattern with alternating bands of grass and stone and is believed to depict the balance of the two dichotomies of evil and good, something which is prevalent in the Balinese religion.