Jagatnatha drinks. Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Pura Jagatnatha (=Temple of the Lord of the World), Denpasar, Bali. On the rainy day of our visit, there was only this small concession selling water and orange juice to slake our thirst. They were the embodiment of relaxation; hence this photo.
The temple is merely 50 years old (1953) although it gives the impression of being highly venerable. It is quite large, which is fitting for Ida Batara Sanghyang Widhi, whose bright, gold statue sits high in the middle of the complex on a throne of white coral placed upon the sacred world turtles. In Bali Hindu theology, he is the Supreme God, from whom issue forth many divine manifestations (like the forms of Shiva). In this sense, Balinese Hinduism is a a kind of monotheism. The temple is extremely busy during the feasts of Saraswati, Tilem, and Purnama. Saraswati is the festival of knowledge, when there is a great book devotion during which offerings are made especially to the sacred books fashioned from lontar palm leaves (it may be related in this precinct to the Perpustakaan [=library] mentioned on the signboard). This festival is frequented by students, as might be expected. Saraswati is the goddess of learning and wisdom and insight, indeed of ‘the essence of the self’. Tilem is the new moon festival, a time that is excellent for exorcising evil(s), and Purnama is the feast of the full moon, particularly propitious for the planting of fruit trees.
A fascinating place in itself with very friendly believers, the temple is bounded on the right as you face the main entrance by the enormous collections of the Bali Museum (poorly lit, however, but highly fascinating).
And, yes, we did buy some water even though it was raining, to the delight of the vendors.
Jagatnatha drinks. Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
Pura Jagatnatha (=Temple of the Lord of the World), Denpasar, Bali. On the rainy day of our visit, there was only this small concession selling water and orange juice to slake our thirst. They were the embodiment of relaxation; hence this photo.
The temple is merely 50 years old (1953) although it gives the impression of being highly venerable. It is quite large, which is fitting for Ida Batara Sanghyang Widhi, whose bright, gold statue sits high in the middle of the complex on a throne of white coral placed upon the sacred world turtles. In Bali Hindu theology, he is the Supreme God, from whom issue forth many divine manifestations (like the forms of Shiva). In this sense, Balinese Hinduism is a a kind of monotheism. The temple is extremely busy during the feasts of Saraswati, Tilem, and Purnama. Saraswati is the festival of knowledge, when there is a great book devotion during which offerings are made especially to the sacred books fashioned from lontar palm leaves (it may be related in this precinct to the Perpustakaan [=library] mentioned on the signboard). This festival is frequented by students, as might be expected. Saraswati is the goddess of learning and wisdom and insight, indeed of ‘the essence of the self’. Tilem is the new moon festival, a time that is excellent for exorcising evil(s), and Purnama is the feast of the full moon, particularly propitious for the planting of fruit trees.
A fascinating place in itself with very friendly believers, the temple is bounded on the right as you face the main entrance by the enormous collections of the Bali Museum (poorly lit, however, but highly fascinating).
And, yes, we did buy some water even though it was raining, to the delight of the vendors.