High on the rim of a massive, ancient caldera, overlooking Lake Batur (the largest lake in Bali), is the temple complex of Pura Ulun Danu Batur. It’s a beautiful maze of interconnected courtyards & temples with gardens, shrines & ornate towers.
In 1926 Mount Batur erupted, sending lava flows down to the lake & covering most of the original 17th century temple compound. The 11 tiered main shrine survived, however, & was later relocated along with other important, sacred heirlooms. This complex of 9 temples, containing 285 shrines & pavilions, is one of the most important temples on Bali. It is mostly dedicated to Vishnu (god of water) & the goddess of the lake, Dewi Danu. Lake Batur, up in the mountains, is considered to be of the utmost importance as the primary water source for agriculture in Bali. The temple & its link to the lake shows the significance of water for the prosperity of the Hindu villages on the island.
