ULUNDANU

On a small promontory jutting out from the western shore of the lake is this peaceful half-Hindu, half-Buddhist temple complex built by the raja of Mengwi in 1633. Lake Bratan is looked upon as the source of irrigation water for the southern districts, and the 'subak' shrine here is the focus of island-wide ceremonies meant to ensure a steady and continued supply of water.

Periodically the temple is flooded by the rising lake, reclaimed again and again.

Observe the Buddhist 'stupa' with intricate carvings on the left, then enter the main temple Pura Teratai Bang dominated by a seven-tiered 'meru' tower. The goddess of food and drink is revered at the smaller Pura Dalem Purwa.

Farther on is Pura Ulun Danu Bratan floating out on the lake with its elegant 11-roofed 'meru' dedicated to Vishnu, its seven-roofed 'meru' dedicated to Brahma, and its three-roofed 'meru' housing a 'linga' to Shiva. There are also two smaller shrines. This is Bali's most important irrigation temple, the destination of pilgrims from all over the island who come to worship Dewi Danu, the water goddess.