MY FAVORITE BALINESE TEMPLE: PURA PUSEH BATUAN

by lakwatserong tsinelas - 1:20 PM

When one enters a temple by paying admission fees and whose image appeared several times on pamphlets, brochures, films and various advertisements, the expectations are set high.

Passing by the main road of Denpasar to Ubud, we saw one stunning Hindu Balinese temple unknown to a number yet equally panoramic and enticing as other “commercialized” temples. It was getting late in the afternoon and we were bound to go back to our hotel after visiting the beaches of Bali. Made, our friendly driver, promised we shall be back the following day.

And so we did.

The only requirement in entering Puseh Batuan temple is to wear sarong. Admission is free and donation is encouraged but not mandated. Despite the nil fees, the vast compound housing the temples is well maintained and landscaped.

There were a number of Westerners as we entered the compound. And each of us found our own space. The tranquility of the surroundings were maintained. Stone sculptures sprout from anywhere. A lot of characters – faces and mythical creatures – were carved on each corner of the monuments and temples.

Unassuming, cozy and intricate.

Puseh Batuan Temple is just one of the many Hindu temples all over Bali, Indonesia. Its strategic location nevertheless, being along the main road, is an advantage for many visitors while en route to wherever destination to pass by for minutes and marvel at its unique façade and structures.

Batuan is a village in Bali, Indonesia noted for its artwork and style of painting. Carvings and architectural landmarks equally makes a scene in the said village. And we were fortunate to have accidentally discovered one of the landmarks – Pura Puseh.

The 11^th century structure of Pura Puseh has an inscription that testifies to the founding of Batuan in 1022 AD. The entry gate to the temple appears as a split gate leading to courtyard and a number of statues on each corner. From the courtyard, another intricately carved arch with bass relief serves as a gateway to the temples.

The five-tiered gateway tower is clearly influenced by Indian religious architecture yet the icons and decors are typically Balinese in style. The roof of the temple is made of the fiber of chromatic black palm tree.

We owe the residents of the village so much that maintenance of the temple is done by them voluntarily sans the admission fees. The many faces carved on the temples is a unique feature and I truly enjoyed the transient visit.