Mengwi Tourist Attractions
|
|
By road: from Denpasar north on the Singaraja road.Bus: regular services from Denpasar-Ubung.Bemo: along road or from Denpasar-Ubung bemo station.The town of Mengwi lies 16 km (10 mi.) north-west of Denpasar.HistoryMengwi was once capital of the princedom of that name, whose rulers repeatedly contrived to reach an accommodation with other powers. They achieved this not only in their conflicts with the princes of Klungkung and Gianyar but also, at a later stage, during the period of Dutch colonial rule, in which the Rajas of Mengwi rapidly acquiesced.In 1891 the rulers of Tabanan and Badung conquered the princedom of Mengwi, divided it between them and thus put an end to its independence.
Pura Taman Ayun
The Pura Taman Ayun ("Garden Temple in the Water") is one of the six (according to an unofficial count) royal temples on Bali, and thus one of the most important temples on the island. This imposing complex stands on an island in a river, and the inner temple is in addition surrounded by a moat. In front of the entrance to the inner temple, beyond a split gate (candi bentar), is a large fountain basin dedicated to the rulers of the underworld.In the innermost courtyard, which is entered through a covered gate (candi korung), are no fewer than 27 buildings of varying size and function.The Pura Taman Ayun is one of the network of temples which covers Bali. Its importance can be judged from the fact that in this temple are venerated not only the divinities for whom it was built but also those who visit it on the occasion of festivals. Among them are the gods who dwell on Gunung Agung and Gunung Batur. An eleven-tiered meru (at the far end, in the right-hand corner) is dedicated to the rice goddess Dewi Sri. The third bale on the left is believed to be the abode of several different gods.The Pura Taman Ayun was built in 1637, in the reign of Raja Gusti Agung Anom. It was given its present form about 1937, when it was considerably enlarged.Visitors are ferried on a raft to two museum pavilions with pictures and models illustrating the Manusia Yadnya ceremonies.
