You have surely seen this temple in photos, because it is one of the most popular visual symbols of Bali. Ulun Danu Temple is an extremely significant religious site for the Balinese; it is the island's main water temple, where rituals asking for harvests and prosperity are held daily. The level of reverence and respect for the temple and its importance in the life of the island was expressed by the Balinese by placing Ulun Danu on the 50,000 rupiah banknote.
The temple is truly beautiful and unique: against the backdrop of mighty mountains veiled in haze, its black pagodas seem to float above the deep waters of Lake Bratan. Part of the temple complex stands on tiny islets barely rising above the water, creating a magical impression of weightlessness.
Ulun Danu consists of several buildings, each of which looks like a small house with an odd number of ornate dark roofs. The main temple building has 11 roof tiers, while the others have 9, 7, 5, or 3 tiers.
The temple complex was built in 1663 by order of the king of Mengwi and was dedicated to the goddess of the lake named Ida Batara Devi Ulun Danu. Local residents pray to their patroness for a good harvest, well-being, and health. According to legend, the goddess grants youth and longevity to those who cleanse themselves of evil by bathing in the waters of Lake Bratan. Many Balinese make an annual pilgrimage to Ulun Danu Temple to perform a ritual ablution in the lake and pray to the goddess for prolonged youth.
