Batu Karu Temple

About

Founded around the 11th century, Batu Karu Temple is one of the Bali’s most revered temples. This Hindu temple on the slopes of Mount Batukaru is one of the island’s nine directional temples built to protect inhabitants from evil spirits. Still an important ceremonial site, once a year, thousands of pilgrims come to the temple to pray before continuing on to the peak of Bali’s second largest volcano. The centerpiece of the temple is the 7-tiered meru, a multi-roofed shrine built in honor of the God of Batukaru Mountain. You can also visit the temple’s extensive water garden, which is built around a sacred spring, and a small pond with an island temple. While this island, and most of the holy springs, are off-limits to visitors, the natural beauty makes up for it. Please pay attention to the English signs spread around the site regarding off-limits areas. Please note that as per Hindu tradition, women who are pregnant, menstruating, have children without teeth, and children who haven’t lost their first tooth are not allowed within the temple.