Tanah Lot Temple (Pura Tanah Lot)
The Tanah Lot Hindu temple, was built and has been a part of Balinese mythology for centuries. The Tanah Lot temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. Each of the sea temples was established within eyesight of the next, to form a chain along the south-western coast of Bali.
Legend has it that the temple was built by one of the last Brahman priests to arrive in Bali from Java, Sanghyang Nirantha, a man remembered for his successful efforts in strengthening the religious beliefs of the populace and for founding several of Bali’s most dramatic 16th century sad sanghyang temples.
At that time, the area’s holy leader, Bendesa Beraben, jealous when his followers joined the newcomer, ordered the Hindu saint to leave. Using his magical powers, Nirantha left by simply moving the rock upon which Tanah Lot is built from the land into the sea, changing his scarf into the sacred snakes that still guard the temple. Later, Bendesa Beraben converted wholeheartedly to Nirantha’s teachings.
The location of Tanah Lot temple had been used in the megalithic era as secret place by evidence of the Menhir existence. Since there are the Hindu religion and culture influences Bali Island from 8 century by existing a phallus on Tanah Lot, hence it can be said that Tanah Lot had existed a secret place to worship the Siva God. According to Dhang Yang Nirartha instruction in 16 century, he had built a Tanah Lot Temple without abandoning tradition that was existed before. Before this Temple is built, he felt the vibration of holiness and spiritual protection that is called Jiwan Mukti.
Based on the environmental condition, the structure of Tanah Lot Temple is built on the rock plateau irregular edges that consist of one plain/ courtyard as main temple area. On this courtyard, there are main temple building set on it include Meru with five storey roof top, the media to worship Segara God or Baruna God as a ruler of the ocean. Meanwhile a Meru is a temple with three storey roof top as media to worship for the glory of Danghyang Nirartha who preserve and develop the culture and Hinduism.
Convenient pathways and well-kept tropical gardens line the grounds from Tanah Lot to Batu Bolong, with resting spots offering shades and good viewpoints to both outcrops. The complete facilities are provided includes toilet, Bale for resting, paging system, cctv, restaurants, hotels, Art shops selling souvenirs and curios of all sorts line the pathway from the parking area to the temple, also with peddlers selling traditional snacks such as jaja kelepon –yummy, must-try palm sugar-filled gelatinous balls rolled in grated coconut.