In Bali, religion is a subtle blend of Hinduism and animism, where the gods of the volcanoes, nature, forests and paddy fields play an important role. The Balinese world is populated by friendly forces or evil, spirits and demons that must be reconciled or rejected. Many children are cherished, respected and independent, it is quite rare to see them crying and fighting. Festive ceremonies will support their transition to adulthood, but the celebrations and traditions differ by their social class. Festivities as the entire population odalan gathers for celebrations, fighting cocks and banquets.
Main Temples
One of the main temple in Bali, the Pura Ulun Danu temple is located near the Batur volcano (1717 m), one of two active volcanoes in Bali which play important roles in the Balinese mythology and are revered as gods. The volcano has had a destructive eruption in 1917 and is surrounded by large black basalt lava.
The Ulu Danu temple in the region of Bedugul honors the goddess of the waters of Lake Bratan, which fills a crater and is a reserve of water for crops.
One of the most beautiful temples in Bali is the Pura Taman Ayun Mengwi and its towers of multiple roofs, always in odd numbers called the "merus". Mengwi was the center of a powerful kingdom until the 19th century.
The complex temple of Besakih is the largest and most revered temple in Bali, located at the foot of Mount Agung. In 1963 the terrible eruption of Mount Agung ravaged the country and caused many casualties. The Eka Dasa Rudra, the greatest purification ceremony which takes place every hundred years was being celebrated at that time.
The small temple of Ulu Watu, perched on a cliff of chalk, honors the Gods of the sea. It dates from the 10th century and is revered by the Balinese tradition.
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