Tanah Lot means "Land [sic: in the]
Sea" in the Balinese language. Located in Tabanan, about 30 kilometres from
Denpasar, the temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped
continuously over the years by the ocean tide. Tanah Lot is one of the most
famous tourist destination in Bali. Many visitors are visiting Tanah Lot temple
every day. There are six primary Hinduism temple in Bali which is called as “Sad
Kahyangan” Sad means six, Kahyangan means Temples, and Tanah Lot temple is one
of them. It is located in the west coast of Bali therefore it will be good idea
to visit Tanah Lot Temple on sunset time. There is also daily performance of
famous Kecak Dance at Tanah Lot in the late afternoon after the sunset.
LOCATION
Tanah Lot Temple is located in coastal side of
Beraban countryside, Kediri sub district in Tabanan Regency. It is situated in
30 Km in west side of Denpasar town and about 11 Km in south side of
Tabanan town. The temple is built on the rock with 3 acre size and reachable in
a few minute by walking, because it is just 20 meters from the coastal lip.
This temple is very famous among tourist destinations in Bali with spectacular
view of sunset. At some nooks of coral reef around Tanah Lot Temple there are
holy tame snake in black and white color where according to the local society
believe that it is a deity property and guarding the temple from the bad
influence.
HISTORY
Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the
16th-century of Dang Hyang Nirartha (familiar with nickname of Pedanda Sakti
Wawu Rauh). During his “Tirtha Yatra” journey in Bali. Along the south coast he
saw the rock-island's beautiful setting and rested there. Some fishermen saw
him, and bought him gifts. Dang Hyang Nirartha then spent the night on the
little island. Later he spoke to the fishermen and told them to build a shrine
on the rock, he considered and felt to be in a holy place in praying for the
Balinese sea gods. Dang Hyang Nirartha was doing a "Tirta Yatra" trip around Bali. Beside Tanah Lot Temple he also built another 5 temples around Bali such as Uluwatu Temple in the south Bali, Goa Lawah Temple in the east Bali, Ponjok Batu temple in the north Bali, Rambut Siwi Temple in the west Bali and Batukaru Temple in central Bali. these 6 temples in Bali are familiar with the name of"Sad Kahyangan" means six temples.
