Vancouver Banshee: Indonesia -- Day 11 Pura Beji, Sangsit, Bali

Monday, March 05, 2012

Indonesia -- Day 11 Pura Beji, Sangsit, Bali

After leaving Kintamani, we kept on the road to Singaraja. Our next stop was the main road of Sangsit and the Pura Beji Temple. The temple is located about 6 km north-east of Singaraja. It is a fabulous looking temple with gold and red trim doors at the entrance, Chinese and Hindu features and is dedicated to the fertility and rice goddess Dewi Sri. The temple belongs to the local rice-farmers' co-operative.

Pura Beji, Sangsit
Bali, Indonesia

From Wikipedia:

The tripartite split gate leading into the inner courtyard is exceptionally richly ornamented; on its outer surface are several grimacing demons framed in finely carved lotus blossoms. Beyond the gate is an aling-aling (protective wall to keep out demons) flanked by two snakes. The profusion of carved ornament characteristic of northern Bali continues in the inner courtyard. Above the temple rears the gedong of the goddess Dewi Sri.

On leaving the temple note the three figures from the "Ramayana" on each side.

Pura Beji, Sangsit
Bali, Indonesia

Honestly, this temple was so AWESOMELY BEAUTIFUL !! I wish I was a better photographer to try and convey exactly how fabulous it was.

Pura Beji, Sangsit
Bali, Indonesia

The intricacy of the red brick is beyond description. Every inch of the temple seems to be richly carved. It is hard to believe that it originates from the 15th century. It has been described as the most "baroque-looking" temple on the island.