pura

Pura is the Balinese term for a temple, used in Bali to denote a sacred place of worship within Balinese Hinduism. The word is derived from Sanskrit and in Balinese practice denotes spaces where offerings are made to deities and ancestors, and where the community gathers for ritual life. Pura can refer to village temples, larger temple complexes serving broader communities, or family shrines, reflecting the integration of religion with daily social organization in Bali.

Architecturally, pura are typically enclosed by walls and accessed through gate structures, with a sequence of outer, middle, and inner courtyards leading to the most sacred shrines. The most prominent features are meru, tall multi-tiered shrines with odd numbers of roofing tiers (commonly 3 to 11). Temples are categorized by function: pura kahyangan jagat serve the wider community and the island’s spiritual balance, while pura desa pakraman serve a specific village, and pura keluarga or family shrines serve individual lineages. Ritual life centers on offerings known as canang sari, daily rites, and elaborate ceremonies conducted by priests, who may be called pemangku or, in higher temples, pedanda. The Balinese calendar dictates a cycle of ceremonies, including Galungan and Kuningan, as well as temple anniversaries and purification rites.

Notable pura include Besakih, the “Mother Temple” on the slopes of Mount Agung; Pura Luhur Uluwatu, perched on a cliff above the sea; and Pura Tanah Lot, a sea temple famed for its offshore rock setting. Pura are important cultural and religious landmarks in Bali, attracting visitors while requiring adherence to local etiquette, dress codes, and respectful conduct during ceremonies.