Uluwatu Temple (Indonesian: Pura (Luhur) Uluwatu) is a Balinese sea side temple (pura segara) in Uluwatu (South Kuta, Badung). The temple is regarded as one of the sad kahyangan (the holiest places of worship on Bali) and is dedicated to Balinese Hinduism god Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.
The temple is also inhabited by monkeys that can be seen around.
Though a small temple was claimed to have existed earlier, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the padmasana shrines and it is said that he attained moksha (forms of emancipation, liberation, and release) here, a ceremonial event called ngeluhur ("to go up") locally. This has resulted in the temple's epithet Luhur.
The temple is also inhabited by monkeys that can be seen around.
History and etymologyThe temple (pura in Balinese) is built at the edge (ulu) of a 70 meter high cliff or rock (watu) projecting into the sea In folklore, this rock is said to be part of Dewi Danu's petrified barque.
Though a small temple was claimed to have existed earlier, the structure was significantly expanded by a Javanese sage Empu Kuturan in the 11th Century. Another sage from East Java, Dang Hyang Nirartha is credited for constructing the padmasana shrines and it is said that he attained moksha (forms of emancipation, liberation, and release) here, a ceremonial event called ngeluhur ("to go up") locally. This has resulted in the temple's epithet Luhur.
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