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It
is astounding to note that this region Bali, an integral part of
Java of Indonesia claims the honour of having 2000 temples built at
several places, like atop the mountains, on 'the seashores, in the
little villages, and strangely enough in the paddy fields also.
Further there is no village without temples, and each houses in the
minimum three temples throughout the country, and are built in
different places, like the Pura Puseh temple at the end of the
village, dedicated , to Vishnu, the Pura Desa, dedicated to Brahma
in the middle of the village, and finally the Pura Dalem at another
end, dedicated to Siva facing the sea. Another fascinating feature
discernable is - each has distinct purpose like the Pura Puseh,
going by the name of the Temple of Origin meant for village
founders. The Pura Desa is used for performing ceremonies and the
last the Pura Dalem called the temple of the Dead is used for the
deities. Their traditions being queer due to local influence and
alien culture, novelty stares into the eyes of the Indian visitors,
accustomed to seeing Saivate gods in the manner described in the
agamas. Whatever may be the intent on the part of the patrons for
the building of the places of worship, and carrying of prayer
services, the names of the adorable deities and the functions
assigned deserves attention and adoration. Saivism that was
established in the prehistoric days by the Indian settlers had
passed through many vicissitudes of time, and hence the observance
of a wide variety of ramifications of the original gods, traditions
and customs. Yet the Indian names and adherence to basic concepts
merits recognition and appreciation.
This
sort of temples are found in every Balinese village, occupying the
eastern most end of the island of Java, the principal island of Indonesia.
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