On my first night in Ubud, my eyes and ears were treated to a grand procession from the royal palace heading down hill towards the river.
Traffic stood still as women in intricate-laced kebaya’s and sarong, glided down the street balancing baskets full of offerings, while the men walked ahead. Everyone is Ubud is heading this evening to Pura Gunung Lebah (more known to the locals here as Pura Campuhan) for one of the six grand ceremonies held to bless the temple.
Traffic stood still as women in intricate-laced kebaya’s and sarong, glided down the street balancing baskets full of offerings, while the men walked ahead. Everyone is Ubud is heading this evening to Pura Gunung Lebah (more known to the locals here as Pura Campuhan) for one of the six grand ceremonies held to bless the temple.
The temple is located just a few minutes away from Ubud’s main street. It’s built at the confluence of the two rivers hence the local name for temple – Pura Campuhan, which means a mixture. The temple had recently undergone some intensive expansion work and has finally completely hence purification rituals coupled with sacrificial rituals carried out to appease the spirits.
This religious festival is filled with colourful street processions, daily rituals as well as unique traditional Balinese art performances that takes place every evening of the week. Locals told me that these performances vary on a daily basis and it’s free for everyone to watch.
*This opportunity was too good to miss.
This religious festival is filled with colourful street processions, daily rituals as well as unique traditional Balinese art performances that takes place every evening of the week. Locals told me that these performances vary on a daily basis and it’s free for everyone to watch.
*This opportunity was too good to miss.
The following night, dressed in traditional Balinese outfit I made way to the temple. With my purchase of incense sticks and canang (little woven-palm-leaf baskets that have flowers in them) to pray at the temple, I made my way down. Dressing in traditional Balinese attire is a must to enter the temple, as it’s a form of respect as well as etiquette. Plus the pencalang (local guardsmen - normally dressed in black with chequered sarong) will stop you from entering if your attire is not up to par.
*Its free to entre this temple provided you are dressed in traditional outfit of course.
As predicted the temple was full with devotees so it took approximately 40-minutes to get into the inner sanctum. Sitting down for 20-30 minutes in a sarong isn’t exactly easy or comfortable. I did fidget a few times to which an amused old man leaned in to ask if I was local, as locals (as he pointed out) don’t flinch a muscle in this position. Clearly my cover was blown at this point but it was sweet - he and old buddies were excited to tell me more about the temple and Ubud.
*Its free to entre this temple provided you are dressed in traditional outfit of course.
As predicted the temple was full with devotees so it took approximately 40-minutes to get into the inner sanctum. Sitting down for 20-30 minutes in a sarong isn’t exactly easy or comfortable. I did fidget a few times to which an amused old man leaned in to ask if I was local, as locals (as he pointed out) don’t flinch a muscle in this position. Clearly my cover was blown at this point but it was sweet - he and old buddies were excited to tell me more about the temple and Ubud.
Part of the inner sanctum.
The inner sanctum is truly beautiful. All 3 sides of its walls were covered in rows of figuring glimmering in gold amulets and headgears. It’s the largest collection of deities in one place that I’ve ever seen. It’s stunning. And the energy in this sacred place is very soothing and calming. Plus the beautiful melody of the gamelang being played just below, adds to the ambiance.
Upon exit, I went to the front of the temple to watch the dance performance that was on for tonight. Two very talented girls, no more than 11-years-old I would say, danced gracefully. Their movements, costumes and expressions were impeccable.
Upon exit, I went to the front of the temple to watch the dance performance that was on for tonight. Two very talented girls, no more than 11-years-old I would say, danced gracefully. Their movements, costumes and expressions were impeccable.
The whole affair at the temple took about 2 hours.
I personally felt like I needed a good energy cleanse and this place did just that. I felt more relaxed, calm and overall - good.
Don’t miss this temple when you’re in Ubud. Its worth that 15 minutes walk down the main street!
View the gallery for more photographs.
I personally felt like I needed a good energy cleanse and this place did just that. I felt more relaxed, calm and overall - good.
Don’t miss this temple when you’re in Ubud. Its worth that 15 minutes walk down the main street!
View the gallery for more photographs.
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