History of Temples in Ubud

Q: How did the Majapahit Kingdom influence Ubud's history?

The Majapahit Kingdom conquered Bali in the 14th century. They made a big impact on Ubud. Their influence is seen in the area's culture and buildings.

Q: How did Dang Hyang Nirtartha shape Balinese Hinduism?

In the 16th century, Dang Hyang Nirtartha came to Bali. He changed Balinese Hinduism to what we see today. He started the Shaivite priesthood in Bali.

Q: How did the 1917 earthquake impact Ubud's temples and palaces?

The 1917 earthquake damaged many temples and palaces in Bali. The Ubud palace was hit hard. The royal family moved to a new palace, Puri Saren.

Every year, millions of people visit Bali. They want to see the tropical paradise. But Bali is also famous for its history and culture, which is centuries old. Ubud is the heart of Bali’s culture and history.

Ubud’s history is linked to Bali’s history. To understand Ubud, we need to know its myths and legends. These stories are mixed with its real history.

Key Takeaways

The history of temples in Ubud dates back to the 8th century with the arrival of the first Hindus led by the holy man Rsi Markandaya¹.
Rsi Markandaya established many important temples around Bali and introduced the subak irrigation system which is stil in use today¹.
Over the next 400 years, plenty of temples and monasteries were built in Bali including Gunung Kawi temple and Goa Gajah cave temples¹.
The Banjar system, emphasising Hindu customs and culture, is stil practiced by Balinese people².
Positive impacts on society and tourism in Ubud after the arrival of Rsi Markandeya².

The Arrival of Rsi Markandaya

The history of Ubud started in the 8th century. Rsi Markandaya³ led the first Hindu settlers to Java. Then, he traveled east with 200 followers to Bali³.

He gathered 800 devotees³ and went to Mount Agung in Bali. This mountain is the island’s highest peak.

Ubud Rsi Markandaya Shrine

Rsi Markandaya went to Mount Raung’s slopes for 35 days³. He heard a heavenly voice there. It gave him sacred wisdom³.

He returned to Bali with a smaller group. They did a ritual and built Pura Gunung Raung temple in Taro³.

The Confluence of Wos Tengen and Wos Kiwa

Rsi Markandaya found peace where Wos Tengen and Wos Kiwa rivers meet. He built a temple there for Dewi Danu, the Goddess of the Lakes³. This temple is now called Pura Gunung Lebah⁴.

“Rsi Markandaya’s arrival and the establishment of these sacred sites laid the foundation for Ubud’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage, which continues to captivate visitors from around the world.”

The Majapahit Kingdom’s Influence

Bali’s history is closely tied to the Majapahit Kingdom. This powerful Javanese empire once ruled the area⁵. The Balinese Kingdom was greatly influenced by its Javanese neighbors, like Mataram and Majapahit, from the 13th to 15th centuries⁵.

The Majapahit Empire lasted from 1293 to 1520 AD⁶. It took over Bali in 1343, making it a vassal state⁶. Many Hindu-Javanese priests, artists, and thinkers moved to Bali. This made the island a key place for Hindu culture⁶.

The Majapahit Empire’s conquest of Bali in 1343 was a big change for the island⁶.
After the Hindu Majapahit Empire fell in Java in the 16th century, many Hindu-Javanese people moved to Bali. This made Bali’s Hindu roots even stronger⁶.
Hindu-Javanese priests, like Dang Hyang Nirartha, came to Bali. They built famous temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot. These temples show Bali’s cultural heritage⁶.

The Majapahit Kingdom’s impact on Bali was huge. It shaped Bali’s religion, culture, and politics for centuries⁵. Today, Bali’s rich culture shows the lasting effect of this Javanese empire.

Timeline	Event	Reference
1293 – 1520 AD	The Majapahit Empire lasted	⁶
1343	The Majapahit Empire conquered Bali and established it as a vassal state	⁶
16th century	Large-scale migration of Hindu-Javanese elites to Bali due to the rise of Islam in Java	⁶

The Shaping of Balinese Hinduism

Balinese Hinduism is a special spiritual tradition. It was shaped by Dang Hyang Nirtartha, a Javanese priest, in 1537⁷. Nirtartha made Balinese Hinduism what it is today⁷.

He is known as the founder of the Shaivite priesthood. This group is very important in Balinese society⁷.

Nirtartha’s arrival was a big change for Balinese culture. It was then that Ubud’s aristocratic families started their lineages⁸. This time also saw a growth in arts, architecture, and spirituality⁸.

The work of Dang Hyang Nirtartha is seen in Balinese Hinduism. It mixes Indian spiritual ideas with local customs⁷. This mix makes Balinese Hinduism unique and interesting⁷.

“Balinese Hinduism shows how culture and faith can change and grow. Dang Hyang Nirtartha’s work has made a lasting impact on the island. It has shaped a faith that is both old and always changing.”

Today, you can see Dang Hyang Nirtartha’s and the Shaivite priesthood‘s influence everywhere in Bali. It’s in the temples, rituals, and daily life⁷. This shows the lasting power of Balinese Hinduism⁷.

The Rise of Ubud’s Princedom

The princes of Ubud came from the Javanese Majapahit warriors who invaded Bali⁹. They were very respected. Cokorde Gede Sukawati was seen as the last great warrior king of Bali.

Cokorde Gede Sukawati and the Dutch Alliance

In 1874, Cokorde Rai Batur, Cokorde Gede Sukawati’s dad, won a big war against Gianyar⁹. In 1891, Cokorde Gede Sukawati led an alliance against Negara⁹. He grew his area to 130 villages, showing his skill in leading 18,000 followers⁹.

The Dutch came and wanted all Balinese kings to accept the Queen of Holland⁹. Cokorde Gede Sukawati saw a chance to make an alliance. So, Gianyar became a Dutch protectorate in 1901⁹.

Key Statistic	Value
Percentage of religious buildings in Ubud that are non-Islamic	High¹⁰
Maintenance responsibility for ancient temples in Ubud	Government¹⁰
Percentage of the Indonesian population that practices Islam	86%¹⁰
Number of religious minorities in Indonesia (excluding Muslims)	30+ million¹⁰

Bali is the only Hindu island in Indonesia. It has a big Hindu population⁹. Balinese Hinduism mixes Hinduism with animism and ancestor worship⁹.

“Cokorde Gede Sukawati was arguably regarded as the last and most prominent of the noble warrior kings of Bali.”

The first people in Bali were there 3000 years ago⁹. They brought Hinduism and Buddhism from Java⁹. By the 11th century, Bali was heavily influenced by Hinduism and Javanese culture⁹.

In the 15th century, Bali was at its peak, controlling Lombok and East Java⁹. In 1597, a Dutch ship landed on Bali, starting European interest⁹¹¹.

Ubud is in the heart of Bali, known for its ancient temples. These temples show Bali’s spiritual and cultural growth over time¹². Places like Pura Taman Saraswati and Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal are key to understanding Bali’s past¹².

The Puri Saren Agung, Ubud’s royal palace, was built in the 1800s¹³. A big earthquake hit in 1917, but the palace was fixed quickly. It welcomed foreign visitors in 1928¹³. Today, it hosts traditional dances and has a private temple for the royal family¹³.

In the Campuhan area, you’ll find Pura Gunung Lebah. It was built by Rsi Markandya, a wise sage¹³. This temple is surrounded by greenery and has been important for over 800 years¹³.

Ubud is also home to Goa Gajah and Samuan Tiga Temple. These temples show Bali’s history and faith¹². They draw visitors from everywhere, showing the power of Balinese Hinduism¹².

The Earthquake of 1917

Bali, the beautiful Indonesian island, has a rich history. This history is tied to its temples and palaces. In 1917, a big earthquake hit the island, leaving a lasting mark on its heritage¹⁴.

On January 21, 1917, a strong earthquake of 6.6 magnitude hit Bali¹⁴. It was so powerful, it was classified as “Violent” on the Mercalli scale¹⁴. The earthquake killed 1,500 people, mostly from landslides it caused¹⁴.

The Ubud palace, a key cultural spot, was badly damaged. The royal family had to live in new buildings. These were built where the Ubud market now stands¹⁴. They moved back to Puri Saren, a new palace, after it was built.

The earthquake was a big loss for Bali’s culture. It destroyed or damaged 2,431 temples, including Pura Ulun Danu Batur¹⁴. The people worked hard to rebuild and keep their culture alive.

Bali’s landscape is dynamic, thanks to its location in the Sunda Arc. The Australian plate is moving under the Sunda plate at 7.5 cm per year¹⁴. Earthquakes near Bali are mostly thrust faults, causing tremors in eastern Java, Sumbawa, Lombok, and Bali¹⁴. A small tsunami was seen on Bali’s southeastern coast, but it didn’t cause much damage¹⁴.

The Balinese people showed great resilience. They worked hard to restore their temples and palaces. Today, places like the Ubud palace show the Balinese spirit and their dedication to their culture.

The Rise of Tourism in Ubud

Ubud became famous thanks to local leaders and artists from abroad in the early 1900s¹⁵. It started as a place for meditation in the eighth century¹⁵. The royal families of Bali helped grow Ubud’s art scene in the late 1800s¹⁵.

In the 1930s, artists like Walter Spies and Han Snel came to Ubud¹⁵. They brought more people to see the art and culture¹⁵. Cokorde Gede Agung Sukawati built places for visitors to stay¹⁶.

Ubud became a place where artists found inspiration¹⁵. In 1936, artists formed the Pita Maha painting association¹⁵. This made Ubud known for its art even more.

Even after the 2002 bombings, Ubud kept attracting tourists¹⁵. Events like the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival helped¹⁵. Now, there are many places to stay, from villas to warungs¹⁵.

Ubud is not just about art. It’s also known for its beauty, culture, and wellness¹⁵. It’s a favorite spot for yoga and retreats¹⁵. Visitors can also see temples and learn about Balinese culture¹⁵.

Ubud’s growth is thanks to local leaders, artists, and its beauty¹⁶¹⁵. It’s a place where old traditions meet new tourism¹⁶¹⁵.

Ubud Today

Ubud is the heart of Bali, full of culture and spirit. It has drawn visitors from everywhere¹⁷. For over 400 years, temples and monasteries have been built here. Places like Gunung Kawi and Goa Gajah are amazing¹⁷.

In 1343, Bali was conquered by the Majapahit Kingdom. By 1900, Ubud was under Dutch rule¹⁷. The 1930s brought foreign artists, making Ubud a cultural hotspot. It’s been a top travel spot for over 60 years¹⁷.

Now, Ubud has over 20,000 temples, mostly in the town center¹⁸. Famous temples like Pura Taman Saraswati and Puri Saren Agung show Ubud’s culture and spirit¹⁸.

The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is home to many monkeys and trees. It draws ten thousand visitors monthly¹⁸.
Pura Taman Saraswati is a beautiful Balinese temple. It has oriental decorations, a garden, and a pond with lotus flowers. It’s a peaceful place for visitors¹⁸.
Goa Gajah is an ancient site from the 11th century. It has a Buddhist temple in a cave. Ceremonies for Lord Shiva are held here¹⁸.

These temples and sites draw visitors worldwide. They are drawn to Bali’s ancient traditions and beliefs. Ubud’s rich heritage and spirit make it a key place to visit for cultural experiences.

“Ubud is not a mere place, but a state of being.” – Piet Oei, Ubud resident

Conclusion

The temples of Ubud show the beauty of Balinese Hindu culture. They also show the deep spiritual significance of this town. From old shrines to royal palaces, these temples connect you to Bali’s traditions¹⁹.

Exploring temples like Pura Taman Saraswati and Pura Dalem is special. They take you to a place of deep thought and learning¹⁹.

Leaving the temples of Ubud means you’ll love Bali’s culture more. These places touch your heart and soul. They make you want to come back and learn more about this amazing town¹⁹²⁰.

FAQ

What is the history of temples in Ubud?

The history of Ubud’s temples started in the 8th century. A Hindu sage named Rsi Markandaya came first. Over 400 years, many temples were built, like Gunung Kawi and Goa Gajah.

Ubud’s temples show the island’s deep culture and spiritual value.

Who was Rsi Markandaya and what is his connection to Ubud?

Rsi Markandaya was a holy man from Java. He came to Bali in the 8th century. He built the Pura Gunung Raung temple in Taro.

He also built the Gunung Lebah Temple for the Goddess Dewi Danu.

How did the Majapahit Kingdom influence Ubud’s history?

The Majapahit Kingdom conquered Bali in the 14th century. They made a big impact on Ubud. Their influence is seen in the area’s culture and buildings.

How did Dang Hyang Nirtartha shape Balinese Hinduism?

In the 16th century, Dang Hyang Nirtartha came to Bali. He changed Balinese Hinduism to what we see today. He started the Shaivite priesthood in Bali.

What was the role of Ubud’s princedom in its history?

The princes of Ubud came from the Majapahit warriors. They were very respected. Cokorde Gede Sukawati, the last king, helped Ubud grow and worked with the Dutch.

What are some of the key temples in Ubud?

Ubud has over 20,000 temples. Some key ones are Pura Taman Saraswati, Pura Dalem, and the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest. Also, Puri Saren Agung, Gunung Lebah Temple, and Goa Gajah are important.

How did the 1917 earthquake impact Ubud’s temples and palaces?

The 1917 earthquake damaged many temples and palaces in Bali. The Ubud palace was hit hard. The royal family moved to a new palace, Puri Saren.

How did tourism contribute to the development of Ubud?

Tourism made Ubud famous in the 1930s. The Ubud royalty, like Cokorde Gede Agung Sukawati, helped. They invited artists like Walter Spies, making Ubud a hub for art.

What is the significance of Ubud’s temples today?

Ubud’s temples show the town’s rich culture and spirituality. They offer a deep look into Balinese Hinduism. Visitors can experience the island’s spiritual essence.