PURA MADUWE KARANG - TEMPLE
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A must-see temple in Kubutambahan, one of the most impressive in northern Bali, a sacred place dedicated to the divinity of the earth.
At the Pura Maduwé Karang temple, arguably one of the most impressive in northern Bali, you can admire three rows of statues depicting scenes from the Ramayana with rather whimsical characters. The temple is dedicated to the deity of the earth, Ibu Pertiwi or Batara Maduwé Karang, believed to protect dry crops (as opposed to rice paddies).
Its staircases are flanked by thirty-four stone statues representing figures from the Ramayana, arranged on terraces. They lead to the first altar, a peaceful garden. Further steps open onto another altar containing a pyramid-shaped stone and two offering pavilions. The walls of the temple are decorated with bas-reliefs depicting all manner of scenes, including the famous Dutch cyclist (his bicycle has flower-shaped wheels), engraved in 1904 after a Dutch artist who rode his bicycle around the island, painting landscapes and portraits in his wake. A rat and a dog are depicted in the bicycle's wheels. The present bas-relief is a reproduction of the original, which was destroyed by an earthquake. It is located one kilometer before the junction with the road leading down to Kintamani.
A beautiful visit well worth a detour - whether you're with the family and young children or not. As in all temples, please ensure that you dress appropriately.
