Temple
The most important institution in Bali, temples
reflect the important role religion plays in the life of the Balinese.
A temple is a place for communicating with the divine spirits through
offerings and prayers. On holy days, when the deities and ancestral
spirits descend from heaven to visit earth, the temples, become
centres of activity.
Temple festivals are guide by purification by the sprinkling of
holy water. Whole communities take part in these festivals, bringing
baskets of food and flowers for offerings. While pura means temple,
a puri is the residence of local prince, which may function as a
cultural centre.
Music, dances, food, flowers, and fruits scarificed began as part
of temple rituals to please the Gods an to placate evil spirit.
Following the caste system of Hindu and some of its other rites
and beliefs like reincarnation, one of the greatest ceremonies are
cremations, meant to liberate the souls ready for rebirth. Burial
is only temporary to give the family time to prepare or waiting
for more to have a common cremation with the community.
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