PURA LUHUR ULUWATU

Bali has over 20,000 temples and Pura Luhur Uluwatu was my first. There, we learned that it is one of the six holiest places in Bali and that Scott looks surprisingly good in a sarong. 

Mandatory temple garb. Gotta cover up those gams. 

Mandatory temple garb. Gotta cover up those gams. 

PuaLuhurUluwatuBali
The belt was also mandatory temple wear. Not a quirky accessory.

The belt was also mandatory temple wear. Not a quirky accessory.

Not a great photo... but look at that baby monkey!

Not a great photo... but look at that baby monkey!

Built in the 11th century, the sea temple is on a giant cliff that overlooks the Indian Ocean. It's dedicated to the supreme Hindu God Acintya (their main, #1 God), but in his manifestation as Rudra, a storm God who is known as the "the mightiest of the mighty" which is now what I would like written on my grave stone. 

FUN FACT: After the Indonesian War of Independence, the country adopted a political philosophy that allowed for freedom of religion but the religions had to be monotheistic (one God only). Hinduism is a religion with a whole lotta Gods, so from what I understand, to comply with regulation, Balinese Hindus emphasize the monotheistic worship of Acintya, but he takes on various manifestations of their OG Gods (goddess of rice, god of mountains, etc). Balinese Hinduism in general is a bit of smorgasbord of Indian religions and animist (the belief that plants, animals and objects possess a spiritual essence) customs that go way way back.

This makes for many rituals, colorful surroundings and the near-constant smell of incense, everywhere you go.