Puja Mandala And The Temples Of Bali

Puja Mandala completes the romance of Bali.  In today’s world, torn with divisive religious beliefs and intolerance, an unusual site where four beautifully crafted buildings stands.  Four diverse religious denominations have built their houses of faith alongside each other, separated only by a thin strip of landscaping.  Side by side, are huge houses of worship, the Masjid for moslems, for Roman Catholics, the Gereja Katolik, Vihara for the Buddhists, and the Pura Jagatnata for the Hindu.

 Derived from the Sanskrit words puja (devotion, worship) and mandala (space), the worship complex is now one of the jewels of Bali, an island known for its religious tolerance and multi-ethnicity.   (The Jakarta Post, Bali Daily, May 14, 2013).  This link best describes Puja Mandala  http://www.thebalidaily.com/2013-05-14/puja-mandala-a-showcase-religious-tolerance.html

      

When visiting temples in Bali there are rules posted by entrances:

• Women during menstruation are strictly forbidden to enter the temple

• Dress decently before entering the temple premises

• Visitor entering the temple must wear a sash and sarong

 

Sash and Sarong Compliance