Pura Taman Saraswati is a water temple in central Ubud, accessible from Jalan Kajeng, which branches off from the city's main street. It's right next to Café Lotus. The temple is a great spot to take a break while strolling through Ubud. It's a lovely place for both contemplation and photography. The area is known for its ponds adorned with lotus flowers and an elegant amphitheater. Frangipani trees frame the pond, casting whimsical shadows. The path through the ponds to the temple is decorated with figures of mythical creatures.
Entrance to the temple is free, but, as with any other Balinese temple, you will need to wear a sarong and a sash. The entrance is just behind the amphitheater. Inside the temple, you can find peace in the serene atmosphere among the intricate and ornate carvings on the sandstone bas-reliefs. And, of course, admire the statue of the temple's patron, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, literature, and art, Saraswati.
In the central courtyard of the temple is the Padmasana altar. The pedestal is carved with figures of a cosmic turtle and naga serpents representing the demonic realm of Bhur. The upper part of the altar is adorned with a symbolic golden throne depicting Acintya, one of the main gods of the Balinese Hindu pantheon. The temple's pavilion is decorated with three golden thrones dedicated to the triad of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. There is also a bale barong, a pavilion where Barong costumes used for exorcism rituals are stored. Typically, two Barong Ket costumes in the form of a lion and Barong Pangkal in the form of a boar are kept there.
The temple was designed by Balinese architect I Gusti Nyoman Lempad. He arrived in Ubud immediately after leaving the town of Blahbatuh in Gianyar Regency due to a disagreement that angered the royal court of Blahbatuh. In Ubud, he was employed by the Sukawati family, under whose guidance he built several temples and palaces in the city and its surroundings. Construction of the temple began in 1951 and was completed a year later. The temple is open to visitors from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If visiting the temple is not part of your plans, you can simply visit Café Lotus and enjoy the view of the ponds from there. The minimum amount for dinner at the café is 200,000 rupiahs. Watching a dance performance without dinner costs 100,000 rupiahs.
From the café, you can view both the pond and the daily dance performances that take place in front of the temple starting at 7:30 PM.
