Bukit Sari, Ubud, Bali. I am looking for any information on this ancient Buddhist temple and its gardens
![]()
(this is pretty much how I feel right now...)
Here's the most precise info I have so far on the temple and its garden. It is not so easy to find information on Buddhist gardens in a country that's converted to Hinduism, then to Islam ages ago.
I am far from being an Historian, ATM, I understand the Mengwi Kingdom's apogee was around the 17th century. Correct me if I'm wrong. I know very little of South East Asia, its History and religions.
![]()
At this point, I have tried to reach people in the area who may know who I should talk to. I know these stones are 'found art'. I am open to any suggestion as to what this really means. I sure don't. Not yet. All I know is that it is related to my research, and that in the first picture of this post, there is a small pile of rubble, 'special stones' which certainly does not look centuries old.
![]()
Does anyone have concrete info to share on the Buddhist History of this temple? Or on related lores/legends of the area?
![]()
(this is pretty much how I feel right now...)
Here's the most precise info I have so far on the temple and its garden. It is not so easy to find information on Buddhist gardens in a country that's converted to Hinduism, then to Islam ages ago.
Quote
Sangeh Monkey Forest
The 13ha forest is a nature reserve and is best known for its – not only one, but many – monkey kingdoms within its grounds. The grey macaques that inhabit the nutmeg forest each have a ring leader – and for the whole, there is one highest ruler or ‘king’, who dwells in the largest area where a sanctified temple is also found, namely the Bukit Sari Temple (to some locals, referred to as ‘Pura Pucak Sari’).
The Bukit Sari temple is the largest of four temples; the others are Pura Melanting, Pura Tirta and Pura Anyar. It was once a ruin until the Mengwi kingdom ordered for its restoration and even the expansion of the temple. It was named Bukit Sari or “essence of the hill” and due to the people’s aptitude of worship, the sanctity of the temple led to its grounds and the whole forest, thus preservation was guaranteed to its whole perimeter. And an important nature reserve was established, culturally and through generations.
I am far from being an Historian, ATM, I understand the Mengwi Kingdom's apogee was around the 17th century. Correct me if I'm wrong. I know very little of South East Asia, its History and religions.
At this point, I have tried to reach people in the area who may know who I should talk to. I know these stones are 'found art'. I am open to any suggestion as to what this really means. I sure don't. Not yet. All I know is that it is related to my research, and that in the first picture of this post, there is a small pile of rubble, 'special stones' which certainly does not look centuries old.
Does anyone have concrete info to share on the Buddhist History of this temple? Or on related lores/legends of the area?
