Ulun Danu Batur Temple or Temple of Crater Lake holds special place in Balinese socio-religious like no other temple in Bali. This temple is the core of the all water temples in Central Bali. It is the paramount of water temple systems which has great authority over all irrigation systems that draw their water from Batur Lake.

The special place enjoys by this temple also reflects on the special way of choosing its high priest and special right he has. The high priest of this is usually called Jero Gede. He is selected by a virgin priestess of the temple, after the death of his predecessor. In choosing the next Jero Gede, the priestess goes into trance, Balinese believe the priestess is possessed by the goddess of the lake, and through her voice the goddess name boy who will become new Jero Gede. Since the Jero Gede is chosen by the goddess he is also called “sanglingan” or “lightning-struck”.

Like no other high priest of any other temple in Bali, Jero Gede is considered to be the owner of Ulun Danu Batur Temple. He has the right to receive everything that goes in and out of the temple. Everything he needs is fulfilled by the congregation of the temple which is also means all farmers who received the water from Lake Batur. He has considerable authority over water distribution. No new rice field or new subak in central Bali can be opened without his permission. His words hold great weight in dispute over water between two subaks, and always obeyed by the disputers.

These just few glimpses on the importance of Ulun Danu Batur Temple especially for Balinese farmers in Central Bali

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