Meru, an elaborate multi-tiered temple structure with thatched roof of sugar palm fiber called duk, is surely a prima ballerina of many temple courtyards. Towering majestically among other shrine, meru is a symbol of the temple prestige. A temple with an eleven-tiered meru is surely has more prestige than just a temple with a five-tiered Meru.

The shrines symbolize the world mountain, Gunung Maha Meru, and has one to eleven tiers or, as they are called, tumpang, or “levels.” There must always be an odd number, although one meru at Pura Taman Ayun in Mengwi has two. The tumpang are square and diminish in size toward the top, so that the effect is that of a Chinese pagoda, except the colors are somber.

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If you are driving from Pura Ulun Danu Batur (Bali’s most important lakeside temple that pays homage to water and irrigation) in a southern direction you will come to a cross-road just a couple meters into the journey. The road on the right hand side leads to the villages of Payangan and Ubud, while the left shows the way to yet another Hindu temple complex called Pura Bukit Mentik. The road here winds steeply as you approach the foot of Mount Batur.

Keen adventurers also use this route as a starting point for early morning climbs of Mount Batur’s rugged terrain. The road actually circles the lower base of the mountain and to the west there are stunning views from the lakeside temple of Pura Jati as well as Toya Bungkah, with hot water springs, on east side. Further along the road you will also come across Toya Mampeh.

According to local folklore, Mount Batur used to be called Gunung Lebah. During the rule of the legendary Waturenggong the name was changed to Batur. However, the people of the area still keep the term Gunung Lebah, which also refers to a temple there.

The complex of Pura Bukit Mentik was completely surrounded by molten lava during a volcanic eruption in 1974. But the temple itself and sacred banyan tree amazingly remained untouched by this act of Mother Nature. The temple is now referred to as the ‘Lucky Temple’.

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