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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Taman Ayun temple was the royal temple of Mengwi Kingdom that survived until 1891 when it was conquered by the neighboring kingdoms of Tabanan and Badung. The name Taman Ayun means beautiful garden. This temple was built by the King of Mengwi, I Gusti Agung Anom in 1634. The date of construction is expressed on a carved door with chronogram reads ‘Sad Bhuta Yaksa Dewa‘ means 1634 AD. The temple has been renovated in 1949 and in 1972 all black fiber roofs were renewed, the last in 1976 was built the pavilion tower called ‘Bale Kulkul‘.

The Taman Ayun temple is the second largest temple in Bali, covering an area of 250 x 100 square meters. The temple is built on a high tableland that is partly surrounded by ponds, creating an impression that the temple is foating on the water. The temple is surrounded by a massive moat that looks lovely and is divided into 4 courtyards each courtyard situated on a spacious rising level.

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The great mamungkah and mupuk pedagingan ceremony in Pura Taman Ayun reached its peak yesterday (12/19/2006). The ceremony began on 10/21/2006 and last until 12/30/2006. This great ceremony comprised of a series of intricate ceremonies.

The first ceremony was Matur Piuning (informing the God), this ceremony was dedicated to informing the god that the great mamungkah and mupuk pedagingan ceremony will be held soon this ceremony was held on 10/21/2006. Then Nunas Pengalang Sasih (begging a clear month) ceremony was held on 10/27/2006, this ceremony was dedicated to ask for good weather to the God. After that the Nyukat Genah (purifying the venue) ceremony was held on 11/20/2006. This ceremony was dedicated to purify the venue where the great mamungkah and mupuk pedagingan ceremony were held.

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