Photographer's Note
Now, when all over the world we are imprisoned in our homes and can't leave it without a good reason, it seems impossible that such scenes could be observed only three weeks ago.
One thing that is striking in Bali is how pervasive religion is in Balinese society. Wherever you look, you’ll find the presence of religion, be it in the form of beautiful temples, elaborate offerings, or complex and colourful rituals and festivals. In Bali, there is a religious festival pretty much every day (literally), and the life of Balinese people seems to revolve around religion in a rather unique way.
For such a small island, Bali boasts an incredible number of temples (called pura in Balinese). This is not surprising given that every single village has at least three territorial temples where only local people are allowed to pray: one dedicated to the village ancestors, one for official/institutional functions and one for cremation ceremonies.
On top of that, all traditional Balinese family houses have a family temple, and there are other temple compounds containing temples and shrines dedicated to different Hindu deities.
Among the latter, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan (also sometimes spelled as Bratan) is one of the three most important temples in Bali. The iconic nature of Ulun Danu temple is proven by the fact that it is depicted on the reverse of the 50,000 rupiah bill. The existence of a temple in this location has been documented since the 16th century, but the current temple compound was built in the 17th century.
The temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the Goddess of water, lakes and rivers. Fittingly, it is located on the shores of Lake Beratan, in a beautiful spot surrounded by 1500 metre-high mountains. Although this is not very high altitude, the area feels decidedly high-mountain, with slightly colder temperatures, and a mistier, rainier climate than most of Bali.
Lake Beratan used to be the largest lake in Bali, until an earthquake split it into three smaller ones. Beratan still remains the second largest lake on the island, and its waters are a source of fertility for the numerous plantations and rice paddies in the area.
Ulun Danu Beratan is in fact a temple compound comprising four groups of shrines oriented towards the four cardinal directions. Even from outside the temple, your eyes will be attracted to the tallest structure in the compound, the 11-tier meru covering the shrine dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. There are also 7- and 3-tier shrines built to honor other deities, including the two other main deities of the Hinduist Trimurti (literally, ‘three forms’): Brahma (the creator) and Shiva (the destroyer). Merus are roofed structures that always have an odd number of levels, usually three, seven or eleven; the latter is often reserved to show the ultimate degree of respect, depending on the deity and purpose of the shrine or temple.
Like in many other Balinese temples, whole families and groups of people who come there for ritual purposes. In festivals and other special days, women traditionally carry to the temple on their heads baskets full of flowers, fruit and other foods as offerings.
Colors have a symbolic use in Balinese Hinduism. Each of the main three deities has a colour: red for Brahma, black for Shiva and white for Vishnu. And yellow (or golden) represents prosperity and happiness. The black and white checkered fabric, called poleng, is used frequently in clothes and draped over trees, rocks, columns and other objects considered sacred and inhabited by a spirit (there is a strong component of animism in Balinese Hinduism). (after https://www.thevisualtraveler.com/ulun-danu-beratan-temple-religion-in-bali/)
I hope you will find it interesting. I was like in heaven. People, nicely dressed in the traditional way, smiled and waved to me when they saw an old with the camera.
pierrefonds, holmertz, jhm, ikeharel, Royaldevon, papagolf21, tyro, everlasting has marked this note useful
Critiques | Translate
pierrefonds
(114448) 2020-04-01 4:53
Hi Malgo,
You have cpatured well a daily life scene. The point of view is showing the persons eating their meal. The light is bringing out the colours. Have a nice day.
Pierre
Silvio1953
(221593) 2020-04-01 5:08
Ciao cara Malgo, lovely composition with nice people, wonderful colors, splendid light, fine details and excellent clarity, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio
holmertz
(102700) 2020-04-01 5:35
Hello Malgo,
I don't remember any such crowded and happy religious gatherings in Indonesia, but from India my experience is that people gathered at pilgrim sites were usually in a good mood. I received many friendly smiles and greetings and people helped me to find the best place to take photos. It was fun and heartwarming, so I understand your enthusiasm. Of this photo and the similar WS the light is better here, but I think people are slightly better placed in the WS. The best light wins.
The only thing that makes my slightly sad is that they are eating from some kind of plastic boxes that may end up in the sea. Not too many years ago their meals would have been wrapped in ecological banana leaves.
Kind regards,
Gert
jhm
(211736) 2020-04-01 6:24
Hello Malgo,
We see all the people eat almost on the street.
This would in our western region can not!
But your picture is indeed competely and nice sharp presented.
Also your note are real a half book.
Very well done, TFS.
Best regards,
John.
Gerrit
(62042) 2020-04-01 8:04
Hello Malgo,
I can imagine that it seems ages ago the three weeks you were in Indonesia with all those people next to each other,
Wonderful photo.
thanks and regards,
Gerrit
rychem
(72187) 2020-04-01 8:20
Rzeczywiscie, scenka jak z innego swiata, ale poczekaj do dudorów, tez tak bedziemy sie zbierac, bo zapewne nastapi cudowne zahamowanie epidemii.
Pozdrowienia zza maseczki uszytej ze starej poszewki ;)
Ryszard
lousat
(139266) 2020-04-01 9:44
Ciao Malgo,A gathering of people like this would now be a real biological bomb, fortunately that the virus had not yet arrived. 3 beautiful photos, in fact you can breathe that air of happiness that you describe, where everyone is peaceful and smiling. In fact, only 20 days have passed but it seems a century. Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano
Royaldevon
(85932) 2020-04-01 12:21
Hello Malgo,
How times change!
Three weeks ago people were gathering socially and enjoying each others company.
You have taken some delightful photographs, I like your w/s too.
It surprises me to see people gathering to eat in a temple, but this is obviously perfectly acceptable.
It must be very difficult to teach religion to small children, with so many temples, deities and festivals to understand!
I have enjoyed perusing your photographs,.
Keep safe,
Bev :-)
Ilonka1974
(10289) 2020-04-01 13:49
Czesc Malgorzata,
Kolejne interesujace zdjecie z gornej polki.
Doskonala jakosc.
Pozdrawiam
Janusz
Tue
(92360) 2020-04-01 14:06
Hello Malgo,
When seeing large groups together in photos or for example films, it seems so long ago that this was possible, but it's only been a couple of weeks now. It is remarkable how quickly people are still, one way or another, able to somehow adapt to such a new and strange situation. An excellent photo of all these people sitting closely together here while eating. Good lighting and colours.
Lars
Nicou
(193806) 2020-04-01 20:49
Hello
une image toute récente cela a du changer maintenant quelle compo toute ces personnes qui mangent quelle cène et vue avec le blanc dominant ce jaune de la dame en premier plan quelle vue
Bravo et amitié
Nciou
papagolf21
(152607) 2020-04-01 23:39
Bonjour, chère Malgo,
Votre soif de découvertes est inextinguible, et vous nous faites profiter de vos récits et merveilles avec bonheur.
J'apprécie beaucoup vos images et notes.
Amitiés.
Philippe
jemaflor
(147128) 2020-04-01 23:46
Hi Malgo,
Pleasant photo with these people, spontaneous impression, good result with colorful clothes, perfect sharpness, tfs.
tyro
(30513) 2020-04-02 2:53
Hello Malgo,
Yes, it is quite remarkable that only three weeks ago we were able to travel anywhere we wishes - but now we are all in "lockdown" and forced to be imprisoned in our ow homes. And, for such a seasoned traveller as yourself, this must be a very severe imposition.
As always, a fascinating and very informative note and three delightful photographs, each of which really does convey the happy and kind nature of these people with whom you mixed at their temples in Bali.
Beautiful!
You take care.
Kindest Regards,
John.
jmdias
(115156) 2020-04-02 9:35
malgo
a nice flagrant of the people enjoying a meal in the temple, religion is important here in my town yet, but of course it was much more important when I was a little boy. in europe religion is almost lost.
take care
jorge
abmdsudi
(95869) 2020-04-02 9:39
Hi Malgorzata
That's quite a large gathering with some bright colours and contrast. Nice record shot.
Best regards
GyurMaster
(24830) 2020-04-02 11:27
Dear Malgo,
Excellent daily genre, which would be impossible to take nowadays in the times of social distancing.
Best Wishes,
Gy.
Miguel82
(47110) 2020-04-13 3:28
Hello, this group is having lunch in this temple. They are seated everywhere they can find free space. I think they eat a take away food in punnets. Fine colors, good sharpness, interesting photo note, regards.
Photo Information
-
Copyright: Malgorzata Kopczynska (emka)
(158156)
- Genre: ·ç¾°
- Medium: ²ÊÉ«
- Date Taken: 2020-03-07
- Categories: ÈÕ³£Éú»î, ½ÚÈÕ, Ceremony, Architecture, Event, Decisive Moment
- Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
- Date Submitted: 2020-04-01 4:12