Tanah Lot Temple: A Pilgrimage to Bali’s Sacred Rock
Our visa days in Bali were dwindling, and with a spiritual quest still calling, it was finally time for the legendary Tanah Lot, the enigmatic sea temple we’d heard so much about. We had secured a quiet hotel nearby, enjoying the calm before the expected crowds, with a refreshing pool inviting us to unwind. We dedicated the first day to rest, recharging for the next morning’s adventure.
As the new day dawned, we set out on foot towards the temple. The morning air was peaceful, and most of the street shops were still shuttered, lending a quiet charm to our walk. The canopy of large, ancient trees offered a welcome reprieve, their generous shade protecting us from the already warming sun.
Arriving at the main gateway – a characteristic feature of so many Balinese landmarks – we were met with an unexpected sight. A man sat there, surrounded by his snakes, calling out to passersby. Among them, a magnificent yellow python immediately caught our attention. He offered to let us interact with them. Sabine, always drawn to reptiles, wasted no time. With a gentle touch, she began to befriend the snake, her hands caressing its smooth scales.
The man, clearly used to this reaction, explained that a small fee would allow us to hold the python, a modest contribution to his daily livelihood. I readily agreed, and Sabine, with a calm confidence, gently draped the impressive yellow python around her neck. The snake moved languidly through her hands, a living, breathing jewel against her skin.
I admit, I felt a slight shyness, but Sabine, ever the enthusiast, encouraged me, guiding my hand towards the python. To my utter surprise, this was the smoothest snake I had ever touched. Its skin was incredibly soft, almost silken. As I placed my hand on it, the python began to gently move upwards, towards my arm. The owner then carefully lifted the snake and placed it around my neck. It was remarkably gentle, its cool, muscular form coiling softly. The vibrant yellow of its scales shimmered brilliantly in the morning sun, creating a truly unforgettable moment.
This unexpected encounter, before even reaching the temple itself, already made our journey to Tanah Lot truly unique and memorable. What an incredible start to exploring one of Bali’s most iconic spiritual sites!
Serenity and Surprises at Tanah Lot: An Encounter with a Python
after our extraordinary encounter with the python, we continued our journey forward. Just a few more steps, and then we saw it – the majestic Tanah Lot Temple, truly a sight to behold, standing proudly amidst the sea. We paused for a moment, simply absorbing the atmosphere, watching people enjoying the unique coastal setting.
Leaving our sandals on the sand of the beach, we began our barefoot journey across the shallow waters to reach the temple. The gentle waves lapped at our feet, a cool, refreshing blessing as we approached the sacred site. The rocks underfoot were a little slippery in places, but navigating them was easy and posed no risk.
As we reached the temple structure itself, we understood why many temples in Bali had been closed or seemed inaccessible. The main temple building, as I had mentioned earlier, was closed to visitors, as the sacred spaces in Bali often open primarily according to the lunar calendar and specific ceremonial days.
Despite the main shrine being closed, the area inside was surprisingly not watery, allowing us to enter. We approached a priest who was present, and under his gentle guidance, we made our offerings. He then led us to a small, sacred freshwater fountain. Located right in the heart of the sea, discovering this source of pure, drinkable water was absolutely astounding – truly an amazing natural and spiritual wonder! Drinking from it felt like a profound experience.
Indeed, the spiritual aspects of this particular temple felt much deeper, more tangible, connecting us to the ancient beliefs and the incredible balance of nature and divinity that Bali embodies. Our visit to Tanah Lot, even with its closed main shrine, had unveiled a profound sense of sacredness, far beyond what we initially expected.
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this is my travel through Bali
thank you
Rahul
