Who knows the divine beauty of Vihara Dharmayana Temple in Bali? Coming back from nearly 200 years, it is one of the few beautiful cultural landmarks hidden amid Kuta’s hustle and bustle. You would be mesmerised to see the age-old Chinese Buddhist temple on your Bali Tour which is standing still and known to be one of the best places to visit in Bali!
It was also been visited by Tibet’s 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso on an international tour in 1982! The Vihara Dharmayana Temple is located only a kilometer east of Kuta’s main coastal strip. This is often referred to as “Kongco Leeng Gwan Kuta” or simply “Kongco Kuta”. But, the bright red walls of the Vihara Dharmayana Temple can be spotted from far away!
So, why wait? Explore the beauty of divine energy. Learn the best time to visit, how to reach, and the entry fee for Vihara Dharmayana Temple Kuta.
The History: The Vihara Dharmayana Temple dates back to 1876 and also comes with a great opportunity to dig deeper into the rich history of the temple and Kuta. While it's a Chinese Buddhist temple, it's welcoming everyone today. The temple was first called Leeng Gwan Temple (or Leeng Gwan Bio) and was built at the meeting point of two roads: Jalan Blambangan and Jalan Padri.
The temple's oldest history can be seen in three dates - 1876, 1879, and 1880, written on four pairs of poetry boards inside. In 1980, they changed its name to Vihara Dharmayana and added a special Buddhist prayer area with a new statue.
A really important moment in the temple's history was when the 14th Dalai Lama visited in 1982 during his trip to Bali. After some changes in rules, the temple opened its doors to everyone(not just the local Chinese community).
The Architecture: Wondering why Dharmayana Temple is a must-visit? The intricate far-eastern style architecture with no signs of aging! You can escape the hustle and bustle of Kuta and step into the temple’s courtyard for a calming and serene time. There is a constant sense of incense smoke from the altars adding to the great spiritual ambience of the Pura Vhara Dharmayana.
There is a main structure, known as the Baktisala with huge round lanterns hanging from the ceiling. And, next to Baktisala is a very small structure, the Dharmasala, where people do their prayers in front of small relics.
You cannot forget the big Banyan tree opposite the Baktisala and the unique place of worship where prayers are made to the “Four-Faced-Buddha”. This is surrounded by a small moat where the turtles swim around or bask on the stones, making it a peculiar sight for tourists to witness.
Suggested Read: Pura Tirta Empul in Bali
