An integral part of the Balinese religion is a distinction between "the world we see", orsekala, which consists of life itself in form as nature, society and such, and "the world we don't see", orniskala, which consists of three invisible and intangible forces known as the "trinity". Brahma is the force of creation. Shiva is the force of destruction, and Visnu is the preserver. But beyond this trinity is the highest God the Balinese callSang Hyang Widhi Wasa, a supreme and unknowable God often associated with the Sun.

Rituals, ceremonies and offerings are all given to help sustain a balance between thesekalaand theniskala. There are split temples gate (theCandi Bentar), at the entrance of the temple, symbolises the male and female force of creation, the coming of the presence of the gods, and the entrance to another spiritual world. Statues of demons, (right) known as raksa or dwarapala, stand at the gate-side to protect the pura. The entire compound is sacred and special dress must be worn to enter the temple.

You can buy a sarong in almost any place in Ubud that must be worn before entering a temple.

Every house also has a small temple shine (left), known as gedong, that are built at thekaja (mountain) end of the property. These shrines are the place of spiritual worship for the individual family and worship and ceremonies at te shrine are often based on their ancestry and their choice of worship. Shrines are also found through the rice fields (pura subak) to honor the Balinese rice Goddess Dewi Sri, are located by large trees, such asBanyan trees, to honor the spirits of the trees for their protection, and in forested areas.

There are nine directional temples in Bali, including:

• Pura Besakih, in Besakih
• Pura Gao Lawah
• Pura Lempunyang
• Pura Luhur Batukau
• Pura Luhur Ulu Watu
• Pura Masceti, near Gianyar, Ubud
• Pura Sambu
• Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
• Pura Ulun Danu, in Batur.

The UbudVibe.com Directory is your gateway to the temples.