
On the island of Bali, in addition to countless Hindu temples, there are also wonderful gardens where you can immerse yourself in harmony and spiritual balance.
In the eastern part of the island, near the town of Amalpura, on an area of 1.2 hectares, there are the Tirta Ganga water gardens (Taman Tirta Gangga)
Taman Tirta Gangga
Built-in 1948, it was commissioned by Anak Agung Anglura Ketut Karangasem, the last Balinese Raja of the Karangasem dynasty. He studied architecture in the Netherlands and not only personally designed the site but also participated equally with the workers in its construction.
The Tirta Ganga Gardens combine Indonesian and Chinese architecture. Every element strives for symmetry and perfect balance, and every pond, fountain, stone path, and bridge carries its own symbolism.
The gardens are built on three levels, symbolizing respectively the world of demons (Bhur), the world of humans (Bwah), and that of the gods (Swah).
At the top level (Swah), there is a natural spring springing from the sacred Banyan tree (ficus macrocarpa). From Sanskrit, the name Tirta Gangga translates as "holy waters of the Ganga River." For Hindus, the Ganga River is the most sacred of all rivers, flowing from the braided hair of Shiva. For them, water is one of the five elements that make up the universe and has the power to purify the spirit. An elaborate water supply system was built to maintain the gardens.
The same level contains the Raja's palace, a meditation place, a swimming pool, and several smaller ponds. Numerous statues of Hindu deities are located around the area. Locals believe that bathing on a full moon brings eternal youth. However, this cannot be verified as the gardens are closed to visitors after 18:00.
In the center of the whole complex, on the middle level (Bwah), symbolizing the world of people, the fountain (Nawa Sanga) rises on 11 levels, surrounded by statues, ponds, and greenery. It was built according to the traditions of the Ramayana and symbolizes the Hindu god Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the guardian of sacred water.
In the lowest level of the complex (Bhur), a stone path winds through one of the pools on the water's surface. Large and colorful koi fish swim in the water.
The gardens were destroyed during the 1963 eruption of the Agung volcano. The Raja tried to restore the complex but died in 1966, and the work stopped. Only at the end of the 20th century, with the help of donations, were the gardens returned to their former glory.