Vihara Dharmayana Temple, Bali (2024) - Images, Timings

Vihara Dharmayana Temple, Bali Overview

One of the few religious attractions in Kuta, Vihara Dharmayana temple is an old Chinese Buddhist temple located just 1 km from the coastal strip. Featuring striking red walls and murals, the temple was even visited by the 14th Dalai Lama. The lanterns and dragon-themed decor marks out its Chinese character, and it becomes especially crowded during the lunar new year.

Vihara Dharmayana Temple is locally known as Kongco Kuta and its origin traces back to 1876. This temple is considered to be one of the five ancient Buddhist sites in Bali. The temple has a striking Eastern architecture style which creates an impressive outlook on the visitors. Surprisingly, this temple is constructed so beautifully that it shows no signs of aging.

Highlights of the Temple

Entering into the temple one is sure to experience a sense of peace and tranquility as which is the perfect escape from the bustle and traffic of city life. The holiest place of worship in the temple is under the banyan tree where prayers are offered to the ‘Four Faced Buddha.' Many people also offer different kinds of incense which add to the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

In the middle of the temple is a structure shaped as an oasis which is known as ‘Bakitsala'. This is a true beauty insight which is enhanced by the large round lanterns hanging from the roof and supported by gigantic pillars having dragon figurines circled them. The temple also features other fierce animals like lions.

All this makes the temple a holy place where many couples come to tie the knot and get the blessings to start their new life. A smaller temple called ‘Dharamshala’ is adjoining the temple where many families offer prayers to different deities. This temple also features a beautiful mural of ‘Borobudur’ which is the largest Buddhist temple in the world.

Many different celebrations and festivities take place in Vihara Dharmayana Temple during the Chinese Lunar New Year which comprises of the "Barongsai" (Lion Dance) and Naga Liong or dragon dances.

Tips

Visitors to the temple are required to dress appropriately. This means that any kind of short or revealing clothing is not permitted inside the temple premises.
There are certain rules about flash photography, where photography in prayer rooms and of certain relics is not permitted.