Legend has it that sacred Mount Batu Karu was once inhabited by the offspring of the god Pasupati about 70 years after the creation of the world making Pura Luhur Batu Karu one of the six important directional temples of Bali as well as the state temple for West Bali when Tabanan was an independent dynasty.  Situated in a clearing with lush jungle surroundings (due to the highest rainfall on the island), the pura sits at 1300 meters above sea level and has a shrine dedicated to the goddess of Lake Tamblingan and the god of Mount Batu Karu.