The second largest state temple complex in Bali, Pura Taman Ayun (Beautiful Garden Temple) is also one of the island’s most picturesque with its garden complex and surrounding lotus moat.  Ruler of Mengwi, Cokorda Munggu built the elegant shrine in 1740 as his state temple when the region was still a separate kingdom.  Symbolizing the divine Hindu cosmos as represented by four terraced courtyards and 50 separate structures within the water temple complex.  Within the inner courtyard alone there are 29 buildings that serve as the domain of the temple deities.

Part of a network of directional temples that protect Bali from evil spirits, Pura Taman Ayun was built as a series of garden terraces with courtyards on different levels. The entire complex was designed to symbolize the mythological home of the gods, Mount Meru, floating in the sea of eternity.

An eleven-tiered meru (at the far end, in the right-hand corner of the complex) is dedicated to the rice goddess Dewi Sri. The third bale on the left is believed to be the abode of several different gods.

The temple is boarded by broad canals and can only be entered via a bridge leading to a richly ornamented ’candid bentar’ the gate, which gives access to the outer courtyard (jaba) of the temple. A footpath leads to a square pond with a fountain in the centre. This fountain has nine water jets - four for the cardinal points and four for the sub-cardinal points. The ninth in the centre symbolizes the Dewa Nawa Sanga, the nine main gods of Balinese Hinduism.

The footpath leads to a second ‘jaba tengah’ more elevated, second courtyard of the temple. Inside this is the walled ‘jabo jero’ third and most holy courtyard of the temple with the most important shrines. This is accessible only during important ceremonies, like the ‘odalon’.