“Pura Taman Ayun “is the Balinese name for “The Royal Temple of Mengwi “ which was built in the 18th century by Cokorda Munggu, Mengwi’s greatest king and is the second largest temple complex in Bali. The meaning of the name is  ‘Garden Temple in The Water.’ It is partially surrounded by a wide, lotus-filled moat that gives the appearance that the pura is floating and was designed to represent Mount Meru, the mythological home of the gods, floating in a sea of eternity.

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 with Mount Meru, floating in the sea of eternity. One should visit this temple during its three-day odalan ceremonies when the pura is filled with colorful processions and activities.

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.

Pura Taman Ayun was enlarged in 1937, making some of its structures the most modern temple architecture in Bali.