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Each country has a little bit of history that leaves its footprints in the sands of time though perhaps that course of destiny has long been changed. Indonesia has a very famous island, Bali, known for its beauty and warm people, where such relics of the past give an idea about what a thriving metropolis it was where Hinduism was the main faith. The venerable and fearless monarchs made great conquests and spread their influence far and wide. Several monarchs from different dynasties in the Indian subcontinent had conquered parts of Far-East, the tenets of Buddhism and Hinduism were further spread by religious sects and monks. Bali still retains its Hindu culture to some extent, but its neighbor on the east, Lombok is today the home of predominantly Sasak Muslims. Lombok has several temples and ruins which make the earlier Balinese domination and influence on this island very apparent. The moment this comment is made, Narmada Taman Temple Complex, Lombok springs to mind. If we go back in time some couple of centuries back, we will find that the Balinese were engaged in a battle for conquest of the island. In 1677, Balinese won and thus Lombok came under the influence of the Hindu Balinese and their ways and customs. The more powerful islanders, that is the Balinese, made it their business to see that the control over the island remains in their hands. With the new rulers who had the confidence and support of the local Sasak aristocracy, new temples and other structures were gradually built. Narmada Taman Temple Complex is perhaps the most famous of all the Balinese architectural splendors. To understand why this temple complex was so important in the Balinese scheme of things, one has to understand the place of Mt. Rinjani in Indonesian lives. This is one of the highest peaks in Indonesia and an active volcano, the last time it erupted was about two years ago. The mountain is very revered by the locals and the crater lake, Seggara Anak Lake, which is just below the rim is believed to have healing powers, just as the numerous hot springs which dot the slopes to the mountain. Here people come from near and afar to offer offerings to the majestic mountain and the lake in hope of a cure to their various ailments. Legend has it that the aged and ailing monarch found it difficult to climb the mountain and offer his homage. Narmada Taman Temple Complex lies at six miles east of Cakranegara and was built in 1727 AD during the reign of King Anak Agung Gede Ngurah Karang Asem. It is situated near the famous Narmada Park. The architecture of this temple is very interesting as there is a mix of three distinct styles, Hindu, Islam and Sasak. The whole outlay is a miniature of the mountain and the crater lake. Narmada is a sacred river in India and the temple in the complex, Pura Kalasa, is still the center of Balinese Pujawali celebration. Pura Kalasa is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The whole complex is very beautiful and you can spend some peaceful hours here but the weekends see hordes of crowds. The visiting hours are from seven in the morning to six in the evening.
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