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To a serious student of architecture, archaeology or history, ancient sites always reveal new facets of a particular dynasty or civilization. Hidden from the prying eyes, Far East has many treasures which disclose the evolution of a particular empire, monarchy or religion. Indonesia today is a thriving country with a population of mixed ethnic origins but if we go back a couple of centuries, we find that the Indian subcontinent played a major role in the polity of these Far East countries. Powerful Indian monarchs made it their business to expand their kingdom to these island countries, religions like Buddhism and Hinduism too made their way there through monks, sects and preachers. Bali till this day retains its Hindu influence in social systems, majority of the Balinese are practicing Hindus, just across 45 km another smaller island too has some relics of the past which reveal to what extent Hinduism had spread. A visit to this island will never be complete without a stopover to Pura Meru Temple, Lombok. Lombok is Bali’s neighbor on the east. Though the islands are separated by Lombok Strait, they are just at a distance of 45 km. But in spite of this short distance, the culture and identity of Lombok is totally different. Lombok now is a predominantly Muslim island, but the subtle difference is that the people also practice animism. Again, Lombok’s natural resources are totally different from Bali, one side of the island is very green, the other side is waterless and arid. The island does not have any freshwater, there are no streams or catchments to collect rainwater. But these are not the only attractions of Lombok, The island has quite a number of very interesting temples which give proof of the fact that Lombok at one time was under strong Balinese rule till 1894 AD. Most Balinese on Lombok, live in Mataram, the capital, Ampenan and Cakranegara. Pura Meru Temple, the largest temple in Lombok, is situated on the town border between Mataram and Cakranegara. The temple was constructed in the year, 1720 AD and is dedicated to the Holy Trinity of the Hindus, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. According to Hinduism, Lord Shiva or Lord Siwa is the Destroyer of the Universe, Lord Vishnu is the Preserver of the Universe and Lord Brahma is the Creator of the Universe. Pura Meru Temple complex has three courtyards, which have small Meru shrines, but the shrines of the Holy Trinity are in the central courtyard. For a somber and reverential visit to this temple, spend some time in peace and solitude.
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