Pura Dalem Ubud - The Temple of Death

In the shadowed heart of Ubud stands Pura Dalem, a temple steeped in ancient power and shadowed secrets. One of the area’s most formidable sacred sites, it pulses at the centre of the local spiritual life, a place where worship, dark rituals and otherworldly performances unfold. Its moss clad stone carvings depict guardian spirits and fearsome deities, whispering of life, death and the unseen forces that linger at the edge of perception. Within its walls, the air is thick with the weight of centuries, echoing the eternal cycle of transformation and casting a spectral influence over the very soul of Ubud.

The name Pura Dalem, meaning “Temple of Death,” carries a weight that lingers in the mind, hinting at the temple’s profound spiritual purpose within Balinese Hinduism. It is not merely a morbid label but a reflection of a belief that death is an inevitable, essential passage in the unending cycle of life, decay and rebirth. At the heart of the temple’s power is Shiva, the formidable Hindu deity of destruction and transformation, whose presence embodies both the dissolution of the physical form and the soul’s uneasy passage into the next realm. Here, the air is thick with the echoes of mortality and the temple grounds serve as the stage for rites that confront life’s impermanence head on. Elaborate cremation ceremonies and purification rituals are performed to honour the dead and guide their restless spirits toward reincarnation. These gatherings are far more than farewells, they are solemn acknowledgments of the fragile, transient nature of existence and a sombre meditation on the soul’s enduring, cyclical journey.

Though small compared to Bali’s grander temples, Pura Dalem exerts a presence far heavier than its size suggests. Its weathered stone gates, guardian statues draped in checkered cloth, and ancient shrines seem to murmur secrets of centuries steeped in devotion and the cycle of life and death. By day, the temple appears quiet and melancholy but as darkness falls, it stirs with a strange, lingering energy. Bathed in flickering golden light, the carvings and statues seem to shift in the shadows, their twisted forms and grim visages watching unseen corners of the courtyard. Guardians of the afterlife loom with silent vigilance, and the air grows thick with echoes of rituals, prayers, and the passage of countless souls, leaving a sense of mystery and the unseen lingering throughout the temple.

The temple complex is divided into multiple sections, each serving a distinct spiritual purpose. This architectural layout reflects the Balinese concept of sekala and niskala, the seen and unseen worlds, guiding how space is used for different levels of ritual practice. The innermost courtyard, considered the holiest part of the temple, houses the primary shrines and altars, including those dedicated to Shiva and other figures associated with death, transformation and the afterlife. These sacred spaces are where high caste priests conduct elaborate ceremonies and where locals come to make offerings during important rites. Each structure within the complex serves a specific role in guiding the soul through its spiritual transitions, from the earthly realm toward reincarnation.

In addition to its religious significance, the temple is also known for its nightly traditional dance performances held in the temple courtyard at night. The Kecak Ramayana and Fire Dance show combines rhythmic chanting, dance and drama, creating a hypnotic percussive soundtrack without instruments. The story usually dramatises a scene from the Hindu epic Ramayana, particularly the rescue of Sita by the monkey god Hanuman. It’s often performed just after sunset in temple courtyards, with fire and dramatic costumes enhancing the visual spectacle. Unlike other Balinese dances, Kecak is purely vocal and ritual inspired. For visitors, it’s a unique opportunity to witness the sacred and the performative intertwine, a vivid expression of how art, myth and religion remain tightly woven into daily life.

Rituals performed here bring peace to both the living and the deceased, helping to maintain harmony in the spiritual world

The caretakers of temples like Pura Dalem are often priests or local custodians who carry a deep sense of responsibility in preserving the sanctity of these sacred spaces. Their demeanour can seem stern or reserved but this usually reflects the gravity of their role rather than irritation. They are guardians of centuries old traditions, responsible for maintaining ritual purity, performing daily offerings and guiding major ceremonies. While some may indeed feel frustrated by disrespectful tourist behaviour, their seriousness is mostly rooted in spiritual focus, not hostility. Respecting the temple’s rules and observing quietly goes a long way in earning their quiet acceptance.

Pura Dalem stands as a silent witness to the inevitability of mortality, its weathered stone and shadowed statues a reminder that all life must yield to decay. Within its walls, the cycle of death and rebirth plays out endlessly and the air itself seems heavy with the passage of countless souls, leaving no corner untouched by the weight of the inevitable.

🗺️ Location

Jalan Raya Ubud No 23, Ubud Village, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia

🚆 How to get there

This temple is located right on the main street of Ubud Dowtown and is a 4 minute walk from the Lotus cafe.

⭐ Attraction Info

The locals are not keen at you entering past the ticket counter to just take photos however they offer tickets to the Kecak Ramayana and Fire Dance, which will give you access. Entry costs 100,000 IDR per person and the show happens every night at 7:30pm. It is advisable to get there when gates open at 6:30pm to ensure you get good seats. The show goes for about an hour and is definitely worth seeing at least once. Visitors should dress appropriately when visiting the temple, covering shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.

Thanks for reading about Pura Dalem Ubud - The Temple of Death. Check out more awesome destinations here!

Discover Bali

Pura Dalem Ubud – The Temple of Death is a sacred site where Balinese rituals honour life, death and reincarnation