Tanah Lot Temple, Indonesia

In Balinese, Tanah Lot translates to "Land Sea." The temple is located near Tabanan, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of Denpasar, on a big offshore rock that has been carved over time by the ocean tide.

Dang Hyang Nirartha, a 16th-century artist, is said to have created Tanah Lot. During his travels around the south coast, he came across the picturesque setting of the rock island and chose to stay there. When other fishermen noticed him, they decided to buy him gifts. Nirartha then stayed on the small island for the night. Later, he urged the fishermen to erect a shrine on the rock because he believed it was a holy spot to worship the Balinese sea gods.

The temple's principal deity is Dewa Baruna or Bhatara Segara, who is the sea god or sea force, and Nirartha is also worshipped here these days.

For generations, the Tanah Lot temple has been a part of Balinese folklore. The temple is one of seven sea temples that dot the coast of Bali. The sea temples were built in a chain along the south-western shore, each within sight of the next. The temple was heavily influenced by Hinduism, in addition to Balinese legend.

Venomous sea snakes are said to guard the temple from evil spirits and invaders at the base of the rocky island. The temple is purportedly protected by a giant snake, which was created from Nirartha's selendang (a type of sash) when he established the island.

Location: : Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia