Vihara Dharmayana Kuta

Features of Vihara Dharmayana Kuta

Vihara Dharmayana Kuta dates back to 1876 – it offers a glimpse into Kuta’s lesser-known history. Despite its age, the temple is very well-maintained thanks to generations of local devotees, mostly of Chinese descent. They regularly visit the temple for prayers and communal activities, especially around Chinese New Year.

The temple’s main structures feature intricate far eastern-style architecture, creating a vivid and striking sight with no apparent sign of ageing. Escaping the hectic traffic scenes and stepping into the temple’s courtyard offers a calming sense of peace and tranquillity.

Constant wafts of incense smoke from the altars further add to the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. This Kuta oasis is comprised of the main structure, known as the Baktisala, which features large round lanterns hanging from the rims of its roof, supported by giant red pillars that are wrapped by menacing mythical dragon figures.

Good to know about Vihara Dharmayana Kuta

Next to the Baktisala is a smaller structure, the Dharmasala, where family prayers take place in front of smaller relics, various Chinese deity figurines and a wall mural of Borobudur Temple. Opposite the Baktisala and under a banyan tree is a unique place of worship where prayers are made to the ‘4-Faced Buddha’. This spot is surrounded by a small moat where a collection of turtles swim around or bask on stones, offering quite a peculiar sight.

Outside visitors are welcome to Vihara Dharmayana Kuta, but basic rules to follow include proper attire (no shorts or singlets) and no flash photography in the praying rooms – picture-taking of certain relics is forbidden).  A friendly senior temple keeper usually stands near the outside altar, either folding joss paper for offerings or arranging incense sticks, and they can provide some useful insights into the temple and its history.