DHARMA GIRI VIHARA
DHARMA GIRI VIHARA IS BUDDHA MONASTERY WITH SLEEPING BUDDHA STATUE
Vihara Dharma Giri is a vihara located in the western part of Bali that boasts the unique feature of the largest sleeping Buddha statue painted in a pure white color. This makes it one of Tabanan places of interest and a favorite tourist destination in the western region of Bali. Originally built as a place of worship for Buddhists in the vicinity, the monastery is now also a popular tourist destination due to its unique sleeping Buddha statue that attracts many visitors. The beautiful design also spoils the eyes of the visitors with its Buddhist majesty.
If you visit Dharma Giri Vihara, here’s what you need to know :
- Location Dharma Giri Vihara
- Sleeping Buddha Statue
- Dharma Giri Vihara History
- Dharma Giri Vihara Geography
- Process Making the Sleeping Buddha Statue
- Dharma Giri Vihara Dress Code
Location Dharma Giri Vihara
Dharma Giri Vihara is located on Pupuan Tabanan Bali Street, Tabanan Regency, on the road to Singaraja Gilimanuk Village. Traveling from Denpasar or Kuta area takes about 3 hours. Although it is a long journey, the scenery here is well worth the effort. If you want to drive yourself, you can use Google Maps to find the location. However, if you want a more comfortable trip, you can contact us at Bali Driver Hire. We provide transport at friendly prices, excellent service, and are accompanied by friendly drivers to make your trip more enjoyable.
Sleeping Buddha Statue
The sleeping Buddha statue located on the left side of the Dharma Giri Vihara building has a very large size and bright white color, which makes it look very clean and stunning. It is located in a large area that is often used for Buddhist activities, with a wide and natural view of the forest behind the statue. This beautiful natural scenery will make your sightseeing trip very enjoyable and memorable. Seeing the splendor of this sleeping Buddha statue is an unforgettable experience and a very special moment for tourists.
The sleeping Buddha statue has become one of the most desirable tourist destinations for those who want to enjoy its beauty in the western region of Bali Island. The development of technology and social media has made this place even more famous, with many tourists coming to capture their moments with photos that are then uploaded to Instagram. This has made Vihara Dharma Giri one of the most popular tourist destinations, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of this sleeping Buddha statue as well as take pictures with a stunning backdrop.
To the left of the main building of Dharma Giri Vihara, there is a small garden that is natural and preserved, and there is a small hall in which there is a very large bell with a wooden beater inside. This bell will sometimes be rung by monks on certain days. The garden and bell fit in perfectly with the monastery’s environment, which is located in a natural area with beautiful forests, creating a calm meditative atmosphere for the monks. If you are in the western area of Bali, it is highly recommended to visit Dharma Giri Vihara and see the beautiful sleeping Buddha statue there.
Dharma Giri Vihara History
The history of Vihara Buddha Dharma Giri began when the foundation was looking for land for Buddhist religious activities. They found suitable land, which at the time was used for plantations and planted with chili peppers. The construction of Dharma Giri Vihara took place on the land, and a monument to King Ashoka was built as part of the monastery. The monument has a message of diversity enshrined in an inscription and was completed in 2007, coinciding with ten years of the Dharma Giri Vihara’s presence on the site. The foundation also developed the monastery by utilizing the surrounding vacant land, which was originally a park. In 2010, they built a multi-story building that functions as the office of the monastery management.
After the building was completed in 2010, the plan to build a statue of Gautama Buddha in a sleeping position began. Initially, the trustees did not consider a sleeping position for the statue; they initially thought of a cross-legged position with some mudras or hand gestures. However, fearing that the statue would be too tall and the foundation would not be strong, they decided to make the statue of Gautama Buddha in a sleeping position. The statue is about 15 meters long and 3 meters high. At first, the Sleeping Buddha statue was not intended as a tourist attraction. The courtyard in front of it was more often used for meditation. However, over time, the existence of this statue began to attract the attention of many people who wanted to visit Vihara Dharma Giri. Gradually, this statue became an icon of religious tourism that is often visited by local and foreign tourists. The beauty of the Gautama Buddha statue in a sleeping position with a bright white color will enchant every visitor who sees it.
Dharma Giri Vihara Geography
The Dharma Giri Vihara area serves not only as a place of worship but also as a place for dharma practice, meditation, and the practice of atthasialni (the moral discipline advocated by the Buddha). The Dharma Giri Vihara building has a first floor that is used for the sale of altars or statues. On the second floor there is a kuti, a resting place for those who meditate, while on the top floor there is a statue of Gautama Buddha in a sleeping position. Visiting Vihara Dharma Giri is a very interesting experience because, besides being able to understand more about Buddhism in Bali, where the majority of the population is Hindu, you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery with green and sustainable forests. This place is perfect for meditating because of the calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Process Making the Sleeping Buddha Statue
The process of making the sleeping Buddha statue at Dharma Giri Vihara took a long time and went through several obstacles. Initially, construction began in 2010, but the building had to be demolished and rebuilt because the proportions of the building were not appropriate. In the second construction, the proportions of the statue can already be seen well. This sleeping Buddha statue was not inspired by the Buddha statues in Thailand, as the shape and proportions of the building are very different. The reference for this sleeping Buddha statue comes from the Reclining Buddha, which is similar to the statue in Mendut Temple, Magelang Regency, Central Java. In the beginning, the purpose of making this sleeping Buddha statue was not for tourist purposes as it is now. This building was originally intended as a center for Buddhist religious activities in the western region of Bali Island. However, due to the beauty and uniqueness of this sleeping Buddha statue, it has now become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the western region of Bali, with many tourists visiting to see its beauty.
Dharma Giri Vihara Dress Code
To visit the sleeping Buddha statue at Vihara Dharma Giri, there are some rules that need to be followed as the area is considered sacred:
- No wearing of shorts is allowed. If you are wearing shorts, you can use a sarong as a substitute.
- Footwear must be removed when entering the grounds of the sleeping Buddha statue.
- Always maintain the cleanliness of the sacred area, politeness, and etiquette in accordance with Buddhist religious norms.
- The atmosphere in the monastery is very quiet, suitable for meditation or contemplation. Therefore, visitors are expected not to make any noise that may disturb the Buddhists who are worshipping.
By abiding by these rules, visitors can enjoy the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere at Dharma Giri Monastery with full respect for Buddhist beliefs and traditions.