As Buddhists across Indonesia mark Waisak Day today, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama, one hillside sanctuary in Bali offers a quieter glimpse of the island’s religious diversity.
Nestled in the highlands of Pupuan, Tabanan, the Vihara Dharma Giri is home to Bali’s largest Reclining Buddha—a striking 10-meter-long sculpture resting serenely against a backdrop of Mount Batukaru and lush tropical forest.
The vihara, though modest in profile compared to Bali’s famed temples, has quietly become a spiritual landmark and an understated symbol of Indonesia’s religious pluralism.
A place of worship, not a tourist attraction
Despite its growing popularity, Vihara Dharma Giri’s caretakers insist its purpose remains religious rather than touristic.
“There was never any intention to turn this into a tourist attraction,” said Romo Liemanuel Kartika, the vihara’s spiritual leader and caretaker.
“Everything here was built to support the practice of dharma through meditation. We provide facilities for those seeking spiritual clarity, not sightseeing.”
The Reclining Buddha—or Sleeping Buddha Statue as it is colloquially known—has become the centerpiece of the vihara since its construction around 2010.
Romo Liemanuel clarified that the term Sleeping Buddha is a simplification, and that the posture represents one of the four meditation positions known in Buddhist practice.
“There’s no such term as ‘Sleeping Buddha’ in the proper sense,” he said.
The statue, carved in soft gold tones, lies just past the Pilar Asoka, a tall column inscribed with messages of peace, pluralism, and tolerance inspired by the edicts of Emperor Ashoka.
Before reaching the statue, visitors pass serene courtyards and structures such as stupas, pagodas, and a meditation hall. An additional sculpture shows the Buddha seated on a lotus, shielded by a seven-headed cobra.
Harmony and respect
To maintain the sanctity of the site, rules are clearly posted: no noise, no improper attire, and shoes off in certain areas. Visitors who arrive in shorts are offered sarongs at the entrance. An entry donation of Rp10.000 is collected, and guests are asked to sign a visitor’s log.
The vihara’s surroundings are equally calming. The drive from Denpasar, about two hours, winds through terraced rice fields and misty hills—a fitting journey for those seeking stillness.
“We have a responsibility to keep this space peaceful,” said one of the on-site volunteers. “Even as more people come, we ask that they respect this as a place of prayer first.”
A quiet testament to pluralism
On Waisak, Vihara Dharma Giri is often closed to general visitors to allow for uninterrupted religious ceremonies such as Puja Bhakti and other rites. But on most days, it remains open to all—offering a glimpse into a faith quietly practiced across the archipelago.
The vihara’s rise in prominence reflects a broader truth about Bali: that even on an island often labeled “The Island of a Thousand Temples,” spiritual expression takes many forms
