Bali Rice Fields

Rice field is inseparable part of Balinese religious life, it is deeply venerated by Balinese in a special temple known as Ulun Swi / Suwi temple. Based on sacred Kurakanda Dewapurana manuscript, the word “Ulun Swi” is derived from the word “ulu” which means “center” or “source” and the word “swi” which means ‘rice field” or “water”. In other words, the Ulun Swi temple is the center of rice fields in a certain area.
Ulun Swi temple serves as aplace for farmers to ask for fertility and succesful harvest. It is a place where they pay homage to the deity of the land (Ida Bhatara Bhaka Bhumi) so the earth will yield good harvest and insects, mice, birds and other disturbances will not damage the crops. Based on the sacred Usana Dewa manuscript, Ida Bhatara Bhaka Bhumi is resided in Ulun Swi Temple and serves as the soul of the land and worshiped by those whose livelihood are depend on the soil.
Pura Ulun Swi is maintained by subak (an autonomous socio-religious association which deals with matters related to the cultivation and irrigation of rice in certain area). Each subak has its own Ulun Swi Temple and the members of the subak are also the congregations of the temple.