Bali Sea Temple — Pura Tanah

One of Bali's most important sea temples, Pura Tanah Lot ("Temple of Land in the Middle of the Sea") is a spectacular sight, especially at sunset. 20 More images after the break...

History
The tiny island was formed by the gradual erosion of the ocean tide over thousands of years. The temple of Tanah Lot is said to have been founded by the 16th-century priest Nirartha, one of the last priests to come to Bali from Java.

What to See

The temple of Tanah Lot stands on a rocky island just off the southwest coast of Bali. One of Bali's most sacred sea temples, Tanah Lot is dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea. The temple itself is said to be guarded from evil by the sea snakes that inhabit the caves below.

The temple itself is not accessible to visitors, but magnificent views can be had from a variety of points nearby. Crowds especially gather on the terraces nearby to watch the glow of the sunset behind the temple. Naturally, there are plenty of souvenir shops and cafes with a view to keep you well-supplied while doing so.

Quick Facts

Names: Pura Tanah Lot; Tanah Lot Temple; Temple of the Land in the Middle of the Sea; "Sunset Temple"

Type of site:   Temple
Faith:             Balinese Hinduism
Status:           Active
Dates:            c.16th century
Location:        SW Bali, Indonesia
Hours:            Not open to visitors.

Via — Link

Snake Temple

There is in Malaysia on the island of Penang, a place as the Temple of Snakes. Here live the most dangerous species of snakes - rattlesnakes. The temple is infested by them: on the floor, in corners, even on the altar. Here they are gods, they had to bow to the faithful.

1. In the Snake Temple in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, has a place and people, and one of the most dangerous creatures on earth - the snakes. more images after the break...

2. Located at Sungai Kluang, on the island of Penang, Snake Temple is also known as Temple of Azure Clouds, or the Temple of pure clouds - in honor of the clear sky Penang.

3. In this temple, home to rattlesnakes, which the locals believe the servants Chor Soo Kong and deities.

4) Legend of the development of the temple says that he is standing there an ulterior motive, the legend, by the way, you can watch movies online at specialized sites. Earlier, before the advent of the holy palace here, on this place was a lonely hermit shack believer, who was always happy to see the snakes in his house.

5. And they did not refuse his hospitality and often crawled here, many lived permanently here. When the hermit had died, and the shack collapsed, and the snakes are gone from these lands, and when he was elevated to an elegant temple, they began to consider themselves in one piece with a sacred institution.

6. Thousands of believers come to the Temple of snakes in Penang every year.

7. Someone said that this act of Chor Soo Kong, others believe that rattlesnakes - one of the most aggressive species of snakes - calm down under the influence of smoke from smoking.

8. Unfortunately, the number of snakes in the temple fell sharply due to the urbanization of the area.

9. However, do not worry. Most of the guests of the temple (ie, snakes) poisonous glands removed, so that they can embrace and even photographed.

10. Scientists still can not explain the fact that on certain days in the temple slides a huge number of snakes. On ordinary days in the temple can be seen only a few snakes, which mainly lie in the dark corners and do not stir.