Prayers in the Balinese Workplace

(6/26/2006)

Wednesday, June 21, 2006, marked the birthday or "Odalan" of one of the 3 temples – the Pura Segara Natha, at the Grand Hyatt Resort located in the East Village of the 40-acre 648-room property.

The temple, used on a daily basis for prayers and offerings made by the more than 1,000 staff working at the Resort. Another of the two remaining temples within the Grand Hyatt Complex is the Pura Taman or Garden Temple, which is located behind the Hotel's Pasar Senggol, pre-dating the building of the Hotel, the temple is thought to be almost 300 years-old by local villagers who also worship there.

Temple Celebration at Grand Hyatt Bali (Click to Enlarge)

The Odalan of Pura Segara Natha

Preparation for the Odalan began at 8:00 a.m. when the Hindu employees of the Hyatt paraded through the hotel grounds dressed in their ritual best and accompanied by a traditional beleganjur orchestra. Later in the day, at 4:00 p.m., a program of sacred dances were performed in the temple’s foreyard before priests led the devout in prayers to Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa.

The Odalan of a Balinese temple is held once every 210 days.

Shown on balidiscovery.com are snapshots taken during the Resort's Odalan celebration.