Denpasar's main Hindu temple stands directly beside the Bali Museum on the main square, enclosed behind elaborately carved stone walls and gate towers. Pura Jagatnatha is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the supreme deity of Balinese Hinduism, and is the spiritual centre of the capital. During the day the temple interior is relatively quiet and accessible to respectful visitors wearing appropriate clothing (sarong and sash, available to borrow at the gate).
The temple comes fully alive on full-moon and dark-moon festival nights, when Balinese worshippers arrive in ceremonial dress bearing elaborate offerings of fruit, flowers, and incense. The Kecak and Wayang Kulit performances occasionally staged in the temple grounds during these periods draw on the same deep tradition. Even on ordinary evenings, the illuminated temple seen from across the square is a striking image.