Founded in the 17th century as the state temple of the Mengwi Kingdom, Taman Ayun translates to 'Beautiful Garden.' Its most striking feature, a series of multi-tiered 'Meru' towers reflected in the water, was designed to recreate the holy Mount Meru of Hindu Cosmology on earth, serving as a center of prayer for the kingdom's peace and prosperity. In Balinese philosophy, the cycle of water flowing from the mountains to the sea is the source of life and order. The wide moat surrounding the temple functions as a 'purifying boundary' separating the sacred precinct from the mundane world. Visitors are guided from the outer court inward, passing through a 'Candi Bentar' (split gateway), an outer gate tower, and prayer pavilions before looking upon the central cluster of shrines. This layout allows one to experience a gradual approach into the sacred world. In 2012, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as part of the cultural landscape of Bali's 'Subak' system. Local ceremonies are still held here, offering a tangible sense of how this historic landscape resonates with the rhythm of community life.