Candidasa Overview

About Candidasa History

Candidasa is in a fascinating area of Bali in the regency of Karangasem. This village, which is now really a small town, is located on a fresh water lagoon on the east coast of the island.
The first evidence of Candidasa, dates from the 12th century. At this time it was a fishing village known as Teluk Kehen, which translates as Bay of Fire. Another name for it was Cilidasa (10 children), which became Candidasa (10 temples) later as it developed.
The famous temple near the lagoon is called Puri Candidasa, and is a place of pilgrimage for people from all over in Bali. In the temple is a statue of the fertility goddess Hariti surrounded by 10 children.
The Balinese legend goes that Hariti was infertile but fell in love with a handsome god and was desperate to provide him an heir. One day, she heard a Balinese couple praying for rain, but knew the couple was actually praying for a child. Her sadness brought tears that became rain. Here’s the good part – the couple’s happiness for the rain made them a bit frisky and they made love right there and then, creating their first child.
From then on Hariti was fertile and gave birth to 10 children from her first pregnancy! The Balinese believe that making offerings at this temple, built on the spot where the couple conceived their child, will bring fertility so you will often see couples here.