Gate of Heaven and Hell

Bali is a highly favoured tourist destination and many newlyweds come here for their honeymoon or even have their wedding ceremony performed here.

While staying at the beautiful Nusa Dua Hotel & Spa, I inadvertently entered a room I thought was the banquet hall. It was not but a large room filled with several beautiful ladies dressed in full finery and guys in tuxedo or suit. Hanging around were several local men with cameras and tripod stands. I realised these were couples waiting for their wedding portraits to be taken probably around the hotel grounds.

The population of Bali is predominantly Hindu and daily life is very much centered around religion. One familiar structure found all over the island is the Candi Bentar or Split Gate or Gate of Heaven and Hell. Local wedding planners or hotel staff would always suggest that lovebirds have their portraits taken at this gate. Apparently, the gate serves as the doorway to leave evil behind. The left hand side of the gate represents evil right represents good. Thus, when you pass through the gate, you are cleansed of evil.

Perhaps, newlyweds would enjoy an enduring and blissful marriage if they walk through the gate. No harm in that.