There are many kinds of temples in Bali, from the tiny family temple in a house compound to the huge complex of Pura Besakih, which serves as an island-wide centre of worship. Temples do share a few basic characteristics, however.
Temples are always roofless.
Many are oriented so that one enters frorn the kelod side and proceeds in a kaja direction towds the shrine. Kaja is in the direction of the mountains, where the gods live, and so entering a temple is like climbing towards the dwelling place of the gods, Proceeding from profane to a sacred area. Many temples are terraced so that you physically climb as you approach the inner area. Most temples have enclosing walls with entrance gates, and interior dividing walls that define specific areas that have different functions. Many main entrance gates are split distinctively, as if the masonry has been cut vertically and the two halves then moved apart.