Uluwatu temple struck by lightning

Uluwatu temple struck by lightning

DENPASAR, Bali: Despite being equipped with a lightning
amulet, a holy three-story structure in the Luhur Uluwatu temple
in the southern peninsula of Bali Island was struck by lightning
during recent heavy downpours.

One of the nine pillars in the northeastern wing of the
structure was charred in the incident.

It was the second incident after lightning devastated a number
of holy structures in the Luhur Uluwatu temple on October 24,
1996.

The destroyed buildings were later rebuilt with lightning rods
installed there. After the renovation, community leaders and
local people held a series of major religious ceremonies in 1997
to pray for the prevention of more disasters.

I Gusti Ngurah Oka Winaya, a leader of the temple, said on
Thursday that Hindu followers would perform a special Guru Piduka
and Bendu Piduka ritual service to apologize for the latest
lightning strike. --Antara