n Besakih (Besakih Temple)

Besakih Temple is often referred to as Bali's "mother temple" – a large complex of at least 86 temples and clan shrines on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung. At least 70 celebrations take place in Besakih every year, as each temple has its own celebration. Besakih is considered the largest and most sacred temple of Bali. Its high position offers breathtaking views of the countryside with rice fields, hills, mountains and streams. Pura Besakih is the only temple open to all devotees from all walks of life.

For the Balinese, visiting the Besakih temple sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. The location of Mount Agung gives the surroundings of the temple a mystical beauty. Several stairs lead up the sacred mountainside, leading to temples that vary by genre, status, and purpose.

Pura Besakih has 3 main Hindu temples: Pura Penataran Agung (in the middle) has a white banner for Shiva - the destroyer; Pura KidulingKretag (right) has red banners for Brahma - the creator; and Pura Batu Madeg have black banners representing Vishnu – the conservator.

Pura Batu Madeg contains a center stone indicating that the Besakih temple area has been considered a holy place since ancient times. In the 8th century, a Hindustani monk, in the process of isolating himself, brought revelation to the construction of people's houses. During this process, many of his followers died from illness and accidents. After construction was completed, the shrine was called "Basuki", referring to the dragon god "Naga Besukian", said to reside on Mount Agung. Then the temple was called Besakih.

Other temples were gradually built and Pura Besakih was set as the main temple during the Majapahit Empire's conquest of Bali in 1343. Since then, Pura Besakih has undergone several earthquake restorations in 1917 and A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963 damaged the complex. However, the lava flow has left Pura Besaki - locals believe that the gods wanted to show their power without completely destroying the sacred complex.

The largest temple in the complex, Pura Penataran Agung, has different areas representing the seven cosmic levels, each with its own shrine. Pura Pasimpangan is located downstream (on the east side of the main street), while Pura Pangubengan can be found upstream. These shrines are about 3 km apart. Located closest to the summit of Mount Agung, Pura Pangubengan offers great views and is about a 30-minute walk from the main Pura Penataran Agung. East of Pura Pangubengan is Pura Batu Tirtha. This is the place that supplies holy water for karya agung rituals in Pura Besakih and local villages.

The 4 temples in the complex reflect the 4 gods who govern their respective compass points. There is Pura Batu Madeg to the north, Pura Kiduling Kreteg to the south, Pura Gelap to the east and Pura Ulun Kulkul to the west.

The Temple of Meru Tumpang Sebelas in Pura Batu Madeg enshrines the central stone, known as the batu ngadeg. This is where the god Vishnu is said to have descended. In the courtyard of Pura Batu Madeg, in front of Meru Tumpang Sebelas, you will find the temple of Pesamuan (a quadrilateral with 2 16-pole lines) depicting how Vishnu's power was. relation to the world.

About a 20-minute walk northwest down a walking path to the valley and along a river is the Pura Peninjoan. Perched on a small hill, it offers stunning views that include all the temples of Pura Penataran Agung, the coast and southern Bali in the distance. To the west is Pura Ulun Kulkul, famous for the most precious kulkul (Bali-style wooden gong) on the island. Kulkul is a signaling device that summons or transmits special messages.

To the north of Pura Ulun Kulkul is the Pura Merajan Selaction, where the inscription 'Bredah' records a king in Besakih. It is also home to a collection of the corresponding ancient Sel gamelans. Pura Gua, located on the east side of the main street, is the home of the dragon god. There is a large cave in the canyon of the river on the east side that has been closed due to erosion, but from time to time, locals still practice yoga there.

Pura Jenggala, southwest of Pura Penataran Agung, is also commonly referred to by local devotees as Pura Hyang Haluh. The burial site 'Setra Agung' is on the south side of the temple. Here, visitors will find sacred and ancient stone statues in the shape of the bird god Garuda. Pura Basukian Puseh Jagat is located southeast of Pura Penataran Agung, the main foundation of Pura Besakih.

*Official guides are easily recognizable with their traditional Batik shirts with symmetrical patterns. The service is not free, although the price is not expensive given the vastness of the complex. Visitors are not required to hire a guide for tours around the complex.

Sarongs and belts are available for rent. Visitors can also buy them at many of the stalls outside. Menstruating women are not allowed to enter Besakih Temple. For those who visit the temple outside of the official visiting hours, it is recommended to go with local companions.

Address: Jl. Gunung Mas No.Ds, Besakih, Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80863

Opening hours: daily 08:00 - 18:00