![\"Besakih](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.recommendeddestinations.com\/in-bali\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/02\/Besakih_Temple-1.jpg?resize=800%2C532\")
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Besakih Temple, known as Bali\u2019s \u2018Mother Temple\u2019 for over 1,000 years, sits 1,000 metres high on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung. Besakih is an artistic and unique complex that comprises at least 86 temples which include the main Pura Penataran Agung (the Great Temple of State) and 18 others.
\nBesakih is the biggest and holiest of the island’s temples and is surrounded by breathtaking and scenic rice paddies, hills, mountains, streams, and more.<\/p>\n
To the Balinese, visiting the temple sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. Mount Agung\u2019s high location gives it an almost mystical quality. Many stairs lead up to the sacred mountain, leading to the many temples that vary according to types, status, and functions.
\nPura Besakih features three temples dedicated to the Hindu trinity. Pura Penataran Agung in the centre has white banners for Shiva, the destroyer; Pura Kiduling Kreteg on the right side is with red banners for Brahma, the creator; and Pura Batu Madeg represents Vishnu, the preserver, with its black banners. You can visit other temples in Pura Besakih, but many of their inner courtyards are closed to the public as they\u2019re reserved for pilgrims.
\nPura Besakih is the only temple open to every devotee from any caste groups. This is because of its nature as the primal centre of all ceremonial activities.<\/p>\n
History of Besakih Temple<\/strong> Besakih Temple Highlights and Features<\/strong> Good to Know about Besakih Temple<\/strong> Besakih Temple
\nPura Batu Madeg, containing a central stone, indicates that the area of Pura Besakih was already regarded a holy place since ancient times. In the 8th century, a Hindustani monk had revelations to build homes for people during his isolation. Throughout the process, many of his followers died due to illness and accidents. On its completion it was called \u2018Basuki\u2019, referring to the dragon deity \u2018Naga Besukian\u2019, believed to inhabit Mount Agung. The name eventually evolved into \u2018Besakih\u2019.
\nOther shrines were gradually built and Pura Besakih was made the main temple during the conquering of Bali by the Majapahit Empire in 1343. Since then, Pura Besakih has had several restorations as earthquakes in 1917 and Mount Agung\u2019s series of eruptions in 1963 damaged the complex. The lava flow passed by Pura Besakih and it is believed to be a miraculous signal from the deities that they wanted to demonstrate their power without completely destroying the holy complex their devotees had built for them.<\/p>\n
\nThe largest temple in the complex, Pura Penataran Agung, has different areas representing seven layers of the universe, each with their own shrines. Pura Pasimpangan on the downstream side (on the east of the main street) and Pura Pangubengan upstream are approximately three kilometres apart.
\nLocated on higher ground, the closest to Mount Agung’s peak, Pura Pangubengan has great vistas and it\u2019s about a 30-minute walk from the main Pura Penataran Agung. Around 10 minutes to the east of Pura Pangubengan is Pura Batu Tirtha. It is where holy water is sourced for the \u2018karya agung\u2019 ceremonies at Pura Besakih and Pekraman villages.
\nFour temples in the complex reflect four forms of God at compass points: Pura Batu Madeg in the north, Pura Kiduling Kreteg to the south, Pura Gelap in the east, and Pura Ulun Kulkul in the west. \u2018Batu ngadeg\u2019, literally \u2018standing stone\u2019, is found in the shrine of Meru Tumpang Sebelas at Pura Batu Madeg. This is where Vishnu is believed to descend. Still in the courtyard of Pura Batu Madeg, in front of Meru Tumpang Sebelas is the Pesamuan shrine (quadrangle-shaped with two lines of 16 poles) as a symbol of how Vishnu\u2019s power interrelates with the world.
\nAt least 20 minutes to the northwest from Pura Batu Madeg, down the footpath to the valley and along the river, is Pura Peninjoan \u2013 erected on a tiny hill. The beautiful views from here include all the shrines of Pura Penataran Agung, beaches and southern Bali in the distance. On the west is Pura Ulun Kulkul, famous for the main and most precious \u2018kulkul\u2019 (Balinese wooden slit gong) on the island. Kulkul is a signaling device to summon or convey special messages.
\nOn the northern side of Pura Ulun Kulkul is Pura Merajan Selonding where the ‘Bredah’ inscription mentions a king in Besakih, and a set of ancient gamelan called \u2018Selonding\u2019 are kept. Pura Gua, located on the eastern side of the main street, is the home of the dragon deity. There\u2019s a big cave at the canyon of the river on the east that has its mouth closed due to erosion, but people still sometimes practise yoga there.
\nPura Jenggala, southwest of Pura Penataran Agung, is also often called Pura Hyang Haluh by the local devotees. The \u2018Setra Agung\u2019 burial grounds is south of the temple. Here are sacred ancient stone statues in the form of the mythical garuda bird. Pura Basukian Puseh Jagat is located southeast of Pura Penataran Agung, the main foundation of Pura Besakih.<\/p>\n
\nPura Besakih was nominated as a World Heritage Site in 1995, but as yet remains unvested. There are at least 70 ceremonies or religious celebrations held each year here, as each shrine has its own anniversary, plus the big holidays based on the 210-day Balinese Hindu calendar system.
\nPura Basukian, Pura Penataran Agung, and Pura Dalem Puri are the mother of all village\u2019 temples, namely Pura Puseh, Pura Desa, and Pura Dalem. Their shrines contain religious literature referring how a temple must be built.
\nDuring the daytime Besakih becomes a crowded tourist trap, with self-professed \u2018temple guards\u2019, touts, hawkers, and more. Bear in mind that you should wear a proper top, a sarong, and a sash.
\nThe best visiting times of the day are in the early morning and in the evening as the complex is much quieter during these hours. The official guides are easily identifiable with their symmetrically patterned traditional Batik shirts. The service is not free, though not expensive at all either considering how big the complex is. There’s no obligation to hire a guide for tours around the complex.
\nSarongs and sashes are available for rent. They\u2019re also available for purchase at the many stalls outside, and bargaining is recommended. Women on their periods are forbidden entry. Don\u2019t forget to change money in the more urban areas as the rates here are not reliable.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Opening Hours: 08:00 \u2013 17:00, but it is actually open 24 hours as it is a place of worship
\n\u2022 Location: in Besakih Village, Rendang Sub-district, Karangasem District
\n\u2022 Remarks: Taking along local companions outside the official hours is highly recommended
\n\u2022 How to get there: From Sanur, take the Kusamba Bypass to Klungkung. Head north through Klungkung and take the right-hand turn at Menanga to get to Besakih. The journey from Sanur shouldn\u2019t take longer than two-and-a-half hours.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"