The majestic ancient temple complex of Pura Besakih

Original title: Pura Besakih
Working hours: 8 - 17 hours
Recommended duration of visit: 1–2 hours
Size: large complex temple (about 3 km²)
Date of foundation: first mentioned 1284
Altitude: 1000 meters
Coordinates: -8.37435, 115.450804
Address: Besakih village, Rendang, Karangasem, Bali 80863, Indonesia

General informatio

The island of Bali is famous for its many Buddhist shrines and pilgrimage sites that attract tourists from different parts of the world. The Balinese themselves call their island “The Island of a Thousand Temples.” The objects of worship here are not only temples, but also sacred mountains, which can purify a person on a spiritual level. One of the most revered hills is the highest mountain of the island called Gunung Agung, whose height reaches 3142 meters. The mountain symbolizes the inca ation of the Supreme God Shiva, therefore it is a sacred and revered territory.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]Besakih Temple view from the square with Mount Agunga in the background[/caption]

On the southweste slopes at the foot of the sacred Mount Gunung Agung, formed from a volcanic eruption, rises the majestic ancient temple-complex Pura Besakih, which is considered the main treasure not only of the island of Bali, but of the entire Hindu world. This is the largest and most unusually beautiful temple, where you can see majestic statues of Buddha, Vishnu and Shiva. Local residents call it differently, some “Temple of the Mother of Besakih”, and some “Mother of all sacred temples”. The name comes from ancient legends, which the Balinese still believe in and follow all their principles.

The history of the Pura Besakih temple

The Pura Besakih Temple was built more than a thousand years ago, but the first mention of it can be dated back to 1284, when it was discovered by expeditions from other countries. Locals believe that the shrine was built before the 8th century, and not by ordinary people, but by the Gods, who to this day live in the uppermost parts of the pagodas, protecting the island of Bali from evil spirits and all adversities.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]Ancient Besakih Temple historical photo[/caption]

During its existence, the Pura Besakih temple has survived many different disasters, however, it was able to withstand and now delights not only local Balinese with its extraordinary beauty, but also tourists from all over the planet. The first tragedy is mentioned in 1917, when the Gunung Agung volcano unexpectedly erupted and hot magma destroyed most of the shrine. The next eruption in 1963 was less destructive, so over the course of half a century they were able to restore it, collecting it almost bit by bit.

Legends associated with the temple

There are many legends associated with the appearance of the Pura Besakih temple. They are recounted with great pleasure by local residents and guides to visiting tourists. One of them says that the temple was built by the will and forces of a variety of gods and their kingdoms. Therefore, on its territory there are many different sculptures, strikingly different from each other.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]Besakih Temple - daily Hindu ceremonies[/caption]

According to the Balinese, the gods still live in temples, namely in the highest tiers of pagodas, and accept donations from people. That is why daily Hindu ceremonies are held here, attended by hundreds of Balinese.

Features of the structure of the temple and the surrounding area

The Pura Besakih complex includes 22 separate temples, each of which has its own special purpose and name, as it personifies a specific deity.

Structure features of the divine territory:

the total area of temple buildings and courtyards is more than 3 square kilometers;
18 main temples and 4 auxiliary;
multi-meter staircases that allow you to understand at a higher level;
on each level there are tents with benches where you can relax a little;
on the first level there is a Gamelan orchestra;
baskets with flowers and other decorations are placed everywhere to appease the spirits.

Due to the fact that the sacred buildings are located on the slopes of the mountain, from a distance it looks like a multi-tiered structure with grandiose rectangular arches rising upward, stairs and divine statues, immersed in luxurious greenery.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]Mysterious Besakih Temple in the low clouds[/caption]

The most significant and largest building in the complex is considered to be the Panataran Agung temple, where they worship and pray to God Shiva, so the predominant color on the walls is white, which is noticeable from afar. The sculptures located nearby are decorated with flowers and white sarongs. It is in this temple that the most important religious Buddhist ceremonies of the island of Bali take place on holidays, where thousands of pilgrims from all over the world gather. Therefore, if you are lucky enough to get to the shrine on Hindu holidays, any tourist will be mesmerized by the surrounding beauty.

What is the best way to get to Mount Gugung Agung?

The volcanic mountain Gunung Agung is located in the easte part of the island, near the village of Besakih. You can get to the shrine very easily by renting a moped or as part of a tourist group by bus. At the same time, the parking lot is located a kilometer from the very entrance to the temple, so you will have to walk a little, but this does not mean at all that the path will be boring. Along the entire path to the foot of the mountain there are a huge number of trading shops that offer various souvenirs, jewelry, baskets of flowers for offering to the gods, and of course sarongs, without which entry into the temple territory is prohibited by the Hindu religion for both women and men.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]Besakih Temple, temple buildings, view of the valley[/caption]

IMPORTANT: It is better to go on an excursion early in the mo ing or in clear weather, because after lunch, almost the entire territory of the temple complex on the upper tiers is buried in clouds, which are held by Mount Agung. Being at an altitude of 990 meters above sea level, clouds are an everyday occurrence here, so it drizzles very often. Many tourists recommend taking umbrellas with you, otherwise you will have to buy them from local merchants.

[caption align="aligncenter" width="748"]Besakih Temple - surrounding area[/caption]

Every tourist who visits the ancient temple of Mother Pura Besakih will not only receive an indelible impression of what he saw, but will also receive blissful peace by touching the most spiritual creations on earth. After all, this is where the most significant and ancient shrines of the world are concentrated.