Besakih Mother Temple

Pura Besakih, recognized as the "Mother Temple" of Bali, is the largest, holiest, and most significant Hindu temple complex on the island. Nestled at approximately 1,000 meters above sea level on the slopes of the sacred Mount Agung, it serves as the spiritual heart of Balinese Hinduism.

Key Highlights

• Pura Penataran Agung — the majestic centerpiece temple accessed by a grand stone staircase lined with multi-tiered Meru shrines.
• Terraced Layout — a vast sanctuary consisting of 23 separate but related temples constructed across 6 ascending levels on the volcanic slope.
• Sacred Backdrop — on clear days, the towering silhouette of Mount Agung frames the temple shrines, offering Bali's most iconic spiritual vistas.

History & Legends

• Ancient Foundations — the site’s religious origins trace back over 2,000 years. By the 15th century, it was established as the primary state temple of the Gelgel dynasty.
• The 1963 Eruption — when Mount Agung erupted violently in 1963, lethal lava flows miraculously split and swept past the temple walls by just a few meters, leaving the shrines unharmed.

Did You Know?

• The temple's name derives from the Sanskrit word Wasuki (salvation) and is associated with Naga Besukian, the mythical dragon deity of Mount Agung.
• Every Balinese clan and district has a dedicated clan temple (pura dadia) within the Besakih complex to honor their ancestors.

Travel Tips & Practical Info

• Entrance Fee — the ticket costs IDR 150,000 for foreign tourists. This includes a retu shuttle bus, sarong rental, and a registered local guide.
• Dress Code — proper temple attire is mandatory. Visitors must wear a sarong and sash (provided at the ticket counter) and keep shoulders covered.
• Access Restrictions — tourists are welcome to explore the outer courtyards but must not enter the i

er sanctums (Utama Mandala), which are reserved for active worshippers.

• Temple Guides — official, licensed local guides wear batik uniforms and are highly helpful in directing you to the best vantage points while explaining local history.