Besakih Temple: The Mother of Temples in Bali

Besakih temple is one of the most beautiful and famous temples in Bali. Fittingly called the ‘Mother Temple’, it is also among the most significant religious destinations in Bali. The temple remains an irreplaceable part of Balinese life and culture. The temple has been a witness to many historical events and changes, playing a unique role in maintaining local faith. It is a complex Hindu temple with more than 200 acres of land that sits atop the highest peak at Mount Agung in eastern Bali. As one of the primary locations for religious ceremonies, rituals, and celebrations, the significance of this site cannot be overstated. This complex of Hindu temples is the largest, holiest and most important on the island and miraculously survived the catastrophic volcanic eruption of 1963.

Mother of Temples in Bali

The distinction comes from the immense scale of the Besakih Temple complex, housing numerous smaller temples within it. Besakih is revered as the foundational temple on the island of Bali with how large and most abundant temple complexes. Its sanctity traces back to ancient times, with its earliest documented reference dating back to an inscription from 1007 A.D. Pura Besakih is home to three primary temples, each honoring a deity from the Hindu trinity. At its heart, Pura Penataran Agung displays white banners symbolizing Shiva, known as the destroyer. To its right, Pura Kiduling Kreteg is adorned with red banners dedicated to Brahma, the creator, while Pura Batu Madeg, celebrating Vishnu the preserver, is distinguished by black banners. While Pura Besakih encompasses numerous smaller temples accessible for exploration, access to many of their inner sanctums is exclusively reserved for pilgrims.

A Brief History of Besakih Temple

The name Besakih comes from the word “Basuki”, derived from the word “Wasuki” which means Salvation in the classical Sanskrit language. Whereas, in the Samudramanthana mythology, the same name “Besuki” in fact refers to the Dragon-God “Naga Besukian”, who inhabited Gunung Agung, the main volcano in Bali. This grand temple complex has been revered as a holy place since ancient times. The first recorded mention of its existence comes from an inscription dating back to 1007 AD. It is known that since the 15th century Besakih was regarded as the central temple of Hinduism in Bali. Pura Penataran Agung, or the “Great Temple of State” is the center of the temple complex and is is Bali’s main place of worship, a complex comprising twenty-two temples on six rising terraces set on parallel ridges.

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Why You Must Visit This Temple?

The Besakih temple has been a center for religious ceremonies for centuries. This ‘Mother Temple’ is not only an essential part of Balinese culture, but also a major contributor to national identity. If you are visiting Bali, then you must visit the Besakih Temple. This is one of the most significant destinations in Bali. It is a remarkable piece of architecture that offers a glimpse into their culture and religion. You will be able to observe Balinese people worshipping at the temple. It is a place that is sure to leave you mesmerized.

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Things to Know Before Visiting Besakih Temple

It is a wise idea to bring cash with you when visiting the temples, in case you want to purchase drinks, snacks, or souvenirs. Sarongs are provided at the entrance, so you don’t need to buy one from one of the local women selling them in the parking lot. Buying your own sarong is fine, as it is a unique piece to own and also helps the local people earn a little bit of money, which goes a long way in the villages.

To visit the big and important Besakih Temple in Bali, it’s essential to dress respectfully. This means not wearing clothes that show too much skin. These clothes show respect to the temple and the people who pray there. So, by wearing them, you’re following the customs and traditions of Bali. It’s important to dress this way to show kindness and respect to the Hindu people who come here to pray.

Although the temple is open 24/7 for worshipers, the opening time for other visitors is Monday to Sunday, from 8 am to 6 pm. It’s important to get to the temples early in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are pleasant and visitor numbers are low. If you want to enjoy your time there, expect temperatures to be as high as 27 degrees Celsius.

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How to Get to There?

This temple is widely recognized as a top tourist attraction in Bali, making it easy to locate. There are various routes you can take to reach it:

Starting from Kuta, the journey lasts approximately 2 hours. Begin by heading east towards Sanur, and then take the fast coastal road that links to the Kusamba Bypass at Tohpati. Continue north until you see the road sign for Besakih, and after traveling a few kilometers from there, turn north. For those near Klungkung, Besakih is roughly 20 kilometers north of the town center.

If you stay in one of the eastern villages of Bali, such as Tirta Gangga, Candidasa, or Amed, you can reach Besakih by taking a smaller road from Karangasem. During your hour-long drive, you will enjoy beautiful views of forests, villages, and rice fields. If you are interested in learning a bit about the local culture, you can stop in one of the villages and see how the locals live.

The best way to get to the Besakih Temple is by hiring a car or driver. You can also hire a driver from Kuta or Denpasar. Another option is to drive yourself to there.

Conclusion

The Besakih Temple is one of the most popular destinations in Bali. It is home to one of the largest and most important Balinese temples. You will be amazed to see the architectural grandeur of this temple. This is a must-visit destination in Bali. There is so much to see and explore in this temple, you will be fascinated by the beautiful architecture and rich history it holds. This is a place you will surely want to revisit again.

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