Pura Besakih, Indonesia

The volcanic Mount Agung (Gunung Agung) is holiest mountain on the island of Bali in Indonesia. It is also home to the important Mother Temple of Besakih, the largest and holiest temple in Bali.

advertisement

History of Pura Besakih

An active volcano, Mount Agung last erupted in March 1963. The lava flows narrowly missed the Mother Temple of Besakih on the mountain's slopes, which the Balinese regarded as a miraculous sign from the gods.

Built before 1000 AD, Besakih Temple was originally a terraced temple dedicated to the dragon god Besakih who is believed to inhabit the sacred mountain.

In the 15th century, Besakih became the state temple of the Geigel-Kiungkung dynasty, whose rulers built several small temples to honor their deified kin. It remains a state temple today, run and funded by the provincial and national governments.

What to See at Pura Besakih

The great Mount Agung rises to an altitude of 3,148 meters (10,308 feet) in eastern Bali. Perched on its slopes about 1,000 meters (3,000 feet) in altitude is the holy Besakih Temple, Mother Temple of Bali.

Besakih is said to be the only temple where a Hindu of any caste can worship. Surrounding three main temples dedicated to Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu are 18 separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups.

Stairs ascend through a monumental split gate to the courtyard of the main temple, Pura Panataran Agung, where the central shrine dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu is wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings.

Two other important temples further up the slope join with the Pura Panataran Agung to symbolize the Hindu trinity: the Pura Panataran Agung in the center flies white banners for Shiva, Pura Kiduling Kreteg to the right flies red banners for Brahma; and Pura Batu Mddeg, on the left, has black banners for Vishnu.

There are many other temples to explore at Besakih, but many of their inner courtyards are reserved for worship and closed to visitors.

Tip: If not traveling as part of a tour, try to arrive at the temple before 9am, when the tourist buses begin to arrive.

Quick Facts on Pura Besakih

Site Information
Names:Besakih Temple · Gunung Agung · Pura Besakih
Categories:temples; sacred mountains
Dates:10th C (temple)
Status: active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:8.342000° S, 115.508000° E
Address:Indonesia
Hours:daily 8am-5pm
Lodging:View hotels near Pura Besakih
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

  1. Bali Temples Guide - Asia Web Direct
  2. Besakih Temple - Bali Vision
  3. Besakih - Rough Guide to Indonesia
  4. Mount Agung - Wikipedia

More Information

© Michael Schmid
© lizamber
© Sean McGrath
© Galvin
© Verena Fuchs

Map of Pura Besakih, Indonesia

Below is a location map and aerial view of Pura Besakih. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.