Besakih Temple is the largest and most important temple complex for Hindus in Bali. The temple is located on the slopes of Mount Agung, the highest mountain in Bali. This temple is often referred to as the “Mother Temple” because it is considered the centre of religious activities for Hindus in Bali.
Besakih Temple consists of several temples scattered on the slopes of the mountain, and Penataran Agung Temple is the main temple in this complex which is the centre of the whole complex. Penataran Agung Temple is the largest temple and the centre of activity in Besakih. It consists of seven levels that symbolise the seven layers of the universe. In addition to the Great Penataran Temple, there are several very important temple complexes in Besakih Temple namely Pura Batu Madeg, Pura Gelap, Pura Kiduling Kreteg and Pura Ulun Kulkul.
Besakih Temple is the site of many Balinese Hindu ceremonies and festivals. The most important ceremony held here is “Betara Turun Kabeh”, which is held once every 210 days according to the Balinese Pawukon calendar. This ceremony is a time when all the gods and ancestors are considered to descend to earth to be given offerings.
The history of Besakih Temple dates back to the 8th century when a Hindu priest named Rsi Markandeya came to Bali from Java. According to legend, Rsi Markandeya, who was a holy priest, led a group of his followers to open agricultural land in Bali. When he reached the slopes of Mount Agung, which was then considered a very holy place and full of spiritual energy, he decided to establish a shrine.
At that time, Rsi Markandeya performed the ritual of planting panca dhatu, the five sacred metals (gold, silver, copper, iron and bronze) into the ground at what is now known as Besakih Temple. This ritual was done to cleanse and purify the place from negative energy. After that, he erected a phallus (symbol of Shiva) as the centre of worship.
Besakih Temple then developed over time into a large and important temple complex. In the 11th century, when the Kingdom of Bali began to form, Besakih Temple began to receive more attention from the kings and became the centre of religious activities. Balinese kings, such as King Udayana and his descendants, gave great support in the construction and development of this temple.
In the 14th century, Bali was under the influence of the Majapahit Kingdom from East Java. Cultural and religious influences from Majapahit strengthened the role of Besakih Temple as a spiritual and religious centre. New temples were built around Penataran Agung Temple, adding to the complexity and architectural beauty of Besakih Temple.
During the Dutch colonial period, Besakih Temple remained the centre of religious activities despite Bali’s political and social changes. After Indonesia’s independence in 1945, this Temple continued to play an important role in the spiritual life of the Balinese people.
In 1963, Mount Agung erupted violently and caused severe damage around Besakih Temple. However, most of the temple survived this eruption, and this was considered a sign of divine protection. After the eruption, Besakih Temple was restored and remains a centre of religious activity to this day.
Things to do
As one of Bali’s most popular tourist destinations, Besakih Temple attracts many tourists every year. Visiting this temple is an experience that combines spirituality, history, and natural beauty. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and respect the customary rules that apply. Usually, visitors wear sarongs and sashes that can be rented on-site. Some of the things you can do at this temple include:
- Explore the temple complex: Besakih Temple is a vast temple complex spread across the slopes of Mount Agung. You can explore each of these temples and marvel at their beautiful architecture and understand the religious meaning behind them.
- Participate in Religious Ceremonies: If you visit at the right time, you can witness or even participate in religious ceremonies held at the temple. Ceremonies like Betara Turun Kabeh are a very culturally and spiritually rich experience.
- Take a Picture with the Temple and Mount Agung in the Background: The temple offers spectacular views, especially with Mount Agung in the background. It is the perfect place to take beautiful photos.
- Observing Traditional Art and Architecture: The architecture of this Temple is a stunning example of traditional Balinese art and architecture. You can observe stone carvings, deity statues, and unique temple structures.
- Enjoy the Natural Scenery: Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, this temple offers an incredible view of nature. You can enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings, including forests, rice fields, and mountains.
- Learn About Balinese Religion and Culture: A visit to this temple is an opportunity to learn more about Hinduism and Balinese culture. There is a lot of information to be gained about Balinese religious practices, mythology, and history.
- Souvenir Shopping: Around the temple, there are many vendors selling various types of souvenirs, ranging from sarongs, traditional clothing, to religious trinkets. This is a great opportunity to buy Balinese souvenirs.
Location and How to get there
This temple is located in Besakih Village, Rendang Sub-district, Karangasem Regency, Bali. It is located on the southern slope of Mount Agung. Access to this temple is very easy, as there are many signposts. If you are coming from the bustling centre of Kuta, it only takes about 2 hours to drive, passing through the Ngurah Rai Baypass road and then heading east through the Ida Bagus Mantra Bypass road. Once in Klungkung Regency, then head north for approximately 40 minutes.
Entrance Fee
To visit this Temple, visitors are required to pay an entrance ticket. Here is the information about the entrance ticket of Besakih Temple:
- Entrance Ticket: IDR 150,000/person.
- Car Parking: Rp. 15,000/car.
- Motorbike: Rp. 5,000/motorbike.
FYI: Entrance ticket includes local guide, sarong, toilet and one time delivery by electric vehicle.
Visiting Tips:
The temple is a place of worship and a sacred place for Hindus, especially Balinese Hindus, so if you visit a temple, you need to pay attention to several things, including:
- Dress Modestly: Before entering the temple area, visitors must wear a sarong and shawl which are usually provided or can be rented on the spot.
- Respect Customs and Traditions: Respect ongoing religious ceremonies and follow instructions from guides or locals.
- Observe the Restrictions: Because the temple is a sacred place and a place of worship, it is strictly forbidden for menstruating women to enter the temple area. And do not climb the buildings in the temple area, as it is strictly prohibited.
- Observe theBe careful what you say: All sacred places, not least in the temple area, avoid swearing or saying rude words for the common good.
Read also : Tegenungan Waterfall
Tour Package
If you are interested in visiting Besakih Temple to explore its culture, architecture religion and splendour, we have provided tour packages that visit this place and its surroundings.
Sidemen Trekking and Besakih Temple Tour
Sidemen Trekking and Besakih Temple Tour is a full day tour package that visits Sidemen and also combined with visiting some interesting tourist attractions in the same direction. Firstly, we visited Penglipuran Village, then Besakih Temple and finally Sidemen. More…
Telaga Waja Rafting and Besakih Temple Tour
Telaga Waja Rafting and Besakih Temple Tour is a thrilling one-day tour package featuring white water rafting and visiting the exotic Besakih Temple. More…
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