A journey to the spiritual heart of Bali, where ancient stone meets the clouds and the gods are revered.
Discovering Besakih Temple: The Mother Temple of Bali
Perched 1,000 meters above sea level on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih) is Bali’s largest and holiest temple complex. Known as the “Mother Temple,” it is a place of great spiritual significance and serves as the central point of worship for Balinese Hindus. Its unique location and sprawling layout, with more than 80 individual temples, make it one of the most awe-inspiring cultural landmarks on the island.
Besakih Temple offers a rich cultural experience for visitors, blending stunning natural landscapes with intricate architectural and spiritual beauty. Whether you are a casual tourist or deeply interested in Balinese culture, a visit to Besakih provides an unforgettable journey into Bali’s ancient traditions.
The History and Significance of Besakih Temple
Besakih Temple has a long history that dates back over 1,000 years. Legend has it that the temple’s origins can be traced to the 8th century, when a Javanese Hindu priest, Rsi Markandeya, arrived in Bali and established this sacred site. Over the centuries, it expanded to become Bali’s primary temple, a testament to the island’s religious and cultural evolution.
The temple complex sits at the foot of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest and most revered volcano, believed to be the abode of gods and spirits. The spiritual connection between Mount Agung and Besakih enhances its religious significance, and the temple is often the center of large religious ceremonies and pilgrimages.
Besakih Temple’s importance goes beyond its spiritual function—it’s also an architectural masterpiece. The complex features tiered pagodas (known as Meru), stone shrines, and intricately carved gateways, all arranged in a multi-tiered layout ascending toward the mountain. Each of the sub-temples has a specific role, dedicated to different deities and aspects of Balinese cosmology.
The Layout and Main Temples of Besakih
The Besakih Temple complex is vast, and you could easily spend hours exploring its many shrines and sub-temples. However, the heart of the site revolves around Pura Penataran Agung, the largest and most important temple in the complex. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu Trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—and features a grand staircase leading to seven terraces, representing the seven layers of the universe in Balinese belief.
Other key temples within the complex include:
- Pura Batu Madeg: Associated with Lord Vishnu, this temple is located to the west and features ancient stone relics believed to have spiritual power.
- Pura Kiduling Kreteg: Dedicated to Lord Brahma, this temple lies to the east of the complex and is often the site of important ritual offerings.
- Pura Pasimpangan and Pura Peninjoan: These temples offer panoramic views of the surrounding area, including breathtaking sights of Mount Agung, especially during clear mornings.
Experiencing the Spiritual Atmosphere
Visitors to Besakih Temple are encouraged to respect the temple’s spiritual atmosphere. The temple remains an active place of worship, and it’s common to see Balinese people participating in prayer, rituals, and offering ceremonies, known as canang sari. These offerings are a colorful sight, typically made of flowers, rice, and incense, placed at various shrines to honor the gods.
Before entering the temple, visitors are required to wear a sarong and sash to show respect for the sacred site. These can often be rented or borrowed at the entrance if you don’t have your own.
A visit during one of the temple’s many ceremonies, such as Galungan or Kuningan, will allow you to witness vibrant traditional celebrations, complete with colorful decorations, music, and processions of Balinese people dressed in their finest attire. However, even outside of festival periods, Besakih remains a tranquil place for meditation and reflection.
TIP: The best time to visit Besakih Temple is early in the morning, not only to avoid the crowds but also to catch a clear view of Mount Agung, which is often shrouded in clouds later in the day.
Practical Information for Visiting Besakih Temple
While Besakih is undeniably beautiful, its location on the slopes of Mount Agung means it is often shrouded in mist, lending an otherworldly feel to the temple complex. However, this also means that weather conditions can change rapidly. It’s a good idea to bring an umbrella or rain jacket, as light rain showers are common.
The temple complex can be quite overwhelming to explore due to its size, and while you are free to wander on your own, hiring a local guide can greatly enhance your experience. The guides, many of whom are temple devotees, offer insightful explanations about the history, symbolism, and function of each temple.
Be aware that Besakih Temple is a popular tourist destination, and while the site is truly spiritual, some visitors may encounter unofficial “guides” or vendors at the entrance offering services or goods. It’s best to politely decline unless you have made prior arrangements.
Getting to Besakih Temple
Besakih Temple is located in the Karangasem Regency, approximately two hours from Ubud and about three hours from Kuta or Seminyak by car. Hiring a private driver is the most convenient way to visit, as public transportation options are limited. Alternatively, there are many organized tours that include Besakih as part of a day trip, often combined with stops at nearby attractions like Tirta Gangga or Pura Lempuyang.
The drive to Besakih is scenic, taking you through rice terraces, small villages, and winding mountain roads. For those interested in trekking, Besakih can also be part of a hike up Mount Agung, though this requires careful planning, especially considering the volcano’s activity.
