Besakih Temple, Bali is one of the most sacred temples in Bali. Perched on the slopes of Mount Agung, located in the village of Besakih. One of the sequences of Balinese Temples. It is predominantly influenced by the Hindu Religion. It is an extensive complex of 23 odd temples out of which the largest and most important being Pura Penataran Agung. The temple is built on six levels, up on the slope.
The temple not just attracts its natives but also the tourists also come all the way from various parts of the world to witness this ancient and heritage site, you can plan your travel well during the festivals that are celebrated here with so much joy and prayers and indulge yourself in the purity and authenticity of the Temple and this is is the best way to understand the traditions, it’s customs and traditions of the Balinese mythology.
History
There is no such script or documentation that can talk about the origin of this temple, but it is said that it all started in 1200 when Javanese entered the state and that’s how the Balinese culture is majorly influenced by the Hindu faith. But in the 15th century, the Gelgel dynasty made the Besakih Temple a state temple for worship.
Pura Besakih’s Temples
At seven ascending levels, the temple is constructed on, Pura Penataran Agung is the main temple of the district. A giant stairway, decorated by figures from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Pura Penataran Agung temple denotes the dedication to Shiva, the destroyer, Pura Batu Madeg, devoted to Vishnu (the preserver) and Pura Kiduling Kreteg, devoted to Brahma the creator. There are 19 other temples spread across the complex representing the holiest of holies for the devout Balinese.
Also Read: Journey into Bali’s Mysterious Cave Temple – Goa Gajah
Pura Besakih’s Festivals
Batara Turun Kabeh: The temple’s name brings out the strong meaning “the gods descend together”, it is believed all the gods from the temples come together on Earth, hence people celebrate the festivals with so much enthusiasm.
Odalan of Pura Penataran Agung: the odalan of Besakih’s biggest single temple occurs every 210 days. This festival is celebrated with a lot of elegance and a lot of rituals and customs are practiced during this festive, it is one of the most famous festivals that people look forward to, don’t forget to hit this place during this festive, to experience the true worships.
Highlights of Besakih Temple
There are various temples in the Besakih Temple and the largest amongst them is the Pura Penataran Agung. This temple has various areas that represent 7 different layers of the Earth and each layer has its own essence. There are four temples in the Besakih Temple, to the west is the Pura Ulun Kulkul, east is Pura Gelap, to the north is Pura Madu Batek, and to the south is Pura Kiduling Kreteg representing four different directions of the compass.
How To Reach
The Besakih Temple is one of the most iconic and much-visited places in Bali, getting to this place shouldn’t be hard as starting from the localities to the tour operators and guides are well aware and known of it, you can commute to this holistic place either via hiring scooters or say by car, the routes are not a task to worry about. From the Bali main city, it is a solid drive of 3 hours and from Ubud it is just one and a half hours away.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fees to Besakih Temple is roughly around 60.000 IDR which is about 30.00 INR. Experience the Traditions of the Balinese culture and enchant the prayers and attain Peace and prosperity from the almighty and get calmness and purity to your soul.
Also Read: Uluwatu Temple – Experience the Magnificent Sea Temple of Bali
Opening Hours
The Besakih Temple is open from Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. in the morning to 5 p.m. in the evening, It is advisable to reach the temple early as the temple shall be quiet and you have all the time in the world to go around the temple and experience and get mesmerized by this symbolic temple of arts, traditions and culture immersed in it and seek the blessings from the almighty.
Tips
- Buy or rent sarong, as the temple attire is mandatorily followed here
- If you wish, you can also book guides or enjoy the majesty of the heritage site at your leisure.
- If you are travelling at any festive time, plan your day better and reach the temple much earlier to avoid the queue and enjoy the auspicious occasion
If one wants to experience the unique architecture and rituals of Balinese culture and religions, The Besakih Temple is the perfect place to stop by and it is not just that, if one carries interest in history, you shouldn’t stop your feet from visiting this spiritual and divine place.
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