BESAKIH Temple is the largest temple complex in Bali as a place of worship for the Hindus. This wonderful temple consists of a main temple (Penataran Agung) and eight companion temples.
Besakih Temple perched on the foot of Mount Agung is believed to be the abode of the gods and located on the altitude of 900 meters above sea level, precisely at Besakih Village, Karangasem in Eastern Bali. Applying traditional Balinese architectural design, the temple foundation or pedestals and compound walls of the temple are made of solid black lava stones.
Penataran Agung as the main temple has the most shrines and types of ceremonies. In this area, there are a group of padma tiga shrines respectively to worship the Tri Purusha as the great soul of the universe to glorify Shiva, Sadhasiva and Paramashiva. Overall, the complex consists of twenty-two temples on six ascending terraces.
The existence of this Besakih Temple in Bali is known from an inscription dating back to 1007 AD. Similarly, there is also information saying that since the 15th century Besakih is considered the main temple of Hinduism in Bali.
Literally, the name ‘Besakih’ is derived from the word ‘Basuki’ or the root ‘Wasuki’ which means ‘salvation’ in classical Sanskrit. In the meantime, according to Samudramanthana mythology, the word ‘Besuki’ refers to the Dragon God or Besukian Dragon. This dragon resides in Mount Agung.
Regular prayers are regularly held every full moon. During grandiose ceremonies, penjor with its offerings is installed at the entrance as well as white and yellow umbrellas and ritual festoons. Hindus from all nooks and crannies of the Island of Bali will come in droves to express their gratitude and gratitude for the endowment of life and prosperity bestowed by God.
Apart from the monthly ceremony, there are also series of ceremonies at this Besakih Temple Indonesia such as the annual ceremony called Ida Bhatara Turun Kabeh held on the full moon of Sasih Kedasa (around April). Under normal circumstances, this ceremony lasts for about a month. Then, there is the Panca Wali Krama ceremony (once in 10 years) and Eka Dasa Rudra (once in 100 years) where the last one was held in 1979.
This beautiful temple with the background of Mount Agung is quite appropriate location to take selfie, especially on the outermost courtyard. From here, you can see front temple architecture covering split gates, stairs and Mount Agung in the rear when the weather is fine.
If you take Besakih Temple tour, it can be reached from Kuta for about 2 hours away by vehicle. Alternatively, this tour can be mixed with the visit to some destinations such as Kintamani and Besakih Temple Full-day Tour.
