Besakih Temple

Enjoying the Majesty of Bali’s Largest Hindu Temple that Serves as a Mother of Temple

Do You Already Know About the Biggest Temple in Bali?

Besakih Temple is one of the most biggest temple in Bali. THe largest, also very famous as well. This temple is a place of worship for Hindus and also has an interesting history. Besakih temple still standing strong to this day. Until today, it continuesly become an important location for various HIndus religious ceremonies.

Besakih Temple also known as the Mother Temple of Bali. This temple keep a rich history. That’s why this temple illustrates the development of Balinese Hinduism as well as the cultural significance of the temple complex. And this is the reason we have to make it as one of the Karangasem Interesting Places to Visit.

As a matter of fact, Besakih Temple has a deep historical roots. Going back to prehistoric times when the original Balinese people honored this place with animist practices and also worship of the natural elements. The archaeological discoveries show that the area was considered as a sacred place long time ago. Before the influence of Hinduism. The found several stone structures resembling ancient megalithic sites. That mean that this place already has been used for religious activities for more than 2,000 years.

Furthermore, major changes occurred in the 8th century. This was when Hinduism began to enter Bali. At that time Besakih Temple began to develop into a Hindu temple complex. The conquerors from Java arrived in 1284. After that, the temple grew in importance as a center of worship. Then, in the 14th century, under the influence of the Majapahit Kingdom. They expanded Besakih Temple. Cementing its position as the center of Balinese religious life. Finally becoming a pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over Bali.

Uncovering the History of Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple is Bali’s largest and most impressive temple. Continuesly  attracts a steady flow of visitors from both within Indonesia and abroad. Lots of people come to admire its majestic presence. The temple is located in Besakih Village. In the Rendang Sub district of Karangasem Regency. The position is about 52.1 km from Renon. It located on the western slope of Mount Agung. Mount Agung is the Bali’s highest peak. It chosen for its deep spiritual significance. This elevated site is known as Hulundang Basukih. Then now is officially recognized as Besakih Village.

The name “Besakih” come from the Sanskrit word “wasuki”. It means “safe”. Or the Old Javanese “basuki” with similar meaning. It is also related to the legend of Naga Basuki. It was a serpent that said to have the power to stabilize Mount Mandara.

The Besakih Temple complex is home to the main temple. The main temple called Penataran Agung Besakih. Also with the 18 subsidiary temples. One of the temple is dedicated to Basuki and the remaining 17 serving for other purposes. For that reason it known as the “mother of temples”. Besakih Temple stands as the spiritual heart of Bali. The central to the religious practices of all the island’s temples.

Besakih Temple was built in 1284 by Rsi Markandeya. He was a Hindu leader of Indian descent. It is said that he built this temple after hearing a supernatural voice while meditating on the Dieng Plateau.

The Meaning Behind Every Building in Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple is not just a large building as a place of worship. But also has a deep meaning as a unifying symbol for the Balinese people who adhere to Hinduism. Its existence is closely related to the spiritual meaning of Mount Agung. The Mount Agung is considered to have supernatural powers. Also become an object that must be respected and preserved.

The Besakih Temple complex was built following the principle of natural balance reflected in the Tri Hita Karana concept. The arrangement of the building was designed with the cardinal directions in mind. It created a structure that reflects the symbolism of natural balance. Each cardinal direction is called a mandala. Each Mandala has a ruling deity known as Dewa Catur Lokapala. The central mandala serves as the axis. Then these five mandalas are then realized in the form of Panca Dewata. Based on the cardinal directions, the building structure of Besakih Temple is designed in the following order:

• Penataran Agung Besakih Temple. Located in the center of the mandala. This largest temple is for dedication to the worship of Lord Çiwa.
• Gelap Temple. Located towards the east. This temple is to worship Lord Içwara.
• Kiduling Kereteg Temple. Located towards the south. It is a place to worship Lord Brahmana.
• Ulun Kulkul Temple. Located in the western direction. It is a place to worship Lord Mahadeva.
• Batumadeg Temple. Located in the northern direction. It is a place to worship Lord Vishnu.

Architecture and Cultural Influences of Besakih Temple

The architecture of Besakih Temple represent the skill and commitment of the Balinese people. Clearly, they have skill to build great and sacred places of worship. The location of the temple is on the slopes of Mount Agung. As mention above, it is Bali’s highest and holiest mountain. That’s why people conside the temple as the residence of the Gods. This believe adding to its spiritual value.

Besakih Temple is a great tourist attraction. Thanks to its architectural beauty and breathtaking surrounding natural scenery. Its proximity to other tourist attractions. For example such as the Edelweiss Flower Park and Bali Jinja Park. Surely it strengthens its appeal to tourists.

Each temple within the complex has a precise design. The carvings and ornaments represent Hindu legend such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The magnificent structure of the building has distinctive meru terraced roof. It adds to the elegance and splendor of Besakih Temple.

More Than Religious Center

Definitely Besakih Temple is more than just a religious center. Furthermore, Besakih Temple also perform as a cultural center for the Balinese people. Every year, thousands of Balinese Hindus come to carry out religious ceremonies and rituals. For instance such as the Eka Dasa Rudra Ceremony. This grand ceremony held once every hundred years to balance the energy of the universe.

Clearly, Besakih Temple plays an important role in worship activities.  Especially during the full moon and during the Odalan festival. They celebrate these ceremonies once every 210 days. At these times, the temple is festively decorated. Then thousands of Hindus from all over Bali gather to pray and ask for blessings.

Overall, Besakih Temple is not only as the center of spiritual and religious life for Balinese Hindus. But it also stands as a symbol of culture and rich historical heritage. With its Tri Hita Karana philosophy, Besakih Temple existed as the soul and center of Bali’s spiritual life. In addition, the temple is also the location of various religious festivals. Furthermore it is enrich the culture and spirituality of the Balinese people.

Location and Route to Besakih Temple

To go to Besakih Temple need about 2 hours from Denpasar. There are two main routes that you can choose. First, through Kintamani Village. From here you will go straight to Besakih Temple. Second, through Klungkung Village. This will take you past Kerta Gosa.

For ease of travel, you can utilize Google Maps. You can easily follow the directions at every intersection that leads to this temple.

Admission Prices, Operating Hours, and Facilities

• Admission Price. For those of you who intend to visit Besakih Temple. As for local people, admission fee is IDR 80,000. Then for tourists,   IDR 150,000. And if you for the tour guide you only cost IDR 50,000 to IDR 100,000. The ticket includes the services of a local guide, sarong rental, and one shuttle trip by train. Previously, there are a free shuttle bus service from Manik Mas Parking Lot to Padma Buana Agung Besakih Temple. This free bus is for elderly visitors, pregnant women, and children. Other visitors can use this service for IDR 20,000 per trip.
• Operating Hours. Formally it opens from 8am to 5pm for tourist. But for Balinese people that want to pray or do ceremonies, they can come anytime. So if you want to have the best moment in Besakih Temple. You can come in morning or evening. This time usually quieter and not too
• Facilities. Besakih Temple has  variety of appropriate facilities for the convenience of visitors. For example such as a large parking area for buses and private cars, food stalls, clean toilets, and other supporting facilities. All these facilities mean to ensure comfort for the tourists who come to visit.

Rules for Visiting Besakih Temple

As a place of Hindu worship, Besakih Temple has a number of rules that must be respected by visitors. This is including the traders in the area. Here are some things to consider when visiting Besakih Temple that have been summarized by Bali Touristic:

Forbidden to Use Plastic Products to Carry Tirta (Holy Water)

Visitors are not allow from carrying Tirta using plastic products. Because it can cause pollution. Avoid using single use plastics such as plastic bags, plastic straws, and styrofoam in the temple area.

No Littering

As mentioned above, Besasih Temple is a place for worship. For that reason we have to keep it clean. So, when you visit. We suggest youto participate by not to littering.

Required to Wear Cloth and Shawl

For visitors that want to enter the Besakih Temple. They have to wear a proper cloth and scarf. These cloths and scarves are usually provided on site. You can also bring your own scarf and proper cloths.

Abstinence for menstruating women

There are a traditional believe that women who are having their peroid can’t enter the sacred places. Such as temples. So we have to respect and follow this regulation when we visit Besakih Temple.

Wear Modest Clothing

You have to wear polite clothing every time you come to any temple. Use sarongs and scarves to cover the waist down. If you don’t bring your own, cloths and scarves can be rent or purchase before entering the temple.

Obey the Rules and Regulations

As visitors, it is really important for us to respect the local rules. We can not take picture if there are ceremonies in the area. Also touch or climb the sacred buildings.

Best Time to Visit

Mostly if you come at noon, the weather is quite hot. So if you want to be more comfort, you can come eraly in the morning. Or in the evening. Usually also less visitors in the evening. If you want to have more experience. You can come at the full moon or during the Odalan festival.

Prepare Physically and Provisions

Besakih Temple whole area is quite large. Then it is located in high altitude area. You will have to walk quite far. Also climb many stairs. For that reason, if you plan to visit. You havev to make sure that you are in a good condition. Then wear a comfort shoes.

Travelling to Besakih Temple with Bali Touristic

If you plan to visit Besakih Temple in your Bali trip. Definitely you need a transport service. We truly recommend Bali Touristic that provides car rental with or without driver. Bali Touristic is a trusted provider. You can check their experience at Tripadvisor. Bali Touristic surely will be a solution for you. You can get a car rental that’s affordable yet best comfort and satisfaction. (YL)