Besakih Great Temple – Indonesia

Address

Besakih Great Temple Jl. Gunung Mas No.Ds, Besakih, Kec. Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80863, Indonesia

Deity

Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma

Introduction

• Location: Besakih Temple complex is situated on the slopes of Mount Agung in eastern Bali, Indonesia.
• Significance: It is the most important and largest temple in Balinese Hinduism, often referred to as Bali’s “mother temple.”
• Complex Composition: The temple consists of at least 86 clan temples and shrines, with three main temples dedicated to the Hindu trinity:
  • Pura Penataran Agung: Dedicated to Shiva (white banners).
  • Pura Kiduling Kreteg: Dedicated to Brahma (red banners).
  • Pura Batu Madeg: Dedicated to Vishnu (black banners).

Puranic Significance

• Ancient Origins: The temple’s roots likely date back to prehistoric times, with stone bases resembling megalithic stepped pyramids (over 2,000 years old).
• Historical Use: Used as a Hindu place of worship since at least 1284, becoming a state temple of the Gelgel dynasty by the 15th century.
• Temple Structure:
  • Pura Penataran Agung is structured to represent seven layers of the universe.
  • Pura Pasimpangan and Pura Pangubengan are located approximately three kilometers apart, with the latter offering great vistas near Mount Agung’s peak.
• Holy Water Source: Pura Batu Tirtha provides holy water for ceremonies at Pura Besakih.
• Symbolism of Direction: Four temples represent different forms of God at the cardinal points:
  • North: Pura Batu Madeg
  • South: Pura Kiduling Kreteg
  • East: Pura Gelap
  • West: Pura Ulun Kulkul

Special Features

• Complex Design: Comprises 23 temples on parallel ridges with stepped terraces and flights of stairs leading to the main sanctuary (Pura Penataran Agung).
• Main Sanctuary: The central focus is the lotus throne (padmasana), the ritual heart of the complex, dating back to the 17th century.
• Miraculous Survival: The temple complex survived the 1963 Mount Agung eruptions, which killed about 1,700 people, viewed as a miraculous sign from the gods.

Festivals

• Annual Celebrations: Over seventy festivals occur each year at the complex, with celebrations linked to almost every shrine.
• Pawukon Calendar: Festivals follow the 210-day Balinese Pawukon calendar year.

Century/Period/Age

2000 Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Besakih

Nearest Railway Station

Karangasem

Nearest Airport

Ngurah Rai International Aiport

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