- Address: Desa Besakih, Rendang, Besakih, Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80863, Indonesia
- Phone: +62 858-2921-9589
- Working hours: daily 08: 00-17: 00, for prayer - around the clock
- Architectural style: Balinese architecture
In the eastern part of Bali, on the slope of Mount Agung , the temple of Pura Besakih is located, a complex considered to be the largest and most important Hindu construction of the island. That's why it should definitely be included in your journey through the Indonesian islands and archipelagos .
In the eastern part of Bali, on the slope of Mount Agung , the temple of Pura Besakih is located, a complex considered to be the largest and most important Hindu construction of the island. That's why it should definitely be included in your journey through the Indonesian islands and archipelagos .
History of the temple of Pura Besakikh
Until now, scientists can not determine the exact origin of this temple complex, but all of them converge in the fact that it was erected in prehistoric times. The stone stupas of the temple of Pura Besakih in Bali resemble the megalithic stepped pyramids. Their age is not less than 2000 years.
In 1284, when the Javanese invaders landed in Bali, the temple of the Besak people began to be used for Hindu worship services. Since the XV century it became the state temple of the Hegel dynasty.
In 1995, the procedure began to assign the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site to the Pura Besakiy temple, which is still unfinished.
Architectural style of the temple of Pura Besakikh
This temple complex consists of twenty-three buildings located on parallel ridges. The main sanctuaries of the temple of Pura Besakih are:
- Penatran-Agung. It consists of several structures with separate sanctuaries reflecting all layers of the universe. The uppermost sanctuary is called Panguubengan, and the lowest is Pasimpangan.
- Kiduling-Kreting. Like the other two sanctuaries, this structure is decorated with colorful banners. The white flags represent the guardian god Vishnu, the red flags - the creator god Brahma, and the black flags - the god-destroyer Shiva.
- Batu-Madeg. In the courtyard of this temple there is a sanctuary Pesamuin, in which there is a "standing" stone. According to legend, it was here that Vishnu stepped, when he decided to descend to the ground. Here is the Peningjoan temple, from where a breathtaking view of the temple complex and the nearest beaches opens.
Activities held on the territory of the temple of Pura Besakikh
To date, this complex includes more than 80 religious buildings. At the Pura Bessaky temple in Bali, at least seventy festivals are held each year. In addition, there are other Hindu holidays celebrated in the 210-day religious calendar.
The temple of Besakii's mother is the only Hindu structure, access to which is open to believers of any caste and social status. Every day a huge number of pilgrims come here who dream of visiting all of its sanctuaries, which differ in status and function.
Foreign tourists who want to go on an excursion to the temple of Pura Besakih, it is better to go to him in the morning. According to the current rules, each guest is obliged:
- hire a guide for a high price;
- pay the guide's prayer;
- To pay for the guide's advice, which he gives before and during the tour.
Here, extremely negative attitude toward tourists who refuse to provide guides. In extreme cases, upon arrival in the temple of Pura Besakih, it is better to hire an official guide, who can be recognized by a traditional costume with a symmetrical pattern.
How to get to the temple of Pura Besakih?
In order to see this highly artistic and unique temple complex, one should go to the east of Bali. Looking at the map, you can see that the Besakiy temple is located in a mountainous area 40 km north of Denpasar . From the capital of the island of Bali, you can get here only by land transport . They are connected by the road Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra. Following it, you can be at the temple of Pura Besakih after about 1.5 hours.