Pura Besakih: The Revered Mother Temple of Bali
Rising majestically on the western slopes of Mount Agung, and referred to as the Mother Temple of Hindu
Bali, is Pura Besakih, or the Besakih temple, covering a vast area that offers breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding this beautiful and artistic temple complex.
Facing Mt. Agung’s highest peak, believed to be the abode of the gods, and located at an altitude of 900
meters, Pura Besakih is built in the village of Besakih, in the eastern part of Bali. The name Besakih comes from the word “Basuki”, derived from the word “Wasuki” which means Salvation in the classical Sanskrit language. Whereas, in the Samudramanthana mythology, the same name “Besuki” in fact refers to the Dragon-God “Naga Besukian”, who inhabited Gunung Agung, the main volcano in Bali.
This grand temple complex has been revered as a holy place since ancient times. The first recorded mention of its existence comes from an inscription dating back to 1007 AD. It is known that since the 15th century Besakih was regarded as the central temple of Hinduism in Bali.
Pura Penataran Agung, or the “Great Temple of State” is the center of the temple complex and is is Bali’s
main place of worship, a complex comprising twenty-two temples on six rising terraces set on parallel
ridges.
This complex expresses the essential belief of the Balinese known as Tri Hita Kirana, meaning that life
on earth must be lived and kept in balance and harmony between man and God, man and society and his
fellow human beings, and man and his natural environment.
During a full moon, Balinese and pilgrims throng to the temple. During the festival of Odalan, the temple
is most elaborately decorated. Odalan is celebrated on every 210th day.
Away from the loud parties of Kuta Beach, leaving the thrilling waves of Uluwatu behind and the modern
facilities of Nusa Dua, then traveling beyond enchanting Ubud, a visit to Pura Besakih is truly a spiritual experience into the heart of Balinese religious and cultural life.
Source: indonesia.travel
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