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.
Best Regards
Kompra Made (Made Sujana)
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