Pura Besakih

Exploring the temple sanctuary of Besakih is a unique trip for the Balinese. The location of Mount Agung lends it a mythical quality and this is what attracts tourists from all over the world. Several stairs lead up to the holy mountaintop, where a clan of temples of various types, status, and function can be found.

Pura Penataran Agung located in the center has white flags for Shiva, the destroyer; Pura Kiduling Kreteg located on the right has red banners for Brahma, the creator; and Pura Batu Madeg located on the left has black banners for Vishnu, the preserver. All three combined signifies the Hindu trinity in Pura Besakih. Many more minor temples in Pura Besakih can be visited, although many of its inner courtyards are only accessible to pilgrims.

Pura Batu Madeg has a center stone that indicates that the Pura Besakih area has been revered as a sacred site from ancient times. An Indian monk, during his isolation in the eighth century, received insights to build shelters for humanity. Many of his followers perished as a result of illness and accidents during this time. It was given the name 'Basuki' after the dragon deity 'Naga Besukian,' who is said to live atop Mount Agung, eventually, the name became 'Besakih.'

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• The largest temple in the comlex of the Besakih Temple, Pura Penataran Agung represents 7 different layers of the universe.
• Capture stunning vistas from the Pura Pengubengan which is about 30 mins walk from the main entrance.
• Source some holy waters from the Pura Batu Tirtha.
• Witness the spot where Lord Vishnu is believed to have descended as per the mythology.
• Visit the Pesamuan Shrine which gets a quadrangular shape with 2 lines of 16 poles known to depict how the powers of Lord Vishnu are interrelated with the world.

The best time to visit the Besakih Temple would be in the early morning or in the evening hours as this is the time when the temple remains less crowded and you will get a chance to explore the complex in detail. You can also plan your visit to the Besakih Temple in the month of April when a temple ceremony is celebrated on the 10th month of the Balinese Calendar.

Suggested Read: Best Things to Do in Bali in April

Must visit temples near Besakih Temple:

Gunung Kawi Sebatu: Gunung Kawi Sebatu happens to be a lovely Hindu place of worship that is about a 30 mins drive from Ubud. The temple is surrounded by a variety of lakes and ponds making the whole environment serene and tranquil. It happens to be an ideal spot to overlook the beautiful views all around. The approach to the temple from the west offers breathtaking views of the temple complex. The majority of visitors are more interested in the vistas than in the temple. The Gunung Kawi Sebatu is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is frequently utilized for religious rites by the locals.

Tirta Empul Temple: If you want to spend a little time in peace and tranquility while on vacation in Bali, don't miss Tirta Empul Temple, which is regarded as one of the greatest sites to visit in Ubud. This temple with a mountain spring was built around 960 AD in the town of Manukaya. There are a variety of locations to explore throughout the area, as well as other ancient remains.

Ulun Danu Batur Temple: The Ulun Danu Batur Temple is a must-see Balinese attraction. It boasts the most magnificent temple complex in Bali, after the temple Besakih, which was built in 1926. Dewi Batari Ulun Danu, the goddess of rivers and lakes, is honored in the temple. This temple is one of Kintamani's most popular tourist attractions.

Also Read: Best Temples in Ubud

• The temple is located on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung, which is located at an altitude of around 1,000 meters, and is easily accessible from everywhere in Bali.
• If you're coming from Seminyak, Kuta, Denpasar, or Jimbaran, then you can take the Kusamba Bypass to Klungkung and then head to Sanur.
• After that you would need to continue north through Klungkung. Then you would need to turn right at Menanga for Besakih. Depending on travel time and traffic conditions, the journey from Kuta should take about 2 hours.
• As there are no public transportation options to travel to Besakih Temple, the most convenient option is to hire a car with a driver.

Check Out: Best Bali Temple Tour