The name Besakih comes from the Sanskrit 'wasuki', the Old Javanese language 'basuki' which means safe. This complex area of worship was built in the 8th century during the time of Rsi Markandeya. The area is about 20 hectares, consisting of 22 temple complexes centered on Penataran Agung Temple.
Besakih Temple Entrance Fee Ticket
Besides being active as a house of worship for Hindus. This temple is also open to the public. For tourists who visit here, the entrance fee is relatively affordable Only IDR 60.000 Include sarong , transfer by scooter from entrance ticket to temple courtyard and local guide.
Besakih Temple Opening Hours
Tourists can visit this temple every day. Open from morning to evening. 08.00 - 18.00
Variety of Tourist Activities
Besakih Temple, which is the largest place of worship in Bali, is clean, neat, and well-maintained. Every day, hundreds of visitors, both local and foreign tourists, come to Besakih. The number even reached thousands of people in June-July during the summer holidays in Europe.
The splendor of the temple with the backdrop of Mount Agung
Adjacent to Mount Agung, from, Besakih Temple tourists can see its splendor. When the weather is clear, the beauty of the mountain will be clearly visible along with the contours of the area. Mount Agung looks so close, towering high as a backdrop for the temple view.
This temple is believed by the Balinese people to have a background connection with the meaning of Mount Agung. The highest mountain in Bali is believed to be the 'Palace of the Gods', God's messenger for the Bali region.
Located in a radius of 7.5 km at the foot of Mount Agung, this tourist attraction is included in a disaster-prone area. If the eruption status is declared alert or alert, this tourist destination is sterilized. Efforts to secure 'pratima' or sacred objects in temples are also carried out by traditional stakeholders.
Explore the Besakih Temple Area
To get around the Besakih Temple area, it takes about 40-60 minutes. Exploring the unique architecture of the building, tourists will be accompanied by the cool air temperature typical of mountainous areas. Tourists will pass hundreds of stairs within 800 meters with a view of the temple.
Take a picture
Tourists are allowed to capture tourist moments in the Public Temple area. As a place of worship, there are area restrictions that are allowed for tourists to take pictures.
At certain pretense, tourists are not allowed to enter it. The area is intended only for Hindus who worship only.
The Enchantment of the Temple Complex
Besakih Temple consists of 22 public temple complexes and 16 Pedharman temple complexes. In public temples, tourists and visitors who want to pray are free to enter to pray. As for the Pedharman temple, a place for visitors who want to worship is adjusted to the caste level.
Here there are many relics of the megalithic era, such as menhirs, stone thrones, and pyramid terrace structures. In the complex, Penataran Agung Temple is the largest as well as the center of all temples. The building consists of seven levels with three main statues namely Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
The structure of the temple building is based on the concept of the cardinal directions. Generally, the roof of the temple in Besakih is made of fiber in odd numbers. Namely 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 which means luck in Hinduism.
Religious Tourism
This temple is a sacred place of worship, especially for Hindus in Bali. Every tourist who enters the temple area is required to dress modestly. Meanwhile, female tourists who are menstruating are not allowed to enter the temple building.
The lively Hindu rituals in Besakih are an attraction, especially for foreign tourists. Colorful umbrellas, decorations and offerings are scattered in the temple area. In some rituals, many tourists cannot enter Besakih because the number is booming.
There are several major ceremonies held at Besakih Temple on certain days. Besakih residents will perform rituals by visiting the temple area to pray. Apart from certain days, routine rituals are also held monthly, annually, and once every 10 years.
5 Interesting Facts About Besakih Temple
In addition to the undoubted beauty of the temple, this temple also holds some interesting facts that should be known. Some of them:
- This temple is still actively used as a place of worship for Hindus. Religious ceremonies are also often held at this temple such as the Panca Wali Krama ceremony which is held every 10 years.
- Besakih Temple is the largest temple in Bali. Often known as the "Mother Temple of Bali". Also believed to be the guardian temple of Bali with the status of Pura Kahyangan Jagat.
- This temple has 1 main temple as the center with 17 companion temples. With 3 statues that describe the nature of God, namely Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva (creator, preserver and destroyer).
- Located at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level (MDPL) with a beautiful backdrop of Mount Agung which is the highest mountain on the island of Bali.
- This temple is estimated to have been completed in the 15th century. Or more than 500 years old.
Besakih Temple Locations
This temple is located in Besakih Village, Rendang District, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863. The temple location can be reached within 2 hours driving from the Kuta area or about 60 kilometers. Meanwhile, from the city of Karangasem it is only approximately 30 kilometers.
