Besakih Temple in Bali

31/07/2023 14:56

Bali Island is already famous as the best tourist destination that is visited by many local tourists to foreign tourists from all over the world. On this island there are lots of fun tourist attractions and must be visited. Not only as a recreational medium for walking, but it can also be used as a medium for traveling while learning about Balinese culture.

Besakih Temple is the largest temple in Indonesia that has a complex which means there are more than 1 temple in Besakih. It consists of 1 main temple (Penataran Agung Besakih Temple) and 18 companion temples (1 Basukian Temple and 17 other temples). Bali Besakih Temple is also often referred to as Pura Agung Besakih. Some say if the name Besakih turns out to come from the word 'Basuki' taken from the word 'Wasuki', which has the meaning of Salvation in Sanskrit.

besakih

Interesting Things from the History of Besakih Temple

It is said that this temple was once a wilderness which was then built by a Hindu religious figure from India who had long lived on the island of Java. He was named Sri Markandeya. When this temple was first built, Bali Island had not yet been formed because there was no strait separating it or it was still one island with Java Island. Therefore, the island of Java was longer and was referred to as the island of Dawa which means long island.

Before the construction of Besakih Temple, Sri Markandeya prayed at Mount Hyang (Mount Dieng in the center of Java). After a long period of meditation, Sri Markandeya received a revelation to clear the forest on Dawa Island from south to north.

A Jug Containing Metal and Holy Water

In the forest area that was cut down, Sri Markandeya planted jugs containing metals and holy water. The metals are gold, silver, copper, iron and bronze. The five metals are referred to as mama Pancadatu.

In addition to the metals, a gem called Mirahadi which means the main Mirah is also planted. The place where this jug is planted is called Basuki, which means safe. The name Basuki or selamat was given because all the followers of Sri Markandeya who were in the logging area survived their tasks. Over time, the name Basuki changed to Besakih.

Location of Besakih Temple

This temple is located in Besakih Village, Rendang District, Karangasem Regency, located in the highlands, precisely on the slopes of Mount Agung which is known as the highest mountain in Bali. The air in this place will feel cool because it is at an altitude of 3,142 meters above sea level. The location is also about 2 hours or about 65 km drive from Kelan Beach and German Beach, also beaches in the Ngurah Rai International Airport area. While from the Kuta and Seminyak areas, it will take a distance of about 63 km or about 1 hour 30 minutes. With such conditions, tourists can visit this place very easily. Both using private vehicles and public transportation.

Opening Hours of Besakih Temple

08.00 - 17.00 WITA

Especially for those who want to come to the temple to pray, it is open for 24 hours.

Entrance Ticket to Besakih Temple

Local Tourists RP. 40.000