Visiting Besaking temple

Besakih is known as the ‘Mother Temple’ in Bali. The largest and most important temple on the island, it sits on the western slopes agung.

Besakih temple is really a collection of temples, sprawling down the hillside and its sheer size means it has become a tourist trap. When I visited with my Balinese friends, we arrived at 10pm, the touts, guides and hawkers mostly gone. During the day its a frenzy of activity.

Balinese people often visit Besakih temple to receive blessings and lay offerings at certain shrines. Special calendar dates are more auspicious than others and during a big ceremony it can be an impressive sight. The fact that Besakih is sprawling and that so many people have attached themselves to it, for commercial reasons, often takes away from the experience, for tourists. Best times of day to visit for a real feeling of the place are early morning and late at night, when the temple is more empty and quiet.

Besakih temple’s history dates back to megalithic times, with the most ancient section Pura Batu Madeg (temple of the Standing Stone) built around a central rock. Balinese people believe the founder of Besakih to be Sri Markandeya, a Javanese priest who was in Bali around the 10th Century AD.

Besakih was already very important to the Balinese by the time the Javanese Majapahits conquered 1343. After that time the temple became the central temple of the Gelgel and Klungkung courts.

Exploring the Besakih Temple complex means a lot of walking and stair climbing. One strategy is to visit the largest temple, Pura Penataran Agung first, then take your time meandering the other points of interest. If you feel like checking out the more remote parts of the temple, head to Pura Pengubengan, which is 2km through the north at the northern end of the temple.

A little reading can make your visit of temple layout all the more enjoyable. According to Balinese Hinduism, the Trimurti or ‘3 shapes‘ of the Supreme Deity are represented in 3 separate temples. Pura Kiduling Kretek (Temple South of the Bridge) represents Brahma the creator, Pura Batu Madeg (Temple of the Standing Stone) represents Wisnu the protector and Pura Penaturan Agung, the largest temple represents Siwa the destroyer.

The Panca Dewata (5 gods of the 4 directions and center) are represented by 5 smaller temples. These are Pura Penaturan Agung (center), Pura Ulun Kulkul (west), Pura Gelap (east), Pura Batu Medeg (north) and Pura Kiduling Kretek (south).

Besakih in Mythology

Name of Besakih is mentioning the temple location which is located in Besakih countryside and come from the word of Basuki which has come from Sanskrit Wasuki, then it become the Ancient Java Ianguage which the Basuki means congratulation. In mythology of Samudramanthana has mentioned that Basuki is a dragon which twines the Mount Mandara . The omission has come from tradition megalithic which has indicated that it has to be sanctified place. It seems Besakih is coming from very old era which is far before the existence of Hinduism influence. Hereinafter an Ancient Bali king, Sri Kesari Warmadewa found the Merajan Selonding Temple in this temple complex area. He also commands to build the Blanjong Monument which is located in Sanur countryside. The Besakih Temple complex is built pursuant to cosmos balance. It is based on the nature conception, hence it is disseminating the fundamental temple complex which is arranged to pursuant to the direction way, so that its building can deputize nature as symbolic of the world balance existence.

Besakih Temple in Hindu's Philosophy

As we familiarize with the point direction way like East, South, West, North, and middle as center point. Each direction way is named by Mandala. In Hindu philosophy, Panca Dewata is manifestation of Siwa God. Like Penataran Agung Temple as center, we find in its courtyard conception show the solidarity conception between the original Indonesia culture namely tradition megalithic in form of Punden berundak-undak with the Hinduism concept. The ancient omissions which is existing in Besakih Temple complex can be classified into 2 types that are omission pertained by megalithic tradition and classic era. Besakih Temple beside as the altar for Hindu people in Bali, it is also as tourist destination which is a lot of visited by tourists.

Besakih, Place to Visit in Bali

Besakih Temple is located in the plateau area which is covered by the cool atmosphere and Mount Agung as a back drop. From the top of temple building, we can see the beautiful panorama of nature from the temple area to the ocean. It is situated in cool area with the light breeze and unique temple buildings spread out in the temple complex will create the peaceful atmosphere. It is ideally for the people who did the meditation and now.