Besakih Temple

Besakih Temple, known as Pura Besakih, is the largest and holiest Hindu temple complex in Bali, located on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung in Besakih Village, Rendang, Karangasem Regency. Comprising at least 86 temples including Pura Penataran Agung, it is regarded as the Mother Temple of Bali. Notable for its tiered shrines, stone gateways and mountain backdrop, it serves as the central place of worship for Balinese Hindus.

Visitors can expect a vast temple complex spread across terraced slopes of Mount Agung with more than 80 individual temples connected by stairways and courtyards. The main temple Pura Penataran Agung features tiered meru towers, carved stone gates and shrines aligned toward the mountain. The setting offers views of the mountain and surrounding lowlands. Visitors explore courtyards, observe religious ceremonies and offerings, and can hire local guides to navigate the complex. Sarongs are required and available at the entrance.

The site is believed to have been a place of worship since megalithic times, with stone bases dating to around 2000 years ago. The temple complex was developed as a Hindu center by the 8th century and expanded significantly in the 15th century under the Gelgel dynasty. It survived the major 1963 eruption of Mount Agung with lava flows stopping close to the complex, an event regarded as miraculous by devotees.

Besakih is the most important temple for Balinese Hindus and is considered the Mother Temple of Bali. It is the central temple for all Balinese Hindu ceremonies and hosts major island-wide festivals including Bhatara Turun Kabeh held every 210 days. The complex represents the cosmological balance and is dedicated to the Trimurti - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - with shrines oriented toward Mount Agung, considered sacred.