Besakih Temple In Bali, Indonesia

Festivals Celebrated at Besakih Temple

Pura Besakih Temple is always decorated in full swing of one or the other festivities. There are different temple complexes in Besakih Temple and each of them has their own unique festivals. Hence, festive vibes could always be felt at the temple. Some of the famous festivals celebrated here are given below:

Odalan of Pura Penataran Agung: This is one of the most famous festivals celebrated in Besakih Temple. The festival occurs every 210 days and the final dates of the festival depend on the Balinese pawukon calendar. The temples are decorated and rich Balinese rituals can be seen during the festivities of this festival.

Batara Turun Kabeh: It is believed that the Gods from all the individual temples descend on Earth during the celebration of this festival. Many rituals take place during this festival and celebrations takes place with great pomp and show. 

So, plan your trip to Bali accordingly if you would like to indulge in the festivities of these festivals. Look for the dates of the festivals online and book your tickets accordingly. 

History of Besakih Temple There aren't any exact documentation about the origin of the temple. However, the importance of the religious structure dates to the prehistoric time. Locally it is believed that the origin of the Besakih Temple history began during the late 1200s when the Javanese conquerors settled in the city of Bali bringing a dominant faith of Hindu practice. It was later that the Gelgel dynasty made the Besakih Temple a state temple for worship during the 15th century.

Highlights of Besakih Temple There are over 23 temples that are placed on a ridge parallelly. Besakih Temple tour consists of visiting three temples - the Pura Penataran Agung, Pura Kiduling Kreteng, Pura Batu Madeg. Pura Penataran Agung is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer. Pura Kiduling Kreteg is dedicated to Lord Brahma, the creator. And lastly, the Pura Batu Madeg is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver. Besakih Mother Temple is the only religious structure that welcomes individuals irrespective of their caste system.

The Pura Penataran Agung is the largest temple inside the premises. With this particular lays different zones exhibiting seven different layers of the universe, each holds a shrine of their own. Pura Pengubengan is approximately 30 minutes walk from Pura Penataran Agung. The temple hosts the holy water which is used for many religious ceremonies.

In the year of 1995, the mother temple of Besakih was nominated as a World Heritage Site. There are also many temple villages called Pura Dalem Purim Pura Basukian and Pura Penataran that holds literature of this particular religious faith referring to the art of temple construction.

Features of Besakih Temple

There are various temple complex in the Besakih Temple and the largest amongst them is the Pura Penataran Agung. This temple has various areas that represent 7 different layers of the Earth and each layer has its own shrine. Just a 30-minute walk from the Pura Penataran Agung temple is the Pura Pengubengan that offers great views of the vistas. There are four temples in the Besakih Temple that represent four different directions of the compass. To the west is the Pura Ulun Kulkul, east is Pura Gelap, to the north is Pura Madu Batek, and to the south is Pura Kiduling Kreteg.  Pura Peninjoan is another famous complex built along a river which offers beautiful views of the other shrines. Make sure to go for Pura Besakih visit in Bali in order to see the unique architecture and rituals of Balinese culture and religions.