Fragrance of incense and floral aromas when entering the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, Pura Besakih. People dressed in white were seen passing through the temple, some who took the offerings were also praying. The atmosphere looks so peaceful and calm. Coupled with the cool air of the mountain slope that is clean and fresh makes anyone lazy to move from this place of worship.
Besakih Temple is a complex of worship of Hindu Dharma Bali which consists of a central temple named Pura Penataran Agung. Around the temple center there are 18 small temples as a companion temple. Eighteen companion temples consist of one Besukian temple and 17 other small temples. The building complex is very beautiful, looks tall and sleek typical Balinese architecture.
Of all the temples in the complex of Pura Besakih, Pura Penataran Agung is the largest temple and has many pelinggih buildings. In the area of Pura Penataran Agung is also there are three statues or temples as the main building pemujaam. These three statues or temples symbolize the stana of Tri Murti God's nature in the Hindu Dharma Bali belief. The three gods in Tri Murti's nature are among others the Lord Brahma (God of Creation), Lord Vishnu (God of Sustainer), and the God of Shiva (God of Fighters or God of Reincarnation).
In addition, in the complex Besakih Temple there is also a temple called Pura Besukian. According to the story contained in Bali chronicle, Pura Besukian is the first time the revelation of Sang Hyang Widhi down to earth and accepted by a Yogi or hermit origin Hindustan or Indian land named Hyang Rsi Markendya. Revelation received then became the forerunner of the Hindu Dharma teachings that currently become the majority of people's trust in the island of Bali.
The origin of the mention of the name of Pura Besakih according to local people's story is derived from the word 'Basuki' or 'Wasuki' which has the meaning of survival (salvation). This word then over time evolved and changed its mention to 'basukir' and 'basukiih', then become Besakih like the mention of this time. Pura Besakih name is contained in a number of inscriptions that are currently stored in Natar Agung and Pura Gaduh Sakti in the Village Strait.
Lontar Markandeya Purana mentions that the building of Pura Besakih has existed since the beginning of the 11th century or around the year 1007 AD. The year coincides with the year of King Airlangga's rule while leading the government of the Kingdom of Kahuripan in East Java. There is another source of Balinese chronicle that the Hyang Rsi Markendya as the recipient of the first revelation at Pura Besukian begins to settle and open the land and then establish Pura Besakih which is on the southwest slope of Mount Agung as a place of worship to the Gods.
In inscriptions in the form of metals and lontar records found mention that the building of Pura Besakih at first only a small pelinggih building. Then over time a senapati Bali named Empu Kuturan began to expand the building by building pelinggih other with a roofed meru like the one in the building at Ulun Danu Bratan Temple in Bedugul. Therefore it can be concluded that Pura Agung Besakih is the oldest sacred place of worship built by the ancestors on the island of Bali.
As the main temple of all temples on the Island of Gods, Pura Besakih has the most upakara type and becomes the center of rituals, traditional ceremonies, and celebratory activities in the major religious days of Hindu Dharma Bali. Most Balinese Hindu people always concentrate their religious activities in this temple, precisely in Pura Penataran Agung Besakih as the biggest temple. As in the celebration of Galungan, Kuningan, and a few days after the usual Nyepi ceremony held Tirta Yatra ceremony attended by hundreds of people from various parts of the island of Bali.
Travel Tips at Pura Besakih:
~ Wear a polite dress when going to Pura Besakih. It aims to respect people who are worshiping and temple status as a place of worship.
~ Even though you are not Hindu, to enter the complex of Pura Besakih you must wear a Balinese hood or head covering Bali and kamen (a kind of sarong). So do not forget to bring the two objects.
~ For women who are menstruating, there is a prohibition to enter the temple complex. So do not force yourself to enter this sacred temple complex when you are menstruating or coming months.
~ If you need the services of tour guides to accompany and explain the ins and outs of Pura Besakih, there are many guide services in the entrance area of Pura Besakih levy.
~ Maintain words and attitudes while in the complex of this sacred temple. If you want to take a picture, take it from the side or back of the worshiping people. Never take pictures in front of the people because it can interfere with the course of ritual or ceremony.
Opening hours: from 09.00 - 17.00 but it is actually open 24 hours as it is a place of worship.
Location : Besakih Village, Rendang District, Karangasem Regency, Bali.
How to get there: From Denpasar City this place is about 90 kilometers and can be reached about 2 hours drive. We can pass the bypass route Prof. Ida Bagus Mantra is straight east. Then on the road to Lepang Beach turn north to Semarapura Town or can also be accessed through Klungkung. From here there are many signposts to the location that will guide you to Pura Besakih.