High
on the slopes of Bali’s Mount Agung sits Besakih Temple (Pura
Besakih), widely referred to as the “Mother Temple” of Hinduism
in Bali. Besakih temple is a complex of temples that are located in
the village of Besakih, District Rendang, Karangasem regency, Bali,
Indonesia. Besakih Temple complex consists of a Central temple (Pura
Penataran Agung Besakih) and 18 smaller temples (1 Basukian temple
and 17 Others). In 1963 Mount Agung, a volcano, erupted and destroyed
several nearby villages. Besakih was untouched.
It owns beautiful view at the temple area where we can see the wide panorama from the village to the ocean so that why this temple is many visited by tourists from all over the world. It has cold temperature with the light breeze and unique temple buildings spread out in the temple complex will create the peaceful atmosphere.
The Legend of Besakih
Besakih
in ancient time was a forest. There was no Segara Rupek (Strait of
Bali) that separates the island of Bali and Java. This island was
called Dawa island. At that time there was an ascetic (yogi) who
named Resi Markandeya. He lived in Mount Rawang (now called Mt Raung)
of East Java.
He came from India, his students called him as Batara Giri Rawang. At first he had meditated in the Mt Demulung, then moved to the Mt Hyang (Dieng, Central Java). One time he got orders from Hyang Widhi Wasa to deforest on the island of Dawa, and then divide the area to his students.
After that Resi Markandeya went immediately to the east with his 8000 students. Upon arrival at their destination immediately worked to chop the trees. During their work, many of the students was sick, dead or killed by the beast, because not preceded by an upakara Yadnya ceremony (offerings ceremony)
Deforestation was stopped temporarily, and Resi Markandeya returned to the Mt Raung. On a day which was considered good (Dewasa Ayu) he continued deforestation, but this time he invited other 4000 monks from the Age village (near Mt Raung). They carried a complete agricultural tools and seeds of agricultural crops. After arriving at the destination, Resi Markandeya immediately meditated with other monks. They offered an upakara Yadnya. After the ceremony was finished, the students continued their work. Once is enough, the work was stopped. Resi Markandeya then divided the land to all of his students. The land used for plantation and housing.
In the place where they started clearing the forests, Resi Markandeya planted pitcher of water and Pancadatu (metallic things such gold, silver, copper, iron, bronze and Mirah Adi jewel). Then Resi Markandeya did upakara and sprinkled tirta Pangentas (holy water). The place was then called Basuki. Since then, a newcomer who wants to open the forest no longer experience bad luck as his predecessor.
That is a little quote from Markandeya Puranas manuscript about the origin of the village and the temple of Besakih which formerly named Basuki. Until now every time Hindus would build houses, shops, offices and temples, or when starting any job, they held upakara Yadnya like Nasarin or Mendem Dasar Bangunan.
This manuscript also indicates that the Besakih is the first place of the ancestors who moved from the Mt Raung. This place is also a starting point for the spread of Hinduism in Bali.
He came from India, his students called him as Batara Giri Rawang. At first he had meditated in the Mt Demulung, then moved to the Mt Hyang (Dieng, Central Java). One time he got orders from Hyang Widhi Wasa to deforest on the island of Dawa, and then divide the area to his students.
After that Resi Markandeya went immediately to the east with his 8000 students. Upon arrival at their destination immediately worked to chop the trees. During their work, many of the students was sick, dead or killed by the beast, because not preceded by an upakara Yadnya ceremony (offerings ceremony)
Deforestation was stopped temporarily, and Resi Markandeya returned to the Mt Raung. On a day which was considered good (Dewasa Ayu) he continued deforestation, but this time he invited other 4000 monks from the Age village (near Mt Raung). They carried a complete agricultural tools and seeds of agricultural crops. After arriving at the destination, Resi Markandeya immediately meditated with other monks. They offered an upakara Yadnya. After the ceremony was finished, the students continued their work. Once is enough, the work was stopped. Resi Markandeya then divided the land to all of his students. The land used for plantation and housing.
In the place where they started clearing the forests, Resi Markandeya planted pitcher of water and Pancadatu (metallic things such gold, silver, copper, iron, bronze and Mirah Adi jewel). Then Resi Markandeya did upakara and sprinkled tirta Pangentas (holy water). The place was then called Basuki. Since then, a newcomer who wants to open the forest no longer experience bad luck as his predecessor.
That is a little quote from Markandeya Puranas manuscript about the origin of the village and the temple of Besakih which formerly named Basuki. Until now every time Hindus would build houses, shops, offices and temples, or when starting any job, they held upakara Yadnya like Nasarin or Mendem Dasar Bangunan.
This manuscript also indicates that the Besakih is the first place of the ancestors who moved from the Mt Raung. This place is also a starting point for the spread of Hinduism in Bali.
Tips:
- Pura Besakih is open to visitors throughout the year during the official opening hours between 8 am to 5 pm. Entrance fee is IDR 10,000, parking fee IDR 1,000, camera fee IDR 1,000, and video fee IDR 2,500.
- If you have never been to Besakih, you may want to hire a guide, which will help show the area around the temple. The cost of the guide about IDR 175.000. However, if you do not feel the need to hire a guide, you can walk around alone.
- Prepare yourself with a pair of comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats and t-shirts.
- It is better to hire a driver to visit Besakih in the daytime.
- Please report to guard of the temple if you have a problem.
TRANSPORTATION
There
are several starting points to choose from:
- From Kuta, it takes about 2 hours to get there. Simply head east toward Sanur, then follow the coastal path, which is connected to the Kusamba Bypass in Tohpati. Then go north until you find signs of the road to Besakih and after a few miles turn north.
- From Klungkung, Besakih it is about 20 kilometers north of the city. Use Bemo, a small public bus that takes you to Rendang from Klungkung. Bemo often depart in the morning, at Rendang you change bemo to Besakih.
- If you come from Denpasar, it is about 25 kilometers toward north. It travels the same route as from Kuta. However, if you stay in the eastern part of Bali such Tirta Gangga, Ubud, or Amed, Besakih can be reached by taking a smaller country roads of Karangasem. This path will take you to the intersection between Besakih and Klungkung in Rendang, then turn right to reach the Besakih.
- During the one hour trip, you'll enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way through the woods, villages and rice fields. If you want to stop for a moment in one village, you will see how the locals live, and learn a little about their unique home.
GALLERY
The Entrance:
The Ceremony:
The Ceremony:
The Ceremony:
View from The Top:
The Dragons:
Mt Agung as The Background:
LOCATION
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