Walking Along The Enchantment Of Besakih Temple, The Largest Temple Of Luhur In Bali
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- Besakih, Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80863
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Walking Along The Enchantment Of Besakih Temple, The Largest Temple Of Luhur In Bali.
Pura Besakih or Besakih Temple is one of the landmarks of the island of Bali. Especially because this temple is known as the largest and most important temple on the entire island of the Gods. In addition, this is also the place where Hyang Rsi Markendya received God's revelation. So that Pura Besakih is also believed to be the starting place for the spread of Hinduism in Bali.
The Amazing Besakih Temple
Besakih Temple is the center of activity for all temples in Bali. No wonder the temple is also called the "Mother of Hindu Temple in Bali". The age of this temple is very old. In an inscription located in this temple, it is written that Besakih Temple was built in 1284 by Rsi Markandeya and his followers. At that time, Rsi Markandeya, a Hindu religious leader of Indian descent, wandered to Bali following the magical voice he heard while meditating on Dieng. The voice told him and his followers to clear the forest on Dawa Island (Bali).
However, the trip didn’t go smoothly. Because, many of his followers died by wild animals or diseases. After performing the Yadnya Dewa Ceremony to repel bad luck, Rsi Markandeya's entourage continued their journey and arrived safely on the slopes of Mount Agung. It was the place where they found various relics of prehistoric times. From these remnants, Rsi Markandeya finally built a place of worship to God known as the Besakih Temple today.
Besakih Temple does not only consist of one temple building. In one area of Pura Besakih, you can see 46 large and small temples which are divided into three parts. Namely Panyungsungan Jagat Temple consisting of 20 temples, Kawitan Temple consisting of 17 temples, and Dadya Temple consisting of 9 temples. Of the 46 temples, Penataran Agung Temple which is included in the Panyungsungan Jagat Temple category is the main temple and is located at the highest part in the Besakih Temple complex.
Penataran Agung Temple is unique because the building contains elements of punden terraces. This is an architectural style made by the ancestors of the Indonesian people. This spatial structure has not been found in any country. So that the staircase punden building is considered as one of the original cultural characteristics of the archipelago. According to experts, the concept of punden staircase in Besakih Temple is used by the ancestors as a means to get closer to the Creator who is believed to reside in a high place such as a mountain peak. This can be seen from the form of punden in this main temple which is increasingly higher.
You can go to the temple using a rental car from Kuta and drive north until you find the road sign leading to Pura Besakih. The journey from Kuta to Pura Besakih takes about two hours. But if you start the journey from Ubud, the travel time is shorter, which is 1 hour 15 minutes.
By paying IDR 30,000, you can already explore Besakih Temple. Take about an hour to get around the temple complex. However, not all temple areas can be visited because some of them are only intended for Hindus who wish to pray. Because this is a place of worship, it's best to wear modest clothes when visiting. In addition to respecting the people who are praying, you also respect the ancestors who are believed to reside in Pura Besakih.
