Pura Besakih
Bali Attraction : Temple
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Known as the mother Temple of Bali, the sanctuary of Besakih on the slopes of Mt. Agung is the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples. Over a thousand years old, steps ascend through split gates to the main courtyard where the Trinity shrines are wrapped in cloth and decorated with flower offerings. Around the three main temples dedicated to the Trinity: Shiva, Brahma and Wisnu, are 18 separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups. To the Balinese, a visit to the temples sanctuaries is a special pilgrimage. Each has its own anniversary celebration or ""Odalan"". The sight of the temple against the background of the mountain is impressive and during festivals, coloured banners add a touch of gaiety.
Bali's mother temple stands against a stupendous mountain backdrop on the southeastern slopes of Mount Agung. The largest on the island, this massive complex of 35 small temples attracts staggering numbers each year, being the main point of pilgrimage for Balinese Hindus. Tracing its origins to prehistoric times, the complex was untouched by the great 1963 eruption of Mount Agung, which wiped out surrounding villages. The complex also houses the oldest remaining gamelan instrument in Bali called selonding. The temple ceremony (odalan) falls on the 10th month of the Balinese calendar, in April.
Address: Besakih Village, Rendang, Karangasem, Bali, 80871
Phone: +62 361 222 387 (Bali Government Tourist Office)
» Bali Tour Pura Besakih
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