Besakih is a significant and revered temple complex located on the slopes of Mount Agung in Bali, Indonesia. Also known as the Mother Temple of Bali, Besakih is the largest and most important temple complex on the island. It is considered the spiritual center of Bali and holds immense cultural and religious significance for the Balinese people.
The complex is composed of a multitude of individual temples, each dedicated to different deities within the Balinese Hindu pantheon. The primary temple within the complex, Pura Penataran Agung Besakih, is dedicated to the supreme deity of Balinese Hinduism, Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa. The other temples within the complex are dedicated to various gods and goddesses associated with different aspects of life and nature.
Besakih Temple is not only a place of worship but also a hub for various religious ceremonies and festivals throughout the year. These ceremonies often involve elaborate rituals, traditional dance performances, and processions that attract both local devotees and tourists. The temple’s location on the slopes of Mount Agung, an active volcano, adds to its mystique and sacredness.
Due to its cultural and spiritual significance, Besakih Temple is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Bali, drawing visitors from around the world who come to experience the rich cultural heritage and religious practices of the Balinese people.
