Pura Besakih, the Largest Hindu Temple in Bali

If you go to Bali, don't forget to visit Pura Besakih, the largets Hindu temple complex in Bali, probably the biggest in the world. 

Stair to the main temple. Image: balidwt.com

 Bali is an island of the Gods. Bali also called the Island of Thousand Temples, as you will find a temple in every home, village and town. Every family has a small temple in their homes, as well as every village there must be a temple for the villagers. In Bali there are 6 main temples or called SAD heaven, spread in 6 directions of the wind. Among all the temples big and small, both belonging to the family and village, then there is a temple to all the people of Bali. Among the six main temples, Pura Besakih is the largest temple in Bali.

Pura Besakih is also believed to be the center of all temples in Bali. Each important and big ritual or ceremony in a village or when there is a ceremony in a family, then the Hindus in Bali will beg Tirta or holy water in Pura Besakih. Tirta will be part of important rituals of Hindu religion in Bali. Balinese people, who migrated to the outer islands, definitely take the time to pray in the temple when they come home to Bali.  

Ready to pray Image: mojotravel.wordpress.com

This beautiful temple is situated at the foot of Mount Agung, Besakih Village, Rendang district, Karangasem regency. The location of this temple at the foot of Mount Agung on the Southwest slope at an altitude of about 1000 meters above sea level, from Denpasar city approximately 59 km. Mount Agung height of approximately 3142 meters is the highest mountain in Bali, and is an active volcano which is still active. According to records, volcanic Court has never erupted five times that in the year 1089, year 1143, year 1189 and the last in 1963, which led to many casualties, especially in areas of Karangasem and Klungkung. Besakih According to estimates derived from the word "Basuki" which means "Congratulations" which linked to a history of planting Panca Datu (five metals) by the Sri Markandeya.

History

History of the Pura Besakih the course has not been established, but based on the record-record contained an inscription in metal or lontar (entries are recorded in palm leaves) can be concluded that this temple was originally a small building shrines were then enlarged and expanded Gradually the tempo quite a long time. From other sources it is known that the record, at the beginning of the eleventh century that the year 1007 already Besakih, which at the time of the reign of Airlangga in East Java (1019-1042) and became Mpu Kuturan, Senapati in Bali, located in Silayukti Padangbai, Karangasem district. Mpu Kuturan enlarge and expand by building shrines Besakih-shrines, Meru shrines in Java replicate buildings as there is today.

Sacred dance before the ceremony at Pura Besakih. Image: blog.baliwww.com

Another source said that the Maha Rsi Markandeya moved with his entourage as: 8000 people from Rawung Mountain in East Java to Bali to settle down and open agricultural lands and establishing Besakih begging for a safety and livelihoods by planting Panca Datu as those expressed above. Then, in the next period of the reign of Sri Wira Kesari Warmadewa until the reign of Dalem Waturenggong, Pura Besakih still get good care in the sense pelinggih-pelinggih repaired, expanded their area even by Dhang Hyang Dwijendra (Rauh Wawu) coupled with three shrines bear is now contained in Penataran Agung Besakih on the days around the 16th century in the reign of Dalem Waturenggong Bali.

View from the top. Image: vilondo.com

Pura Besakih is the "Mother of all temples" in Bali. Until the 21st century, Pura Besakih is the largest. Who laid the first stone in the construction of this temple? Apparently, he is a Hindu spiritual leader of India who long lived on the island of Java. His name was Markandeya. Some are adding the word sage in front of his name. There also gave the nickname of Lord Giri Rawang. 

            Besakih temple is a cluster of 86 pieces temple. Besakih Temple complex consists of 18 pieces of public temples, 4 temples Chess Lawa, 11 temples Pedharman, 6 non-Pedharman temples, 29 temples Dadia, 7 temples associated with the temple Dadia and 11 other temples. Various temples that surround the temple Pura Besakih is associated with several kingdoms in Bali.

The main entrance. Image: balitourismboard.org

            Before Pura Besakih stands majestic as it is now,  the area was forested wilderness. The beast is still a lot to live there. When it's also no Bali Strait is now known as Segara Rupek. Mainland Bali and Java yore supposedly still together yet separated sea. That is why this land (Bali and Java) are often called Pulau Dawa. The name was given because this land may be long. As we know, the word "Dawa" means long.

If you go to Bali, you need to visit Pura Besakih because it is very beautiful and majestic. You can enjoy the beauty of the temple against the background of the beautiful Mount Agung. If you are a Hindu, then you can pray here. You will feel the tranquility and true peace in this temple. Besakih Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in the world. This temple is a heritage that will continue to live all the time, because the temple is always a wonderful place to worship God Almighty.