5 Interesting facts about Pura Besakih that you should know

1. The biggest temple in Bali 

Pura Besakih is located in the village of Besakih, on the slopes of Mount Agung in east Bali, Pura Besakih is the most important, largest and holiest of Hinduism in Bali, and one of the main temples in Bali. 

Perched nearly 1000 meters on the side of Mount Agung, Pura Besakih is a very large temple complex consisting of 23 separate sections but linked to the largest and most important parts namely; Penataran Agung Temple. 

The temple is built on six levels, terraced on a slope. At this entrance is the majestic Candi Bentar (the main gate), and beyond it the more impressive Kori Agung is the gateway to the second courtyard. 

2. History of Pura Besakih 

The origins of the temple are unclear but almost certainly date back to prehistoric times. The stone base of the Penataran Agung Temple and several other temples about the megalithic step pyramid, which is 2000 years old. 

This temple must have been used as a place of Hindu worship from 1284 when the first Javanese conquerors settled in Bali. In the 15th century, Besakih had become the Royal Temple of the Gelgel dynasty. 

3. Built on the southern slopes of Mount Agung, Bali's main volcano. 

Pura Besakih is actually a complex of Hindu worship centers consisting of 23 separate temple sections that stand on parallel ridges. 

This temple has terraces with steps and stairs that go up to a number of courtyards and brick gates that lead to the top of the main temple or Meru structure, which is called Pura Penataran Agung. 

These are all aligned along one axis and are designed to lead the spiritual person up and closer to the mountain which is sacred. The main shrine of this complex is called Pura Penataran Agung. The symbolic center of the main shrine is the lotus throne or padmasana, which is the ritual focus of the entire complex. It dates to around the seventeenth century. 

4. Survived the eruption of Mount Agung 

A series of eruptions of Mount Agung in 1963 which killed approximately 1,700 people also threatened Besakih Temple. The lava flow that missed very close to the temple complex, only a few meters from the temple, but complex did not cause serious damage to the temple complex. 

This is seen by the Balinese as a miracle, and is a signal from the gods that they are showing their power, but not a monument that has been established by the Balinese faithful. 

5. There are many ceremonies in ritual Every year 

There are at least 70 (seventy) festivals held in the complex, because almost every part of the temple places its annual anniversary. This cycle is based on the 210 Balinese calendar days in the guideline.