Besakih

Welcome back to the sprawling, mystical grounds of Besakih. While our previous tour focused on the grand architectural history and the imposing main courtyard, this journey will delve into the sociological heartbeat of the Mother…

We begin in the area of the Bale, the large, open-sided wooden pavilions with thick thatched roofs that surround the main sanctuary. These structures are the vital staging grounds for the endless cycle of ceremonies at Besakih. …

You are now standing before Pura Batu Madeg, which translates to the Temple of the Standing Stone. Located to the north of the main complex, this specific sanctuary holds a unique and powerful position within the Besakih…

Welcome to Pura Kiduling Kreteg. If Pura Batu Madeg was defined by solemn black stone and the cool essence of water, this sanctuary is entirely defined by the vibrant, dynamic energy of fire. …

We have now moved into a quieter, more intimate sector of the complex, an area densely packed with smaller, walled sanctuaries. These are the Pura Dadia, the clan temples. …

Tucked away from the main thoroughfares, we find the serene, shaded pavilions primarily utilized by the Pemangku. These are the everyday temple priests of Bali, distinguishable by their pristine, all-white clothing and the…

We have reached a vantage point on the outer edges of the complex that offers a stunning view not just of the shrines, but of the surrounding landscape. Looking down the slopes of Mount Agung, you can see the incredibly intricate…

Our journey through the sociological and ritualistic heart of Besakih is coming to a close. As we make our way back down the winding paths toward the secular world of the village below, the sounds of the gamelan and the scent of…