Praising the Holiest Mount Agung and Pura Besakih of Bali
Sacred Mountains | March 24, 2010Located on the island of Bali in Indonesia, the volcano Agung is the sacred mountain rising until 3148 m on whose slopes at 1000 m, the largest and utmost important Mother Temple of Besakih or Pura Besakih resides. It is now a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The holy Pura Besakih is the only temple that welcomes a Hindu of any class. Built in the 10th century, it is a complex holding 22 temples on corresponding edges. The three main temples are devoted to the trinity Hind Gods – Lord Shiva (Perpetuator of Truth), Brahma (Creator of Universe), and Vishnu (Perpetuator of Life). Around these, there are some 18 sanctuaries of different castes. Erected prior to 1000 AD and containing stepped terraces, the temple was once a terraced edifice committed to the dragon god Besakih who is thought to reside on the holy Mount Agung.
Legend
According to the legend, the active volcano, Mount Agung erupted in 1963 whose lava could not damage the Pura Besakih temple by flowing a little away, which is even today regarded as a mystical indication of the gods by the Balinese.
Been a state temple of the Geigel-Kiungkung dynasty in the 15th century, the temple even today is a state temple administered by the provincial and national governments.
Mount Agung Attractions
- Pura Panataran Agung:
This is the main Meru structure that is reachable via the stairs rising through the divided gate to a myriad of courtyards and brick gateways. This way is along a single axis. This is the symbolic sanctuary where the central shrine is dedicated to the three Hindu Gods dressed up and adorned with flowers. The Pura Panataran Agung hosts white banners for Lord Shiva, Pura Kiduling Kreteg at its right holds red banners for Lord Brahma, and Pura Batu Mddeg at its left sways black banners for Lord Vishnu. - Other Temples:
You can just stroll around to see the wonderful carvings of these shrines, as the inner courtyards are not opened for visitors due to its strict reservation for worship. These temples extend on the mountain top very kindly for facilitating a nice walk. If a guide comes to you and guarantees you to take inside the temples, simply refuse as no guide have the authority to do so. - Festivals:
In a year, a minimum of 70 festivals are celebrated at the temple complex on Mount Agung. The temple’s anniversary considering all the shrines is celebrated each year according to the 210-day Balinese Wuku calendar system. - Odalan:
This is the festival marking the temple’s anniversary held every year during the tenth month of the Balinese calendar, which comes in April. This is the day where you are among the decorations and thousands of people colorfully dressed. This might make it a bit difficult for you to really enjoy roaming around the temple on this day. - Spectacular Views:
Hike to the temple point and roam around the temple end to have some breathtaking views of the sere Mount Agung from the top. Go ahead to the northeastern part for the best view.
TIP
Ensure that you have a sarong with you. Hire it or buy if you want visit the temples of Bali. The temple is opened daily from 8 am to 5 pm with admission fee of Rp 7500.
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The volcanic Mount Agung (Gunung Agung) is holiest mountain on the island of Bali in Indonesia. It is also home to the important Mother Temple of Besakih, the largest and holiest temple in Bali.