Mother Temple of Besakih

Mother Temple of Besakih is the largest Hindu temple in Bali. An architectural wonder, this temple is perched on the side of Gunung Agung, an active volcano! Its huge complex comprises of 23 temples that are built on parallel terraced slopes of the volcano. The actual age of the temple is unknown but it is believed to go back to prehistoric times. In the 15th century, it became the main temple of the Gelgel dynasty. In 1963, the temple surviced a series of volcanic eruptions and was thereafter widely believed to possess miraculous powers. Reverence for this temple among the Hindu populace grew manifold. It has also been nominated in the World Heritage Site list by UNESCO and sees a minimum of 70 festivals every year. A great place to visit if you’re interested in mythology, religion, culture or architecture, it is also referred to as Pura Besakih and sees a steady stream of visitors every day. If you are planning a visit, it is advisable to enter the temple from the back gate to steer clear of the tour guides, who are, more often than not, touts.