Pura Besakih—the Mother Temple

Pura Besakih or Mother Temple of Besakih is the largest, holiest and the most important Hindu temple in Bali. It is believed to have been existed since 2000 years. It is located on volcanic slopes of Mount Agung, the highest mountain in Bali. The mountains are considered as the sacred realm, the abode of gods in Balinese Hinduism. Perched at an elevation of 1000 meters, the sprawling complex consists 23 temples scattered over 6 terraced slopes. Pura Penataran Agung in the centre is the largest and the main temple. It is also the most impressive of all. Pura Besakih is flocked by Balinese throughout the year for some or the other rituals or pilgrimage. In recent times, tourists have outnumbered the Balinese as visitors. Usually tourists tend to visit Pura Penataran Agung but if time permits, visit other temples including Pura Pengubengan in the expansive complex. The higher slopes provide stunning vistas of the temple complex littered with Meru of various shapes and sizes!