Besakih Temple: From Ancient Bali to the Modern Era

Q: Why is Besakih Temple called the 'Mother Temple' of Bali?

Besakih is referred to as the Mother Temple because it is the largest, holiest, and most important Hindu temple complex on the island. It serves as the spiritual center for all Balinese Hindus and houses the ancestral shrines (Pedharman) for all Balinese castes.

Q: Who was Rsi Markandeya in the history of Besakih?

Rsi Markandeya was a high priest of Indian descent who arrived from Java. He is credited with formally establishing the temple and naming the area 'Basuki' (meaning safety) after successfully clearing the forest for settlement.

History of Besakih Temple: From Ancient Bali to the Modern Era

Besakih Temple, or Pura Besakih, is located in Besakih Village, Rendang District, Karangasem Regency, Bali. This sacred complex sits on the southwestern slopes of Mount Agung, the highest and most revered volcano in Bali. The location was intentionally chosen for its perceived holiness and high elevation, originally known as Hulundang Basukih, which later became the name of the village. The name “Besakih” is derived from the Sanskrit word Wasuki, or Basuki in Old Javanese, meaning “Safety” or “Salvation.”

Daftar Isi

The History of Besakih Temple

Historical Sites & Buildings

Key Milestones in the History of Besakih

— 1. Early Foundation (Pre-Hindu to 1284 AD)

— 2. The Era of Growth & Kingdoms (14th – 15th Century)

— 3. Name Meaning and Sacred Cosmology

— 4. Philosophical Structure

Contemporary Events: The 1963 Miracle

Besakih Today

Frequently Asked Questions

The History of Besakih Temple

Besakih serves as the primary place of worship for Balinese Hindus. Its strategic location with breathtaking natural panoramas has also made it a world-renowned tourist destination. More than just a large place of worship, Pura Besakih symbolizes the unification of the Balinese Hindu community. Its existence is deeply intertwined with the spiritual significance of Mount Agung, believed to possess a mystical power that must be honored and preserved.

Historical Sites & Buildings

History records that Pura Besakih was officially established in 1284 AD by Rsi Markandeya, a Hindu priest of Indian descent. It is said that while meditating on the Dieng Plateau in Java, Rsi Markandeya heard a divine voice guiding him to Bali. He and his followers trekked through the dense forests of Java to reach the island. Legend has it that the Bali Strait did not exist at the time, as Java and Bali were still a single landmass known as Pulau Dawa (Long Island).

Archaeological evidence, including megalithic remains such as menhirs, stone thrones, and stepped pyramid structures found within the complex, suggests that Besakih has been a sanctified site since ancient times—long before the formal influence of Hinduism reached the island.

Today, in addition to its religious function, Besakih is a major tourist attraction located near several trending spots in Bali, such as the Edelweiss Garden and Jinja Garden Bali (a unique park with a Japanese-style concept).

Key Milestones in the History of Besakih

1. Early Foundation (Pre-Hindu to 1284 AD)

The Journey of Rsi Markandeya: After receiving a divine revelation in Dieng, Rsi Markandeya led a group to clear the forest for settlement. The area was named Basuki, which eventually evolved into “Besakih.”
Ancient Roots: Many historians believe the complex dates back much further. Megalithic findings suggest the site was used for ancestral worship as early as 163 AD.

2. The Era of Growth & Kingdoms (14th – 15th Century)

Majapahit Influence: In the 14th century, under the influence of the Majapahit Empire, Besakih was expanded and solidified as the center of religious life in Bali.
The State Temple: By the 15th century, Besakih became the “State Temple” (Pura Kerajaan) of the ruling Gelgel Dynasty, elevating its status to the most important pilgrimage site on the island.

3. Name Meaning and Sacred Cosmology

Naga Basuki: The name is also linked to the mythology of Naga Basuki (the Great Dragon), believed to be the balancer of Mount Mandara in Hindu cosmology. In Bali, Naga Basuki is thought to reside within Mount Agung, maintaining the cosmic equilibrium and prosperity of the island.
The Mother Temple: Known as the “Mother Temple” of Bali, it consists of one main temple, Pura Penataran Agung, and dozens of companion temples (Catur Lawa, Pedharman, etc.), totaling approximately 86 shrines.

4. Philosophical Structure

The temple’s layout follows the concept of the cardinal directions (Mandala), representing the Panca Dewata (five manifestations of God). Philosophically, the complex reflects the Tri Hita Karana—the balance between humans and God, humans and nature, and humans with each other.

Contemporary Events: The 1963 Miracle

One of the most phenomenal events in modern history occurred during the massive eruption of Mount Agung in 1963. While the eruption devastated surrounding villages, the lava flows miraculously diverted just meters away from the temple complex, leaving the main structures untouched. The Balinese people regarded this as a divine miracle and a sign of protection from the Gods.

Besakih Today

Currently, Pura Besakih serves as the spiritual epicenter for Hindus across Bali and Indonesia. It hosts major ceremonies such as Eka Dasa Rudra, a massive world-purification ritual held once every 100 years.

As the “Mother Temple,” Besakih remains the most sacred and significant landmark in Bali, bridging the gap between ancient megalithic traditions and modern Hindu spirituality.

Source: Compiled from various historical records, google.com wikipedi.org

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Besakih Temple called the “Mother Temple” of Bali?

Besakih is referred to as the Mother Temple because it is the largest, holiest, and most important Hindu temple complex on the island. It serves as the spiritual center for all Balinese Hindus and houses the ancestral shrines (Pedharman) for all Balinese castes.

Is it true that Besakih was built before Hinduism arrived in Bali?

Yes. Archaeological evidence such as menhirs and stepped pyramids (megalithic structures) suggests that the site was already a sacred place for ancestral worship long before the formal arrival of Hinduism, possibly dating back over 2,000 years.

Who was Rsi Markandeya in the history of Besakih?

Rsi Markandeya was a high priest of Indian descent who arrived from Java. He is credited with formally establishing the temple and naming the area “Basuki” (meaning safety) after successfully clearing the forest for settlement and spiritual practice.

How did Besakih survive the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung?

During the catastrophic eruption in 1963, lava flows miraculously diverted around the temple complex, missing the main structures by only a few meters. The Balinese people consider this a divine miracle and a sign of protection from the deities.

Besakih Temple: From Ancient Bali to the Modern Era