Pura Besakih, Bali's Mother Temple

Pura Besakih, high on the slopes of Mt. Agung, is the Mother Temple of Bali, the most important temple complex on the island. We were fortunate enough to visit on the odalan (temple anniversary) of one of its many temples. Thousands of Balinese ascended the volcano to bring offerings to the gods and pray at Pura Besakih that day.

The name of Besakih was derived from the word “Basuki” or in the codex is written as Basukir or Basukih. The word Basuki itself was taken from the Sanskrit word “Wasuki” which means “savior.”Over a thousand years old, Besakih Temple is known as the “Mother Temple of Bali” Perched on the slopes of Mount Agung, at a lofty 1,000 meters (3,000 feet). Besakih is the biggest and holiest of all the Balinese temples.