Pura Besakih The Mother Temple - Karangasem Bali

Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple of Hindu Bali known as the Balinese main place of worship. It offers breathtaking mountain scenery surrounding the beautiful and artistic temple complex.

During a full moon, the Balinese and pilgrims throng the Temple. During the festival of Odalan or the Temple’s birthday, the Temple is most elaborately decorated.

Pura Besakih is known as the most important temple on the whole of the island. It features three Temples dedicated to the Hindu trinity. Pura Penataran Agung in the center has white banners that represent Sang Hyang Widi Wasa, while Pura Kiduling Kreteg on the right side has red banners that represent Brahma and the last is Pura Batu Madeg which represents Wisnu with black banners.

During the previous Odalan that was celebrated last March, the spiritual journey started from Pura Ulun Danu Batur Kintamani. Yeay… it’s time for Kintamani being remarkable. I was lucky to be here. As my Balinese boyfriend and his family invited me to join the Odalan and the whole ceremony. This is my first time traveling to Kintamani for a special occasion. The Odalan takes place each Purnama of Sasih Kedasa, the 10th full moon according to the Balinese Caka moon calendar. We have chosen the starting point from Nusa Dua area, it takes about 3 hours to reach Kintamani.

The temple is very easy to find, as most people know it as one of the best tourist destination in Bali. Once we arrived, I was amazed by the decoration of the Temple. The ceremonies are always colorful. Penjors and umbul - umbul flutter in the breeze. The Balinese are waiting for their turn to offer the offerings and sacred boxes with beautiful ornaments decorate every surface.