Bali Close-up: MOTHER TEMPLE BESAKIH

Besakih Temple or what in Balinese called Pura Besakih is the most important temple in Bali as the Mother Temple. Sits on the western slop of Mount Agung, the most holy place for Balinese Hindues.

Besakih temple’s history dates back to megalithic times, with the most ancient section Pura Batu Madeg (temple of the Standing Stone) built around a central rock. Balinese people believe the founder of Besakih to be Sri Markandeya, a Javanese priest who was in Bali around the 10th Century AD.