Besakih Temple | Bali Biggest Shrine

Besakih temple is a complex of Hindu temples located in the slope of highest mountain in Bali, Mount Agung. Exactly in Besakih village, Karangasem, Bali. If you use car or the other vehicles, you may take 2,5 hours to get there from Denpasar City. Besakih is the largest Hindu temple in Bali. You need about 1,5 hours to see surrounding all of the temple area. This temple is called the largest in Bali because there are several large temple buildings in the area. We could say Besakih is a complex that consisting several temples inside. The central temple is called “Pura Penataran Agung Besakih” and surrounded by 18 companion temples. One is Basukian temple, that is believed by Hindus in Bali as a place of God’s revelation to Hindus religious leader from India named Dang Hyang Rsi Markandya which also is the founder of Besakih Temple.

If you look at the building structure of Besakih, there are a gates and a lot of stairs underlying it. This high stairs is a challenge for you before reaching the top of temple. That actually exhausting, but don’t give up!. Because when you arrive at the top, you’ll be amazed by the real wonderful view. Cool air, shady trees, and the temples can be clearly seen from the top. All that wonderful things makes you won’t to leave this place. Besakih temple is not only place for praying, but also good for traveling.

Between the other temples, “Pura Penataran Agung” (Penataran Agung Temple) is the biggest temple in the area, because in it there are three other main temples which is the essence of all sacred building in Besakih. The three temples are called “Padmasana Tiga” symbol of the three Gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. According to the peoples, Lord Brahma is the creator of world, Lord Vishnu is the world preserver, and Lord Shiva as the world buster. 

 

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Melukat in Tirta Empul Temple

Bali is a small island that is rich in tourist destinations, in generally such as beaches, lakes, and mountains.But, if you know, not only that place you can visit. Bali also presents temples that has a special attraction for tourists. Temples in Bali generally serves as a place to pray for Hindus in Bali. Besides that, several temples in Bali also serves as a place for ‘melukat’ (ablutions). There are many temples in Bali which has a holy spring that serves as a place for melukat. One of the many temples known as a place of ablutions is Tirta Empul Temple.

Last month was my first experience visiting Tirta Empul Temple. Located in Manukaya Village, Tampaksiring, Gianyar – Bali. According to local people, the name of Tirta Empul Temple taken from the springs called Tirta Empul which when it defined is a water that gushes from the ground. So Tirta Empul is holy water that gushes out of the ground (holy spring).

Such as other temples, Tirta Empul Temple is divided into three parts, namely outside of the temple, the center of the temple and the last one is the main part of the temple. To get to the holy spring pool, first I had to pass through the outside part of the temple. Here there are many statues that decorated by garden of lush tropical plants. In the middle of the garden there is a path that lead me to ‘Candi Bentar’, which is the entrance to the temple. After passing the entrance, finally I arrived at the middle part of the temple. 

Here there is a rectangular pool which has approximately 30 pieces showers that lined from east to the west with clear water flows from each showers. it makes me impatient to showers here. But before I do the showers, there is main requirement to do, that is to use kamen. Kamen is a fabric that tied around the waist like a long skirt. Usually used by Hindus to be able to enter the temple area. 

I feel my body is so light and calm after one hour showers. This proves that, in this pool really contained holy water. That's my little experience while visiting Tirta Empul Temple, and I really want to visit this temple again. 

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Ancient Balinese Life History in Yeh Pulu Relief

Yeh Pulu Ubud is one of cultural destination in Bali. Many tourists who visit the Yeh Pulu Temple are foreign tourists. Domestic tourists are very rarely visited this relief. It’s because the less promotion about this temple for domestic tourist. Yeh Pulu Temple located in Bedulu Village, Blahbatuh Sub-District, Gianyar Regency. 

Because located in Bedahulu Village, Yeh Pulu Temple also called Yeh Pulu Bedulu. The unique from this temple are the location. Located in very vast rice fields and scattered in all directions Bedulu Village. So you not only look at the temple reliefs history, but that you will see the rice terraces are arranged neatly. To can reach this temple, you must past the rather small footpath. This footpath very maintained, from the cleanliness and the beauty. This footpaths maintenance, conducted by the local community who have a farm organization, named Subak. 

This location has facilities like parking area, toilet and Balinese souvenirs. In this temple you can see many uniques ancient relief. Because in this temple there are many reliefs, so this temple often called Yeh Pulu Relief. There are ancient relief, carved in the rock, long relief about 25 meters and the width relief about 2 meters. 

The reliefs history contained in this temple, tells about the ancient Balinese life history, in the Bedahulu Kingdom. Not only relief on the wall, holes protrudes into place to meditate, also in this area. It’s said this place used Bedahulu King to meditation, before lose his battle against the Majapahit Kingdom on 1343.

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Jagatnata Temple Yogyakarta

For Hindus in Yogyakarta, certainly not stranger to hear Jagatnata temple. Jagatnata temple is a place of worship which located in Pura street, Banguntapan, Bantul regency. This temple became the pride for the people of Hindu religion in Yogyakarta. People who come to this temple not only original Yogyakarta people, even most who come are Hindus from outside area of Yogyakarta. They are university students in Yogyakarta. Many foreign guest also visit to Jagatnata temple, just to see the beauty of architecture or even they come to pray there.

Jagatnata temple is a building that has the beauty of architecture and meaning of philosophy. The uniqueness of Jagatnata temple is the presence of roof at the center of the build that is different from structure of temples in Bali island. Generally, Hindus are praying in open areas to blend with nature. But, in Jagatnata temple has a building (closed building)  that has become a pray area for Hindus. The difference is not a problem by Hindus for praying. Reputedly,  Jagatnata temple is a place of meditate by Sultan Hamengkubuwono II, so he got the tittle "Ki Banguntapa".

Borobudur Temple, An Architectural Masterpiece of The Past

Borobudur temple is a great masterpiece of 9th century which become the large stupa complex in the world that is recognizes by UNESCO and center of wardship for Buddhist in the Indonesia

History

The founder of this temple is Samaratungga, king of the Syailendra dynasty. Borobudur temple built around the 9th century by the architect named Gunadharma. Borobudur temple is not used for a long centuries because it is covered bushes and volcanic ash of Merapi mount. At 1814, when the arrival of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles to Indonesia. He heard about the discovery of giants objects, so he ordered subordinates, Cornelius, to cleaned its area. Next, the Borobudur's name in this temple is given by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles with meaning 'biara di perbukitan' (monastery in the hills) which derived from the word 'bara' (monastery) and 'beduhur' (hills).

Feature

Borobudur temple is the second largest of temple in the world after Angkor Wat in Cambodia. This temple is not only large, the walls of the temple was filled with 2672 reliefs. This reliefs tells about the live of Buddha and their teachings which divided into 4 main story, such as karmawibangga, lalita wistara, jataka and awadana, and gandawyuda. To follow the storyline, visitors had to walk clockwise arround the temple. Enjoy the splendor of the temple is not enough to walk arround this temple area, because visitors can also see Borobudur Sunrise and Borobudur sunset from the top of temple. The natural scenery arround Borobudur temple is not less amazing, a row of Menoreh hills, Sindoro mount, Sumbing mount, Merapi mount and Merbabu mount as if a guard that guarded this temple. 

For visitors who want to buy souvenirs, near temple existing shops selling souvenirs such as ornate statue, replica of Borobudur temple, batik bags, T-shirt, neklaces, bracelets and others.

Location

Truly a beautiful and historical of tourist attraction. Borobudur temple is located in Magelang, Central of Java about 40 kilometers from Yogyakarta. This temple opened every day from 06.00 until 17.00. 

The entrance tickets 

• Adult                 : Rp 30.000
• Children            : Rp 12.500
• Foreign Tourist  : USD 15  

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Reliefs

Reliefs

Borobudur temple

Borobudur temple

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Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta

Prambanan Temple or  local people called Loro Jonggrang Temple is the biggest Hindu's temple in Indonesian with an area of 39,8 ha, it located in Prambanan Village, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. It is about 17 kilometers away from Yogyakarta City or 7 kilometers away from Adisuciptjo International Airport.

Prambanan Temple is as symbols Trimurthi, 3 Gods of Hindu namely Brahma, Wisnu and Siwa. It has unique architecture and very important to visit if vacate to Yogyakarta because it is one of the most beautiful temples in Shouteast Asia. This temple is including in the world heritage by UNESCO has 240 temples, such as :

1. 3 Trimurti Temples
2. 3 Wahana Temples
3. 2 Apit temples
4. 4 Kelir Temples
5. 4 Kelir Temples
6. 224 Perwara Temples

Existing reliefs in Prambanan Temple tell Ramayana's story, there are the Prince Rama with his wife, Sita against Rahwana.

The best way to explore the Prambanan Temple is walk while enjoying the scenery architecture and design temple.

Besides this temple has unique architecture, it has a beautiful park around the temple that can add interesting value for Prambanan Temple.

In Pengrupukan day, usually visitors specially Hindus people come to Prambanan Temple for pray and watching Ogoh-Ogoh parade as a series Silent Day or 'Nyepi'.

So, Prambanan Temple be the most tourist destination in Yogyakarta with Borobudur Temple.The entrance fee to Prambanan Temple is Rp 30.000 for adult and Rp 12.500 for child.

Lempuyang Temple - The Temple of Thousand Steps

Pura Luhur Lempuyang is one of the nine directional temples in Bali. It is also known as the "Temple of thousand steps", it is called Temple of thousand steps because to reach the main temple area, visitors must climb about 1700 steps. The word Lempuyang is derived from 2 words "Lampu" which means light and "Hyang" which means God therefore the meaning of Lempuyang is Light of God. Pura Luhur lempuyang is located in the northeast of mount Agung, Abang District, Karangasem Regency, approximately 2.5 hours from Denpasar City. The temple is situated 1.058 meters above sea level and the atmosphere could be cool and humid according to the season.

It is not sure when the temple was built, according to the history, when the earth was only 70 years old, Bali was often hit by disasters. The God Pacupati who resides in Mount Sumeru saw the bad condition and sent his 3 children Hyang Gni Jaya, Hyang Putra Jaya and Dewi Danu to stabilize the island of Bali. Each of them were commanded to reside in different places, Hyang Gni Jaya was told to reside Lempuyang Luhur temple. Lempuyang Temple is a sacred temple and many Balinese Hindu come to this temple to pray and worship God and Its manifest. People make a pilgrimage at this temple is to obtain the sacred holy water by cutting a yellow bamboo plant which grows in the shrub in the inner courtyard of the temple.

Same as other temples in Bali, there are several rules when entering the temple. Visitors may not enter the temple without using a sarong, sarongs are provided for free at the entrance, for women who are on their periods are prohibited to enter the temple. Lempuyang Temple is a great tourist destination that should be visited when having a vacation to Bali. Visitors who are able to manage all the stairs would see a beautiful and exotic view of green scenery, hills and the village. The temple would give an unforgettable experience for all visitors.

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Lempuyang Temple (Pura Luhur Lempuyang), also called ‘The Temple of Thousand Steps’ is located at the summit of Belibis Hill (Mount Lempuyang), 1.058 meters above the sea level, northeast of Mount Agung, Abang District, Karangasem Regency and about a 2 ¾ hours drive away from Kuta. - See more at: http://travelling-bali.com/lempuyang-temple-bali/#sthash.Jjyyppo0.dpu

Lempuyang Temple (Pura Luhur Lempuyang), also called ‘The Temple of Thousand Steps’ is located at the summit of Belibis Hill (Mount Lempuyang), 1.058 meters above the sea level, northeast of Mount Agung, Abang District, Karangasem Regency and about a 2 ¾ hours drive away from Kuta. - See more at: http://travelling-bali.com/lempuyang-temple-bali/#sthash.Jjyyppo0.dpuf

Lempuyang Temple (Pura Luhur Lempuyang), also called ‘The Temple of Thousand Steps’ is located at the summit of Belibis Hill (Mount Lempuyang), 1.058 meters above the sea level, northeast of Mount Agung, Abang District, Karangasem Regency and about a 2 ¾ hours drive away from Kuta. - See more at: http://travelling-bali.com/lempuyang-temple-bali/#sthash.Jjyyppo0.dpuf

Lempuyang Temple (Pura Luhur Lempuyang), also called ‘The Temple of Thousand Steps’ is located at the summit of Belibis Hill (Mount Lempuyang), 1.058 meters above the sea level, northeast of Mount Agung, Abang District, Karangasem Regency and about a 2 ¾ hours drive away from Kuta. - See more at: http://travelling-bali.com/lempuyang-temple-bali/#sthash.Jjyyppo0.dpuf

Petitenget Temple - Another Beautiful Beachside Temple

Petitenget Temple is a Hindu Temple located in Banjar Batu Belig, Kerobokan Village, Kuta, Badung Regency. It is about 20 minutes away from Ngurah Rai International Airport. This temple is one of the Dang Khayangan Temple in Bali. It is an interesting Temple to visit due to its unique architecture and its nature surroundings. The temple is set in a higher land and in the west of the temple lays a beautiful Petitenget beach with greyish white sand. There are several shrines in this temple, locals come and pray regularly to this temple.

The word Petitenget is derived form two words Peti which means coven and Tenget which means haunted, the temple was built in the 15th century and the history tells that the temple was placed in a wild area full of bushes and huge trees just like an untamed field. A priest called Dang Hyang Dwijendra left Serangan island and arrived in Kerobokan Village. There he met Bhuta Ijo, a spirit which is believed to have a very scary look. Before leaving the village, the priest gave Bhuta Ijo a box looking like a coven and told him to guard it. The priest left to Uluwatu for a meditation, during his meditation, a visitor from Kerobokan Village came to him for help. The men told the priest about the area in Kerobokan which was very bad for the inhabitants, because every time someone entered the land, that person will get sick. As a solution, the priest built a temple which is now known as the Petitenget Temple.

In front of the temple, there is a large parking area. The parking area is mostly used by visitors who come to visit the beautiful beach near the Petitenget Beach. The area is surrounded by villas, hotels and restaurants, therefore this area is becoming a great tourist destinations. The beach is crowded in the mornings and afternoons, many locals come to play at the beach, for dog lovers, it is a great place to visit because there are many people come to this beach with their dogs and various breed of dogs can be found in the beach.

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Petitenget Beach	Petitenget Beach