Sikandar Shah Suri personal life Sikandar Shah Suri, also known as Sikandar Shah, was a ruler of the Sur dynasty in India during the 16th century. He was the son of Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Sur dynasty. Unfortunately, there is limited information available about Sikandar Shah Suri's personal life, as historical records from that period are often scarce अपर्याप्त and incomplete. Sikandar Shah Suri ascended to the throne after the death of his father Sher Shah Suri in 1545. His reign, however, was short-lived, lasting only a few months. He faced challenges and internal strife कलह within the Sur dynasty. After his death, there were power struggles and conflicts among his relatives, leading to the eventual decline of the Sur dynasty. Due to the limited historical documentation, details about Sikandar Shah Suri's personal life, including his family, relationships, and specific events, are not well-documented. Most of what is known about him is related to his role as a rule...
Perched 1,000 meters up the sacred slopes of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest and most revered volcano, lies the majestic Besakih Temple, often referred to as the Mother Temple of Bali. This sprawling temple complex is not only the largest and holiest Hindu temple on the island, but also one of the most ancient, ethereal, and symbolically powerful sites in all of Indonesia. For travelers and spiritual seekers alike, Besakih Temple is an unmissable destination that blends mythology, tradition, architecture, and nature into one unforgettable experience.
A Sacred Mountain Setting
Besakih Temple is located in Karangasem Regency, on the southeastern side of Bali. Its unique location on the volcanic slopes gives it a mystical, elevated presence, often surrounded by mist and clouds, which only enhances its spiritual aura. The journey to Besakih involves winding roads through rice paddies, traditional villages, and lush forests — a true pilgrimage experience even before one reaches the temple itself.
Besakih Temple is located in Karangasem Regency, on the southeastern side of Bali. Its unique location on the volcanic slopes gives it a mystical, elevated presence, often surrounded by mist and clouds, which only enhances its spiritual aura. The journey to Besakih involves winding roads through rice paddies, traditional villages, and lush forests — a true pilgrimage experience even before one reaches the temple itself.
The Temple Complex and Its Layout
Unlike a single temple structure, Besakih is actually a complex of over 80 separate temples, each with its own distinct function, deity, and significance. The most important of them is Pura Penataran Agung, which is dedicated to Shiva, the supreme God in Balinese Hinduism. This main temple is built on six levels, terraced up the mountain. It aligns perfectly with Mount Agung, representing a symbolic axis between heaven and earth.
The temple’s architecture reflects Tri Hita Karana, the Balinese philosophy of harmony among God, nature, and humanity. Every step taken upward through the complex symbolizes spiritual elevation. Statues, gateways (candi bentar), and beautifully carved shrines abound, with each structure telling its own story of devotion and heritage.
🛕 Is it worth visiting Besakih Temple – Mother Temple of Bali?
Absolutely yes. Besakih Temple is not just a tourist attraction—it’s a profound spiritual experience. It offers a rare opportunity to witness living Balinese Hindu rituals in a place that has been sacred for over a millennium. The temple also provides sweeping views of rice fields, mountains, and the island below, making it ideal for photography and introspection alike.
✨ What is the significance of the Besakih Temple – Mother Temple of Bali?
Besakih Temple is regarded as the most important and holiest temple in Bali. It serves as the spiritual center of the island’s Hindu population and is the focal point for major religious ceremonies. Every Balinese Hindu, regardless of their caste or clan, is spiritually tied to Besakih.
According to legend, the temple was founded by Rsi Markandeya, a 10th-century Indian priest who came to Bali and established the roots of Hinduism on the island. Since then, Besakih has been a site for worship, offerings, and pilgrimage, believed to be the link between the physical world and the divine.
👕 What is the dress code for Besakih Temple – Mother Temple of Bali?
Visitors must dress respectfully when entering the temple grounds. This includes:
Wearing a sarong (a traditional cloth wrapped around the waist)
Wearing a sash (tied around the waist over the sarong)
Covering shoulders and legs
Avoiding revealing or tight clothing
Sarongs and sashes are often available for rent or purchase at the entrance if you don’t have your own. It is also important to remain quiet and respectful inside the temple, especially during ceremonies. Women who are menstruating are traditionally not allowed to enter the temple, in line with Balinese customs.
🕰️ How old is Besakih Temple – Mother Temple of Bali?
The origins of Besakih Temple can be traced back over 1,000 years, although some believe the sacred grounds were used for spiritual purposes as early as 2,000 years ago. Historical records suggest that the main temple, Pura Penataran Agung, was formally established in the 8th to 11th centuries AD, making it one of the oldest religious sites in Bali.
Despite its age, the temple has withstood the test of time—including the catastrophic eruption of Mount Agung in 1963, which miraculously spared the temple by only missing it by mere meters. Locals saw this as a divine sign of protection and reaffirmed the temple’s sanctity.
🕉️ Which God is the god of Besakih Temple – Mother Temple of Bali?
The main deity of Besakih Temple is Shiva, the transformer and destroyer among the Hindu Trimurti. However, the temple complex also honors Brahma (the creator) and Vishnu (the preserver), reflecting the harmonious balance among these three divine aspects. This is symbolized in the three main temples:
Pura Penataran Agung (for Shiva)
Pura Batu Madeg (for Vishnu)
Pura Kiduling Kreteg (for Brahma)
Together, these temples create a unified cosmology, embodying the essence of Balinese Hinduism and its deep integration with nature and community.
Tips for Visitors
Best Time to Visit: Mornings offer cooler weather and clearer skies. Visit during Galungan or Kuningan, major Balinese festivals, to witness vibrant rituals.
Entrance Fee: A ticket is required (prices vary slightly), and it often includes a local guide.
Local Guides: Hiring a guide is highly recommended to understand the deeper symbolism and history.
Photography: Allowed in outer courtyards, but avoid taking photos during private ceremonies.
Why Besakih Temple Is a Must-Visit in Bali
Visiting Besakih Temple is not just about sightseeing; it is a journey through Bali’s spiritual core. The moment you step into its courtyards, surrounded by incense smoke, gamelan music, and ancient stone carvings, you feel transported to another dimension—one where time slows and the soul awakens.
Whether you're a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or simply an admirer of nature and architecture, Besakih Temple offers an experience unlike any other. Its sheer size, sacred ambiance, and connection to Bali’s cultural DNA make it one of the most iconic destinations in Southeast Asia.
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