Pura Besakih Temple in Bali, Indonesia 08 Apr 2017

Posted on 08 Apr 2017
Prayers in Pura Besakih Temple in Bali Island, Indonesia.
 Prayers in Pura Besakih Temple in Bali Island, Indonesia.
Prayers in Pura Besakih Temple in Bali Island, Indonesia.

About this photo

Pilgrims gather on the full moon of the Kedasa month (10th month) in Bali, Indonesia, at Besakih Temple to celebrate the visit of the gods. Also known as the Mother Temple, the complex has 86 temples including Pura Penataran, the main temple of the state, and three temples dedicated to the Hindu Trinity – Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu. 

The complex is the largest Hindu temple in Bali and its origins are unknown. The stone bases and building styles date back some 2,000 years, while it has been used as a Hindu place of worship since 1284. The compound spans six levels on the side of Mount Agung, perched 1,000-metres above sea level. Surrounding the mountains are rice fields, hills and streams, offering a picturesque outlook from the temple complex, all the way to the ocean. Tour the temple on Insight Guides' Bali's Beaches and Temples trip. 

About photographer

Tatiana Popova/Shutterstock