MOTHER TEMPLE OF BESAKIH :
THE LARGEST & HOLIEST HINDU TEMPLE IN BALI INDONESIA
Bali is a beautiful island and province in Indonesia. It is known for its spectacular forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, wonderful beaches and coral reefs, warm and friendly people with vibrant culture. The island is home to most of Indonesia's Hindu minority.
| Courtesy:en.wikipedia.org |
There are many temples in Bali. Balinese Hindu temples differ quite significantly from Indian Hindu temples. Indian Hindu temples are generally known by Gopuram above the main gate where as Bali Hindu temples do not have Gopuram. Indian temples are designed as indoor house of worship while Balinese temples are designed as open-air temple within walled compound. In Indonesia there are mainly three types of Hindu temples:
a. Candi - the Javanese ancient Hindu temples
b. Pura - the Balinese temples
c. Kuil or Mandir - the Indian Hindu temples
Pura Besakih or Mother Temple of Besakih is the most important, longest and holiest temple of Hindu religion in Bali, and one of the series of Balinese temples. It is situated in the village Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung.
While entering into this temple one has to rent and wear a sarong and sash at the main entrance of the temple to respect the Balinese tradition as Besakih temple is a holy place of worship. The sarong and sash are special clothes Balinese wear when praying at temples.
The colours of the banners denote which God the temple is dedicated to, the three representing the Hindu Trinity. The white banner is dedicated to the temple of Shiva (Pura Penataran Agung), the red banner for the temple of Brahma (Pura Kiduling Kreteg) and the black banner for the temple of Vishnu (Pura Batu Mandeg).
In the temple complex there is first group of temples on left. This is sacred temple dedicated to royal ancestors known as Pura Dalem Puri. Balinese store the ashes of the dead after cremation. If we walk up the flight of stairs from here that will lead to Pura Penataran Agung, centre of devotion to the Gods. Next to the main temple there are two important temples, Pura Kiduling Kreteg on its right and Pura Batu Madeg on its left.
| Courtesy:bjorngrotting.com |
Pura Besakih or Mother Temple of Besakih is the most important, longest and holiest temple of Hindu religion in Bali, and one of the series of Balinese temples. It is situated in the village Besakih on the slopes of Mount Agung.
| Courtesy:indonesia-tourism.com |
While entering into this temple one has to rent and wear a sarong and sash at the main entrance of the temple to respect the Balinese tradition as Besakih temple is a holy place of worship. The sarong and sash are special clothes Balinese wear when praying at temples.
 |
| Courtesy:indonesia.travel |
The colours of the banners denote which God the temple is dedicated to, the three representing the Hindu Trinity. The white banner is dedicated to the temple of Shiva (Pura Penataran Agung), the red banner for the temple of Brahma (Pura Kiduling Kreteg) and the black banner for the temple of Vishnu (Pura Batu Mandeg).
| Courtesy:en.wikipedia.org |
In the temple complex there is first group of temples on left. This is sacred temple dedicated to royal ancestors known as Pura Dalem Puri. Balinese store the ashes of the dead after cremation. If we walk up the flight of stairs from here that will lead to Pura Penataran Agung, centre of devotion to the Gods. Next to the main temple there are two important temples, Pura Kiduling Kreteg on its right and Pura Batu Madeg on its left.
No comments:
Post a Comment